Major Developments in the Industrial Packaging Industry

South Africa’s industrial packaging sector is shifting rapidly as the country moves from linear waste practices to a regulated, circular economy model. Several industry developments directly influence SAICRA’s work and the obligations of producers under Section 18 of the Waste Act.

Growth of the Reconditioning & Reuse Sector

Industrial steel and plastic containers are increasingly being diverted from landfill through formal reconditioning processes.

This includes:

E

Professional cleaning and decontamination

E

Leak testing and mechanical repair

E

Recertification for safe reuse

Globally, reconditioning extends a container’s lifespan by 3–5 cycles, reducing reliance on virgin materials and lowering carbon impacts. SAICRA supports the expansion of these circular systems in South Africa.

Enforcement of Section 18 EPR Regulations

Section 18 has made it mandatory for producers of industrial containers to:

E

Register with an approved PRO

E

Declare volumes placed on the market

E

Contribute EPR fees

E

Demonstrate measurable recovery, reuse and recycling outcomes

SAICRA plays a central role in helping industry meet these legal requirements through structured EPR scheme management and national reporting.

Rising Demand for Traceability & Cleaner Supply Chains

Industries handling hazardous and non-hazardous materials now face increased pressure to prove:

E

Responsible container handling

E

Certified collection and disposal

E

Traceable end-of-life flows

E

Adoption of reuse and recycling models

As a result, more companies are implementing digital reporting, accredited partners, and transparent EPR systems aligned with SAICRA’s framework.

SAICRA’s Role

in These Developments

Our focus includes:

Z

Compliance support and guidance

Z

Standardised reporting

Z

Safety and quality assurance

Z

Advancing the circular reuse of industrial containers

This ensures that the sector evolves in line with national sustainability goals and global best practices.