Press room.
POLYCO PRESS ROOM
Polyco news updates.
Welcome to all the latest news and information on the world of plastics recycling in South Africa, welcome to the Polyco Press Room.
11 September 2025
Polyco, in partnership with the City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Watse Management Alderman Grant Twigg, has launched a pilot community recycling hub in Scottsdene, Northpine and surrounding areas to strengthen household recycling and create income opportunities for residents. Located at a local Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre, the hub will provide …
23 August 2025
Polyco and Swellendam Local Municipality have officially joined forces through an agreement to drive systemic change in waste management in the town. This vision focuses on a shared commitment between Polyco and Swellendam Municipality to tackle illegal dumping, expand access to recycling infrastructure and generate economic opportunities particularly through the development of a Packa-Ching buy-back …
5 June 2025
On this World Environment Day 2025, under the global theme #BeatPlasticPollution, Polyco is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative that brings recycling full circle – even from the furthest reaches of the Earth. In partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and Innocence and Sons Recycling, Polyco is supporting the removal, …
2 June 2025
Three Eastern Cape schools have emerged as leaders in sustainability and environmental action at this year’s Schools Recycling Awards, proudly hosted by DNF Waste & Environmental Services, in partnership with Polyco and the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA). The event, held on 23 May during the IWMSA Waste 360 Conference at the …
27 May 2025
In a bold step towards environmental education and community empowerment, Polyco, in partnership with the Western Cape Government and iThemba Phakama’s 4Ps model, is expanding the Schools-Based Recycling Programme (SBRP) to 13 new schools across the province in 2025. This comes after successful pilots at Vergenoeg Primary and Yellowwood Primary last year (see picture here). …
20 January 2025
As schools across South Africa open their doors for a new academic year, Polyco is excited to strengthen its partnership with the Pick n Pay School Club, established in 2020, by providing schools with educational resources focused on recycling. Through this collaboration, Polyco is providing 2 675 primary schools across all provinces in South Africa …
1 September 2022
Million Plus, a consumer recycling campaign led by Polyco PRO NPC, is aiming to mobilise more than one million South Africans to commit to recycling their plastic packaging to keep it out of the environment and out of landfill, and instead put it back into the recycling value chain. Forging ahead towards this target, Polyco …
26 August 2022
The plastic recycling sector has come a long way in South Africa with improved technology, better implementation of waste regulations, greater consumer awareness and growth in the market for recycled material. Despite these developments, there have always been plastic material streams that are difficult to recycle and therefore end up in landfill or, unfortunately, in …
27 July 2022
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations in South Africa aims to promote the circularity of plastics packaging and grow the plastics recycling market altogether. Polyco PRO NPC, a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for all plastic packaging in South Africa, has received concurrence from the Minister on their …
15 June 2022
With the introduction of the extended-producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, a wider industry adoption of recyclate replacing raw materials, and several voluntary agreements that promote material circularity, all eyes are on the South African plastics recycling sector. With a 43.2% input recycling rate, according to the latest industry research, South Africa has managed to retain a …
29 March 2022
We’ve all been told that plastic is a material that we should recycle, but have you ever been correctly guided on how to recycle at home, at school or at work? To encourage more South Africans to recycle, Polyco PRO (Plastics Responsibility Organisation) NPC, has launched its Million+ ‘How to Recycle’ series, user-friendly content that guides …
24 February 2022
A second Packa-Ching mobile buy-back centre, co-sponsored by Shoprite, has launched in Cape Town, following the success of the programme in communities such as Langa, Phillipi and Mitchells Plain. Launched in Happy Valley, Blackheath, the new Packa-Ching unit will buy recyclable packaging material (plastic, glass, cans and paper) from the surrounding communities. The recyclable material …
3 November 2021
Every year the Ecologic Awards recognises the businesses, people and communities that are at the forefront of sustainability and driving change for a better future. Packa-Ching, an innovative community recycling collection initiative, started by Polyco and sponsored by Shoprite and Sasol, has won the ‘Recycling and Circular Economy’ category at this year’s Ecologic Awards. “We …
5 October 2021
