Companies operating in the plastics and packaging value chain could face closer compliance scrutiny as government considers stronger enforcement measures under South Africa’s extended producer responsibility framework.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is assessing whether tougher regulation and enforcement are needed to reduce plastic pollution and deal with non-compliance under South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations.
Speaking at the launch of the SA Plastics Pact 2030 Targets in Cape Town on Monday, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment minister Willie Aucamp said the department would need to evaluate “the role of regulation and enforcement” in taking forward efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
“In our experience, the Green Scorpions have an important role to play in targeting free riders and those refusing to comply with extended producer schemes,” he said.
The EPR framework applies to plastic packaging placed on the South African market, including packaging associated with imported goods. The Pact’s targets include 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic packaging, 70% effective recycling and 30% average recycled content across all plastic packaging.
Aucamp said problematic plastic products would threaten “the reputation and the future of all plastic products” if they were not addressed.
“We will need regulatory instruments to ensure greater compliance in removing problematic plastics from our ecosystem and ensure those who have refused to join the Plastics Pact also comply with the systematic changes we are trying to implement,” he said.
Government was also working with industry stakeholders to explore deposit return schemes to improve collection rates, increase material recovery and strengthen the effectiveness of the EPR framework, Aucamp said.
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