The Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) Alliance – of which metal packaging PRO MetPac-SA is an active member – has been restructured into five strategic pillars: waste picker integration; compliance and governance; infrastructure development; public relations; and legislative reform.

The restructuring was announced by MetPac-SA CEO Dr Kishan Singh at the organisation’s recently held sixth AGM.

MetPac-SA currently represents about 100 000 t of metal packaging in South Africa, comprising 58% aluminium and 42% ferrous.

At the AGM, it was announced that MetPac-SA would, over the next 12 months, prioritise enhanced waste picker integration; continued extended producer responsibility legislative reform; improved aluminium re-melt and ferrous tonnage data collection; national municipal engagement strategy; ISO9001:2015 certification; and a national metal art sculpture drive, which will engage communities through creativity.

In the past year, MetPac-SA has rolled out the South African Waste Picker Registration System (SAWPRS 2.0) by Lariat, which aims to register 20 000 waste pickers by the end of this year.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that MetPac-SA member Hulamin remained sub-Saharan Africa’s only can-to-can recycler, with significant investments being made to enhance local capacity.

Moreover, MetPac-SA introduced a proactive safety and collection strategy for aerosol cannisters, aimed at increasing awareness and improving infrastructure in this complex waste stream.

Singh highlighted a positive trend in membership growth over the past three years and showcased the organisation’s performance against government targets, including post-consumer remelt volumes and recycled content.

“Since our inception in 2017, MetPac-SA’s growth as a PRO has been commendable. Our performance against the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Section 18 National Environmental Management: Waste Act compliance obligations demonstrates that we are not only meeting expectations but exceeding them in several areas,” he said.

“While tinplate data collection remains a challenge, we have surpassed expectations thanks to strong partnerships with recyclers, re-melters, and the integration of digital tracking systems like XA Trading’s My Scrap Matters,” Singh added.

The AGM provided updates on several of MetPac-SA’s key projects:

• Trash for Treats:  Now in 45 schools across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, engaging 28 691 learners and 1 800 teachers.
• Plant the Seed: A national education and awareness campaign, inspiring 11 700 learners and generating 46 800 video views.
• Research and Awards Programme: 28 students from five universities focused on recycling in rural communities.
• Phoenix for the Planet: A growing community cleanup initiative.
• XA Trading / My Scrap Matters: Enhancing ferrous data collection through app-based tools.
• Get Metal: A waste characterisation initiative adding accuracy to ferrous data reporting.
• Support Projects in Swellendam, Saldanha, and Mangaung: Empowering local recyclers, launching depots, and supporting door-to-door campaigns.
• IPSA Gold Pack Awards Programme: MetPac-SA’s ongoing sponsorship to highlight innovation in metal packaging.

“The metal packaging industry stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation, supported by robust legislation, growing consumer demand, and a committed network of stakeholders.

“As we navigate ongoing challenges, our focus remains clear: to strengthen recovery systems, promote circularity, ensure that metal packaging plays a vital role in South Africa’s sustainable future, supporting waste pickers and creating more employment opportunities within the metal packaging recycling sector.

“With the continued collaboration of our members and industry partners, we are confident that metal will remain a packaging powerhouse thanks to it being infinitely recyclable, environmentally sound and essential to a greener tomorrow,” Singh said.