The South African private and public sectors must implement better recycled-metal production methods and metal recycling initiatives to help foster a circular economy and improved economic development, states metal producer responsibility organisation MetPac-SA.

Consequently, sustainable practices should be implemented in manufacturing and in procuring or reusing recyclable metal products, while consumers should be more aware of metal product use and adopt recycling habits.

For example, a food product packaging manufacturer could design packaging products that are recyclable and ensure that recycled materials are used in production while advocating for collection and recycling programmes, says MetPac-SA CEO Dr Kishan Singh.

This should be done in a transparent manner that promotes accountability through accurate data. Such an undertaking would be feasible, as “South Africa already has well-established metal recycling and processing infrastructure, enabling recovery and reintegration of metal packaging into new products”.

Singh adds that metal recycling processes and the use of recycled metal materials in production are advantageous for industry and the manufacturing sector, as metal is “infinitely recyclable”, with no quality reduction or substantial impact on new metal products produced using recycled materials.

This is evident through metal’s high recovery and recycling rates, with the material actively collected by formal and informal recyclers or waste pickers.

Additionally, metal food packaging – made from aluminium, tinplate or steel – is robust, which contributes to meeting food safety and compliance standards.

Metal’s recyclability contributes to the creation of a circular economy, thereby reducing the country’s environmental footprint over time and creating job opportunities across the sector, including in collecting, sorting, processing and manufacturing.

“In a country facing high unemployment, pressure on landfill space and growing demand for raw materials, a circular economy shifts waste from being an environmental burden to becoming a valuable economic resource,” Singh says.

It is important that all business entities participate in adopting an extended producer responsibility stance, as the transition to a circular economy requires multiple parties to take collective responsibility for the full life-cycle of metal products.

He also stresses the importance of consumers, particularly in terms of supporting companies that produce recyclable packaging and taking the initiative by separating waste, ensuring recyclable waste enters the collection system.

“It is not simply about meeting regulatory requirements. By investing in recovery infrastructure, supporting collection systems and strengthening downstream recycling markets, environmental, social and economic value is created that extends well beyond compliance.”

MetPac-SA has created a song – titled Qoqa Amakani, in collaboration with local upcoming artist Maronza Robsen – that aims to engage South African communities and youth in a conversation about sustainability, recycling and efficient waste management.

In terms of awareness, the company enables the private sector, consumers and government to access member data on products on the market, as well as post- consumer collection data for metal packaging for better support and the realisation of a circular economy.

“By working together, South Africa can unlock the full value of its recyclable materials, reduce environmental impact, create jobs, and build a more resilient and sustainable economy,” he enthuses.