Johannesburg’s favourite public park, Zoo Lake, is getting a big and bold recycling campaign to encourage its users to protect the park’s natural beauty and environment. Polyco, in partnership with the City of Joburg, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and the Zoo Lake Users Committee, has launched the Million Plus Plastic Recycling Revolution in Zoo …
13 September 2021
Polyco, a producer-responsibility organisation (PRO) for the plastic industry is launching a municipal-focused recycling strategy, aimed at drastically improving the country’s recycling rates. To implement this ‘first of its kind’ strategy, Polyco will be working with municipalities to invest in recycling infrastructure, innovation, and to implement consumer education and awareness campaigns. Polyco has partnered with …
25 August 2021
The Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation (Polyco) has been the driving force behind 26 000 tonnes of polyolefin plastics recycled in South Africa and 64 000 tonnes collected. In response to recently introduced waste management regulations, Polyco announced at its Annual General Meeting yesterday that it has made the decision to broaden its focus to all plastic types under …
30 July 2021
Polyco, the Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation NPC, celebrates its tenth birthday in 2021 and also says farewell to its long-standing Chief Executive Officer, Mandy Naudé. Polyco was established as a non-profit organisation in 2011 by a group of South Africa’s responsible polyolefin plastic-packaging converters and represents the largest polymer group in South Africa. In 2013, Mandy …
20 April 2021
Nestlé became the first food and manufacturing company to join the Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation (Polyco), a not-for-profit industry body that was established in 2011 to focus on reducing the amount of used polyolefin plastic packaging waste going to landfill and ending plastic waste in the environment. Polyco aims to make waste a valuable resource that …
25 March 2021
A nationwide recycling campaign, the Million+ Plastic Recycling Revolution, has welcomed a collaboration with Pick n Pay School Club that will help educate over 1.7 million primary school learners and over 80 000 teachers about the importance of plastic recycling. Launched by The Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation (Polyco), The Million+ aims to mobilise more than one …
12 January 2021
Research has highlighted that a significant proportion of consumers re-use margarine, large yoghurt, and ice-cream tubs made from polypropylene (PP), extending their lifespan and keeping these products out of landfill. Led by the Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation NPC (Polyco), the ‘PP tub re-use research’ aims to guide a higher-level of repurposing for these plastic packaging items …
11 September 2020
As Clean-Up and Recycle SA Week kicks off on 14 September, Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation (Polyco) celebrates achievements in the polyolefin plastic recycling sector and encourages South Africans to join the Million Plus Plastic Recycling Revolution campaign by committing to recycle their used plastic packaging. This is in the lead up to National Recycling Day on …
8 September 2020
The Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation (Polyco) is committed to growing the collection and recycling of polyolefin plastic packaging in South Africa and to promote the responsible use and reuse of this plastic packaging. After a special resolution vote at Polyco’s 8th Annual General Meeting with regards to the proposed new EPR legislation, as contemplated under section …
25 April 2020
As we manage our way through this pandemic, we need to acknowledge our waste workers who keep our waste sector running and our environment clean. “While everyone is at home, household waste generation has increased; but many recyclers and collections companies are not able to operate; and our waste pickers have been cut off from …
17 March 2020
18th March is Global Recycling Day and there is cause to celebrate as Packa-Ching launches more units across South Africa and initiates a schools awareness campaign. The growth of Packa-Ching comes at an important time as it offers a much-needed solution to South Africa’s growing waste challenge, while stimulating the country’s entrepreneurial landscape. Packa-Ching is …
25 February 2020
As we enter the New Year, one which will continue to see new developments in waste management and recycling, 2019 has left us with a high benchmark to build on. Last year over 75% of High-density polyethylene (HDPE) milk and beverage bottles were recycled, injecting a significant amount of material back into the market to …
28 January 2020
The Million+ Plastic Recycling Revolution is a bold new campaign that aims to mobilise more than one million South Africans to commit to recycling their plastic packaging. The non-profit, Polyco (The Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation), believes that recycling is something that every person can do to make a positive impact on the earth. They have launched …
15 October 2019
On Monday, 04 November 2019 Cape Town will host an event that celebrates the level of industry innovation and showcases the wide variety of local products that are designed and manufactured using recycled plastics. The South African Plastics Recycling Organisation (SAPRO) Best Recycled Plastic Product Awards will take place at Workshop17 at the V&A Waterfront …
