Extrupet PET recycling leads South Africa forward
By Adrian Ephraim
WHEN international plastic pollution talks fell apart in Geneva this month, it sent ripples through the recycling world. But for Chandru Wadhwani, who heads up Extrupet, Africa’s biggest PET recycler, there’s a silver lining to this cloud.
“Sure, we didn’t get a treaty,” Wadhwani reflects, “but at least people are finally talking about plastic pollution as the global crisis it is.”
Since 2000, Extrupet has lived by a simple truth: bigger is essential when it comes to recycling. “It’s pretty straightforward,” says Wadhwani. “Critical mass is essential to be able to afford the capital investments required as well as to ensure the most economic solution”
This matters now more than ever, with plastic production set to jump 70% by 2040. While a global treaty would’ve helped manage this surge, South African recyclers are rolling up their sleeves and getting on with it.
Local operations boost Extrupet PET recycling impact
Take Extrupet’s Western Cape plant, for instance. The company’s focus on food-grade production exemplifies this local approach. By establishing operations closer to both feedstock sources and end markets, Extrupet has achieved “considerable cost savings on transport up and down,” while creating local employment opportunities. It’s a win-win.
Despite global challenges, South Africa’s PET recycling sector has achieved remarkable success rates. With collection rates between 64-65%, the country significantly outperforms the global average where only 9% of plastic gets recycled. Wadhwani attributes this success to PET’s unique characteristics as a polymer.
“PET is unique because as a polymer, there aren’t a lot of grades,” he explains. “Whether you’re picking up a soft drink bottle or a juice bottle or a water bottle or a peanut butter jar… it’s all the same raw material that started to make those products.”
This uniformity, combined with the recycling principle of “good in, good out,” makes PET recycling more predictable and economically viable than other plastic types that suffer from design complexity or contamination issues.
Regulatory challenges for PET recycling in South Africa
When South Africa introduced new recycling rules in 2021, some industry groups tried to undercut each other with rock-bottom fees. Wadhwani isn’t impressed. “Sure, cheaper fees sound great,” he says, “but what’s the point if you’re not hitting your targets?”
“Sadly, there are too many PROs that sold, I think a false promise to their members on the back of cheaper fees,” he says. “But that doesn’t help the brand owner if the targets aren’t met as per Section-18 EPR legislation.”
Extrupet’s strategy focuses on partnering with PROs that meet regulatory targets, even if their fees are higher. This approach ensures compliance and supports the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
While government support isn’t what it used to be, Extrupet keeps pushing forward. They’ve been in Mauritius since 2004, have a foothold in Nigeria, and are eyeing East Africa. “Times are tough for everyone,” Wadhwani acknowledges. “When money’s tight, environmental concerns often take a backseat.”
The treaty’s failure highlighted a critical tension between environmental goals and development needs. Countries like India argued that restricting plastic packaging could leave millions hungry due to increased food waste.
The trade-off between plastic use and public health
“The absence of plastic packaging meant food delivery to millions of people would be compromised,” Wadhwani says. “The trade off in reducing plastic use came at quite a significant direct cost on public health and livelihoods.”
This “Faustian paradox” – being “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” – underscores why the developing world remains dependent on plastic packaging solutions.
“It’s a real catch-22,” Wadhwani admits. “Cut plastic use, and you might end up with more societal issues.”
Extrupet PET recycling solutions for the future
Despite everything, Wadhwani stays positive. His recipe for success? “Design products to be truly recyclable, not just “technically” recyclable, and make sure markets are mandated to buy the recycled material,” he says. “Get those right, and the rest falls into place.”
While the world waits for its next shot at a plastic treaty, companies like Extrupet show that local action and smart business can move the needle on recycling.
