Nonprofit producer responsibility organisation The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) says 2024 saw substantial progress in sustainability and waste reduction within the glass packaging industry.

The glass collection rate climbed to 53.41%, up from 44.31% in 2023, and the glass tonnage collected grew by more than 17%, it says.

These achievements were attained in the absence of a mandatory separation at source policy, which is a measure that TGRC vigorously supports to legislate recycling practices, the organisation says.

Further, the TGRC is widening the scope of its recycling initiatives.

“Our mission goes beyond conventional approaches, such as by fostering collaborative ties across various sectors, from households and hospitality venues to manufacturers, waste collectors and municipalities.

“By advocating for responsible recycling practices and aligning with stringent regulatory frameworks, we are steering South Africa towards a greener future,” says TGRC CEO Shabeer Jhetam.

Additionally, during 2024, TGRC bolstered the extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework and achieved 90% compliance for all glass placed on the market, which highlights the collaborative success within the industry.

EPR remains a cornerstone of TGRC's strategy, promoting a circular economy where waste is not merely discarded, but reimagined as a valued resource. This principle is pivotal in advancing sustainable manufacturing and reducing environmental footprints, the TGRC says.

Similarly, the organisation substantially supported entrepreneurs and aims to ensure the sustainability of recycling operations and ensure an income for entrepreneurs, particularly within disadvantaged communities.

A standout achievement of the year was the support extended to 118 entrepreneurs, 41 of whom were newcomers to the industry, with a notable 79% hailing from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. TGRC is committed to fostering economic opportunities and community upliftment through sustainable practices, it adds.

During the year, it also empowered glass collectors and waste pickers. With a new Cash4Glass payment system in partnership with Ardagh Glass, TGRC aims to integrate waste pickers fully into the recycling economy, acknowledging their crucial role in the sector, it says.

Over the past year, the company also fortified the infrastructure of glass collectors and buy-back centres, by equipping them with the necessary tools and insights to succeed in a burgeoning industry. TGRC's network now includes more than 50 000 active collectors.

“We believe in empowering entrepreneurs through these centres, which is a vital component of the recycling ecosystem. The glass recycling industry injects more than R300-million into the economy a year, and this highlights the collective imperative of sustainability efforts,” says Jhetam.

Meanwhile, the TGRC also held a yearly competition for schools across the country competing to collect and recycle glass. The competition awarded more than R500 000 in cash prizes, and participants collected nearly two-million bottles, or the equivalent weight of nearly 300 cars.

Historically, schools use their winnings to upgrade their facilities, enhance their sporting grounds, for educational supplies, as well as contributing to local feeding schemes. The competition teaches new generations the principles of recycling, the producer responsibility organisation says.