South African plastic bag regulations – 100% recycled content required by 2027
By Kris van der Bijl
SOUTH AFRICAN businesses that manufacture, trade or commercially distribute plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags will face a major compliance change from 1 January 2027, when the bags must be made from 100% post-consumer recyclate.
The requirement is the final step in a phased increase introduced by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The minimum was 50% from January 2023 and increased to 75% from January 2025.
For businesses, the change is not simply a matter of buying recycled plastic.
The regulations prohibit the manufacture, trade or commercial distribution of domestically produced or imported plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags for use within South Africa unless they comply with the applicable compulsory specification and minimum post-consumer recyclate requirements.
Businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, trading or commercially distributing affected bags will therefore need to establish whether the bags in their supply chains comply with the new requirement before the deadline.
Plastic bag regulations change
From 1 January 2027, plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags covered by the regulations must be made from 100% post-consumer recyclate. This follows the phased requirements introduced by the 2021 amendments.
The requirement applies to domestically produced and imported bags intended for use in South Africa.
“Post-consumer recyclate” means material generated by households or by commercial, industrial or institutional facilities in their role as end-users, where the material can no longer be used for its intended purpose.
The definition also includes returns from the distribution chain and certain in-house scrap containing post-consumer recyclate.
Paper packaging gains attention
The Paper and Allied Manufacturers of South Africa (PAMSA) has highlighted the role of paper packaging in the local recycling system.
Samantha Choles, communications manager at PAMSA, said businesses have a role in making packaging part of a functioning circular economy:
“South Africa has some good examples of brands leading the way, especially with packaging design and substitution, and ensuring local recyclability, while also being fit-for-purpose and safe for food contact.”
In order for paper packaging to take the place of plastic packaging, both individuals and businesses need to find ways to make them economically viable, locally recyclable as well as convenient for their customers.
There is a fine line between making the switch from plastic to paper-based substrates and ensuring that the packaging can be locally recovered and recycled.
This is why the circular economy begins in the packaging design phase.
How businesses are preparing for the 2027 change
Some South African businesses have already moved towards the standard that will apply from 2027, while others have reduced or eliminated their use of single-use plastic bags.
Clothing and retail group TFG says it has phased in plastic bags made from 100% post-consumer recyclate in South Africa.
Boxer Retail says its in-store plastic bags are already made from 100% post-consumer recyclate. The retailer also says it has measures in place to support recycling of plastic and cardboard entering its stores.
The approaches illustrate the choices facing businesses ahead of 2027: continue using plastic bags while increasing the recycled content, or reduce their use by introducing reusable or alternative packaging.
