IN a crucial step toward advancing South Africa’s green economy, Polyco today officially launched its partnership with Reconstructed Living Labs (RLabs), a globally recognised non-profit organisation, to expand recycling infrastructure and empower micro-recycling businesses. Backed by a R500 000 sponsorship, this collaboration will enhance RLabs’ recycling operations, foster sustainability-driven entrepreneurship, create new opportunities for informal waste reclaimers, and empower income-generating activities by integrating them into the formal circular economy.
This funding will enable the organisation to scale its impact by providing essential infrastructure and resources, including:
- H20 Baling Machine: Enhancing efficiency in compacting recyclable materials
- One 12m Container: Providing additional storage for collected recyclables
- Weigh Pay System: Supporting accurate tracking and collection of recyclable materials to ensure data-driven operations.
Founded in 2009 in Bridgetown, Cape Town, RLabs is an award-winning organisation operating in 24 countries across five continents. To date, RLabs has positively impacted over 60-million lives through its innovative work in fostering hope, innovation, technology, training, and economic opportunities.
RLabs has provided skills training and economic empowerment programmes to more than 2,5-million people, with an ambitious goal to reach 2-billion individuals by 2030, prioritising expansion across Africa.
Through its Reconstructed Living Labs (ReCha) Waste Sourcing Expansion Model, RLabs leverages infrastructure and buy-back systems to support micro-entrepreneurs in recycling, creating economic opportunities while driving environmental sustainability in underserved communities.
“At Polyco, we are committed to fostering innovation in waste management and supporting initiatives that empower communities,” said Patricia Pillay, CEO of Polyco. “Our sponsorship of RLabs reflects our dedication to environmental sustainability and aligns with our mission to create opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs in the recycling sector. RLabs’ transformative work is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges while uplifting individuals and businesses.”
Through its growing network of recycling champions and micro-recycling enterprises, RLabs, in collaboration with Polyco, is ensuring that waste reclaimers have access to the resources and infrastructure they need to succeed. By integrating accredited buy-back centres and adhering to strict health and safety standards, RLabs promotes responsible and sustainable waste management while uplifting local communities.
“RLabs is grateful for the support received from Polyco. It has enhanced our operational efficiencies and created greater value for our recycling community and network,” said Craig Du Mont, director at RLabs.
This collaboration underscores Polyco’s long-term commitment to sustainability and socio-economic development, ensuring a cleaner, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible future for all South Africans.
