60 Million Euro Investment for a State-of-the-Art Recycling Plant in South Africa

by Marco Arezio

ALPLA is investing 60 million euros in the construction of a state-of-the-art recycling plant in Ballito, in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. The construction of the plant, which spans 90,000 square meters, is already well advanced.

Starting from early 2025, the plant is expected to produce over 35,000 tonnes of recycled PET (rPET) annually. Re-Purpose, based in Durban, is one of the market leaders in reverse logistics of post-consumer plastic waste, thanks to source-oriented collection programs.

With four material recovery facilities spread across KwaZulu-Natal, Re-Purpose is developing and empowering local communities and buy-back centers, enabling the collection and recycling of a significant volume of plastic waste. This model also creates hundreds of jobs and income sources for previously disadvantaged people.

Joining Forces for a Circular Economy

The partnership combines ALPLA's recycling expertise with Re-Purpose's innovative reverse logistics. By joining forces, the two companies aim to develop innovative solutions and promote the circular economy. At the same time, numerous jobs will be created in KwaZulu-Natal, neighboring provinces, and potentially across the country.

Circular Economy and Waste Reduction

As part of the collaboration, Re-Purpose will maximize the utilization of its current baling centers and open new ones to facilitate the collection of PET bottles. Re-Purpose will also assist ALPLA in building a strategic supplier base for PET bottle bales and work with key stakeholders to expand community reach and source separation programs.

The goal is to contribute to the collection of 5,000 tonnes of PET per month, a volume required for ALPLA’s recycling plant to operate at full capacity by 2026.

Comments from the Executives

"We are thrilled to partner with Re-Purpose to accelerate our journey towards a more sustainable future. This collaboration allows us to expand our portfolio of packaging solutions made from recycled PET material, offering our customers in the region innovative alternatives that align with their sustainability goals," says Dietmar Marin, Managing Director of the Recycling Division at ALPLA.

The Role of Re-Purpose

Re-Purpose brings its expertise in baling with state-of-the-art machinery and in developing collection models from the source. The partnership strengthens the company’s impact and promotes the widespread adoption of collection programs with buy-back centers, waste pickers, and schools.

"We are excited to join forces with ALPLA to drive innovation and sustainability in the recycling industry. By combining ALPLA’s extensive recycling experience with our reverse collection model, we are expanding the circular economy and supporting manufacturers in achieving the required EPR targets," says Bevlen Sudhu, Founder and Managing Director of Re-Purpose.

Towards a More Circular and Sustainable Environment

Together, ALPLA and Re-Purpose are committed to promoting the development and introduction of sustainable packaging solutions that benefit businesses, consumers, and the environment. This partnership represents a significant step forward towards a more circular and sustainable environment.