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Green Economy, E-Waste, and Circular Initiatives: South Africa and Beyond
Oct
Green Economy, E-Waste, and Circular Initiatives: South Africa and Beyond
As we move closer to 2025, Africa is solidifying its place as a leader in the green economy. South Africa is at the forefront of this movement, with key initiatives driving the shift toward sustainability. One such highlight is the Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2025, which promises an impressive lineup of speakers and sessions aimed at bringing awareness and actionable solutions to the green economy in Africa. This summit will be a pivotal event for policymakers, innovators, and environmental advocates to exchange ideas and push forward the continent’s green initiatives.
Another significant stride in environmental efforts is the End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC), launched at the 78th UN General Assembly and now calling for proposals from South Africa. With a focus on redesign and reuse/refill solutions across industries, EPPIC is backed by the U.S. Department of State. The initiative provides an excellent opportunity for local innovators to present their upstream and midstream interventions aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
In a positive report from Plastics SA, South Africa has seen a 17% increase in the quantity of recycled plastics year-on-year. This achievement has been supported by nearly 100,000 individuals working in plastics recycling, an effort that positions the country well in comparison to global standards. However, there is still a higher reliance on packaging than on more durable uses of plastic in infrastructure.
Looking ahead, International E-Waste Day 2024 in South Africa is set to highlight e-waste management with the theme, “Join the e-Waste Hunt – Retrieve, Recycle and Revive.” Citizens are encouraged to declutter their homes of forgotten electronics and recycle them responsibly. With almost 68,000 tons of e-waste already diverted from landfills, this movement continues to strengthen through regulatory measures and collection points provided by retailers nationwide.
On a broader global scale, France has taken some bold steps, including suspending its polystyrene packaging ban pending further guidelines from the European Union, as well as adopting reduced circular VAT rates on repair services for cycles, household appliances, and textiles. These moves mark France’s commitment to promoting circular business models and sustainable consumer behaviors, furthering the European Union’s eco-design and recycling efforts.
In India, extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations for e-waste continue to evolve, with 2,309 producers registered under EPR authorizations as of 2023. As India seeks to refine its e-waste management systems, this development aligns with broader efforts across the globe to combat environmental challenges.
As we see, whether through recycling initiatives, summits, or innovative policies, countries worldwide are making strides towards a greener, more sustainable future. While much remains to be done, the momentum continues to grow, fueled by collaboration and a shared global vision for environmental stewardship.