15 September 2019
The Million+ Plastic Recycling Revolution is a bold new campaign that aims to mobilise more than one million South Africans to commit to recycling their plastic packaging. The non-profit, Polyco (The Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation), believes that recycling is something that every person can do to make a positive impact on the earth. They have launched …
10 July 2019
The community of Thabazimbi and surrounding informal settlements have recently been introduced to an exciting new recycling project that helps them to keep their community clean while learning about the benefits of recycling their packaging waste, and earning a monetary reward. After a successful launch in Langa, Cape Town in 2017, the Packa-Ching recycling project …
25 July 2016
“How To” Recycling videos now available in five official languages Cape Town – POLYCO, the Polyolefin Recycling Company (NPC) will be growing the message about the importance of recycling during the month of September, as part of the local packaging industry’s Clean-Up & Recycle Week SA, which will take place from the 12th to the …
12 March 2016
POLYCO, the Polyolefin Recycling Company (NPC) hosted their fourth Annual General Meeting in Johannesburg recently. Addressing the association’s board members, which represents the leading packaging converters in South Africa, Chief Executive Officer Mandy Naudé presented a detailed report on their business and the state of the local polyolefins recycling industry. “This past year has undoubtedly …
24 February 2016
Cape Town – POLYCO, the Polyolefin Recycling Company NPC, was formed in 2011 by the leading South African Polyolefin Plastic Packaging Converters, to promote the recycling of polyolefin plastics and diversion of plastic from landfill throughout South Africa. The company represents the largest plastic packaging polymer group in South Africa and is funded through the …
25 November 2015
POLYCO donates bins and clear refuse bags to assist in recycling efforts Cape Town, November 25, 2015– POLYCO, the non-profit Polyolefin Recycling Company (NPC), has donated 12 branded, yellow wheelie bins and 500 rolls of clear refuse bags to the Oasis Association in Claremont, Cape Town and the Breede Valley Association for Persons with …
23 September 2015
POLYCO gives a much needed “hands-up” to worthy collectors Cape Town – POLYCO, the Polyolefin Recycling Company (NPC), has announced the names of the 12 collectors of post-consumer polyolefin waste that will be receiving a total of R4.6million in grants and interest-free loans. As part of POLYCO’s mandate to promote and grow the collection …
26 August 2015
Informative and entertaining videos help explain importance of plastics recycling Cape Town – POLYCO, the non-profit Polyolefin Recycling Company, has just released a series of five informative and fun and YouTube-style videos to explain the importance of plastics recycling, how to recycle, what not to recycle, and the various different products that recycled plastics …
20 July 2015
Recyclers invited to apply for interest free loans Cape Town – One of the most common types of plastic you’ll find in your home, are polyolefins. Making up approximately 70 % of plastics packaging in South Africa, these plastics bear the polymer identification codes 2, 4 or 5, and are tough, resilient and in …
16 April 2015
“Since our inception two years ago, POLYCO has invested R17 million in the recycling value chain, which will unlock new volumes of 48 000 tonnes over the next three years, as well as creating 558 formal and 3750 informal jobs” Johannesburg – POLYCO, the Polyolefin Recycling Company NPC, shared highlights of its successes achieved …
4 December 2014
Cape Town – POLYCO, the Polyolefin Recycling Company, has announced the names of the 9 winners in its Facebook competition that came to an end last week. The company’s “A Thousand Thank You’s” campaign gave 9 lucky people a chance to win their share of R50 000 by simply viewing a fun and easy to …
26 November 2014
R7 Million in Loans To Be Invested To Fund Polyolefin Recycling Projects Around SA Cape Town – POLYCO, the Polyolefin Recycling Company, has released the names of the six successful applicants who will be receiving total investment loans of R7 million over the next 6 months to fund their existing polyolefin recycling operations. The …
23 May 2014
An avalanche of submissions received from across South Africa as POLYCO extends its deadline for submissions. Cape Town – A rush of submissions from companies applying for support funding for their separation, collection and sorting of post-consumer polyolefin plastic packaging projects flooded the POLYCO inbox on Friday, 16 May, as the deadline loomed for …
2 May 2014
New submission deadline is Friday, 16 May 2014 Cape Town – Due to the disruption caused by the recent public holidays and in response to the numerous requests it has received, POLYCO has announced that it will be extending the submission deadline to apply for support funding for separation, collection and sorting of post-consumer …
Sign up to our newsletter!
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest EPR developments and our projects.