State-of-the-art PET recycling facility to boost circular economy in South Africa

ALPLA PET Recycling Ballito
Business

Global packaging and recycling specialist, ALPLA, has announced a major investment of €60 million in the construction of a cutting-edge recycling plant in Ballito, a coastal town in South Africa.

This move signifies ALPLA's entry into the African recycling market, aiming to strengthen the regional circular economy. The plant, set to commence construction in summer 2023 and be completed by autumn 2024, will have a capacity to produce 35,000 tonnes of recycled PET material annually.

Following the inauguration of its new headquarters near Johannesburg in autumn 2022, the ALPLA Group is further enhancing its commitment to southern Africa. The company's first dedicated recycling facility in South Africa will be established on a 90,000-square-meter site in Ballito, KwaZulu Natal, and will focus on recycling food-grade PET bottles. This groundbreaking investment is strategically positioned in South Africa's second most populous province and holds immense potential for the region.

ALPLA PET Recycling Ballito
From 2025, the internationally active packaging and recycling specialist ALPLA will produce around 35,000 tonnes of rPET per year at its new recycling plant in South Africa © ALPLA

The state-of-the-art plant is projected to recycle nearly 60,000 tonnes of PET bottles each year, producing 35,000 tonnes of mechanically recycled rPET flakes and pellets. ALPLA plans to utilise the majority of these recycled materials in the production of their own bottles. By expanding its operations into South Africa, ALPLA is actively contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Our goal is a bottle-to-bottle cycle at the location of our activities. In this way, as a recycler and producer, we can secure the supply of safe, affordable and sustainable packaging worldwide and at the same time promote awareness of the recyclable material - ALPLA CEO Philipp Lehner.
By setting up the first recycling resources of our own in Africa, we are equipping ourselves for the future, making a contribution to increasing the collection rate and reducing waste by recycling valuable raw materials. At the same time, we are creating many new jobs locally,' believes Dietmar Marin - ALPLA Managing Director Recycling Division.

Latest Packaging News

Ahlstrom introduces a brand-new home compostable coffee pod portfolio
Sustainability

Ahlstrom introduces a brand-new home compostable coffee pod portfolio

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, launches a breakthrough innovative...
Autopack: Why coffee packaging is inspiring continued growth
Supplier News

Autopack: Why coffee packaging is inspiring continued growth

Remember the craft beer revolution? About a decade ago challenger brands took on the big brewers...
Paramount Packaging Systems: Why regular maintenance of flow wrapping machines is essential
Supplier News

Paramount Packaging Systems: Why regular maintenance of flow wrapping machines is essential

At Paramount Packaging Systems, we’ve specialised in supplying high-speed Fuji flow machinery for...
Spectra helps Tiiglu® launch sustainable kids’ body & hair care range
Supplier News

Spectra helps Tiiglu® launch sustainable kids’ body & hair care range

Spectra Packaging has proudly supported Tiiglu® in the launch of their new Kids Body & Hair...
Registration now open for PACK EXPO East 2026
Events

Registration now open for PACK EXPO East 2026

Fresh on the heels of a groundbreaking PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and...