Tech Tipped to Assist South African Businesses in Meeting Plastic Laws

South African businesses must brace for stricter plastic regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, plastic taxes, and mandatory recycling targets.

The government aims to increase post-consumer recyclable materials to 75% by 2025 and 100% by 2027. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to R5 million or five years in prison.

Why Businesses Must Act Now

Companies need robust data management to:

• Track plastic material flows

• Enhance sustainability reporting

• Minimize corporate liabilities linked to plastic waste

• Avoid non-compliance penalties

A report by Earth Action warns that businesses failing to improve plastic data management could face over $20 billion in liabilities globally by 2030.

How Tech Can Help with Compliance

Sunil Geness, SAP’s Director of Global Sustainability for Africa, highlights emerging technologies that can support businesses:

• AI & IoT – Improve efficiency in manufacturing and recycling

• Blockchain – Create transparent supply chains with immutable records

• IoT-enabled smart packaging – Provide real-time recycling instructions to consumers

• Advanced recycling tech – Convert plastic waste into reusable materials

Shifting Towards a Circular Economy

With World Recycling Day recently observed on March 18, South African businesses must accelerate their sustainability efforts by leveraging tech-driven solutions to meet new regulations and drive a circular economy.

{Source CAJ News}

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