As Gauteng's municipal landfill capacity continues to decline, a new partnership between Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) and the private waste sector is demonstrating how collaborative investment can help divert valuable recyclables from landfill while creating jobs and strengthening South Africa's circular economy. The newly launched Tonkmeter Material Recovery Facility (MRF), located on a private landfill site in Springs, has been established through a significant infrastructure investment by Petco, supported by a strategic co-investment from MetPac-SA – South Africa's Producer Responsibility Organisation for metal packaging. Once fully operational, the facility will be capable of recovering and processing up to 600 tonnes of recyclable materials every month, including metal packaging, PET plastic and liquid board cartons. Speaking at the launch, Gauteng Provincial Waste Management Officer Palesa Mathibeli said the province's landfill crisis demanded urgent action. "We are quickly running out of landfill airspace because we are not diverting waste away from them. Facilities like this demonstrate how government and the private sector can work together to address this growing challenge and how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding can be used to build practical recycling infrastructure that delivers long-term environmental, economic and social benefits”. According to Dr Kishan Singh, CEO of MetPac-SA, the investment supports its ongoing commitment to expanding collection and recycling infrastructure while increasing the recovery of valuable metal packaging. “The Tonkmeter facility is an example of the type of collaboration needed to achieve South Africa's EPR and circular economy objectives. Every tonne of recyclable material recovered represents less waste going to landfill and more valuable resources remaining in the economy," he said. "Projects such as this strengthen South Africa's recycling value chain, support waste collectors …
Plastic Innovations Highlights Locally Made Water Dispenser Bottles
The Sandton manufacturer points to its recyclable PET water bottle range as steady local demand holds. As the mid-year cold season sets in across South Africa, Plastic Innovations is drawing attention to its locally manufactured range of water dispenser bottles, a category the Sandton-based moulder has produced for the country's water delivery and bottling sector for many years. The company, a plastic injection moulding manufacturer with more than 35 years in the industry, says steady local demand for durable, recyclable containers continues to shape the products it designs and moulds at its Frankenwald facility. Plastic Innovations describes itself as one of the pioneers of plastic injection moulding in South Africa. From its base at 71 Galaxy Avenue in Frankenwald, Sandton, the company designs and produces custom plastic products for a broad spread of industries, and its water dispenser bottles remain one of the most recognisable parts of that catalogue. These are the large refillable containers that sit on top of office and home water coolers, and they are made to be filled, returned, cleaned and reused many times over. A local answer to a familiar need Bottled water delivery is a well established part of daily life in South African workplaces, clinics, gyms and homes. The containers that make it possible are easy to overlook, yet they carry real engineering requirements. They must hold a heavy volume of water safely, survive repeated handling and transport, resist the wear of constant refilling, and stay safe for drinking water throughout. Plastic Innovations makes these containers on home soil, which keeps supply close to the businesses that depend on them and reduces the need to import a product that can be moulded locally. The company's 18.9L water bottles are the standard workhorse of the range. Plastic Innovations offers more than one version of this size. A handle variant weighs 780 grams and carries an integrated PET handle built into the …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Mechani Mags Steps up Winter Servicing of Magnetic Separators in SA
The Boksburg manufacturer puts site inspections, gauss testing and compliance reporting at the centre of its mid-year support for mining and recycling plants. As the mining and recycling sectors move through the mid-year maintenance window, Mechani Mags is putting its inspection and servicing work at the front of the queue. The Boksburg manufacturer, which builds overband magnets and separation equipment for tramp metal removal, is using the quieter winter period to help plants check, test and recertify the magnetic equipment that protects their crushers, mills and downstream machinery. Tramp metal is the loose steel and iron that finds its way onto a conveyor belt: broken bucket teeth, bolts, tools, reinforcing bar and offcuts. When it reaches a crusher or a shredder it can cause serious damage, unplanned downtime and safety incidents. The equipment that catches it, from suspended belt magnets to a conveyor metal detector, only does its job if it is kept in good condition and tested regularly. That is the gap Mechani Mags is focused on filling this season. Why servicing matters now South African processing and recycling operations tend to plan larger maintenance stops during the cooler winter months, when production schedules allow for planned shutdowns. July is a natural point in the year to inspect installed equipment, address wear before it becomes failure, and confirm that separation performance still meets the requirements of the plant. Mechani Mags is aligning its site visits and workshop capacity with that rhythm so operators can go into the second half of the year with equipment they can rely on. The company designs and manufactures its magnetic separators in South Africa, and it supports them through the full life of the installation. That local base matters for turnaround. Instead of waiting for parts or specialists from abroad, plants in Gauteng and further afield can arrange on-site inspection, gauss testing and repairs from a …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Patio SA Puts Custom Retractable Awnings at the Heart of Year-Round Shading
The Johannesburg and Pretoria manufacturer highlights made-to-measure awnings and blinds that control sun and glare through every season. Patio SA, a supplier and installer of custom outdoor shading based in Johannesburg and Pretoria, is drawing attention this July to the value of made-to-measure retractable awnings for homes and businesses that want reliable control over sun and glare across every season. With the low winter sun sitting sharply over Gauteng patios and the warmer months on the horizon, the company says now is a practical time for property owners to plan permanent, adjustable shading rather than waiting for the summer rush. The business manufactures and installs a full range of awnings and patio blinds, tailoring each unit to the space it will cover. Rather than fitting stock sizes, Patio SA measures every project and builds to suit, which the company describes as the difference between shading that simply covers an area and shading that fits it precisely. That made-to-measure approach runs through the whole catalogue, from fold-arm and drop-arm designs to fixed wedge, bow and pram styles, adjustable louvre awnings and pergola screens. Flexible shading for a changing climate A key part of the current message is flexibility. A retractable patio awning can be extended to block harsh sun during the middle of the day and drawn back when a household wants full light or open sky, which makes it useful well beyond the peak of summer. In a Highveld climate where bright winter days give way to sudden heat, that ability to adjust matters as much in July as it does in December. Patio SA positions this adjustable shading as a year-round tool rather than a seasonal add-on. For patios that need enclosure as well as shade, the company offers a range of blinds, including drop blinds, blinds with side tracks, blinds with windows, internal roller blinds and rope-and-pulley systems. These allow an outdoor room to be closed off against wind, dust and cold …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Ballito Pro Launches New ‘Stop the Strangle’ Campaign to Tackle Silent Killer of Ocean Life
As one of the world's longest-running professional surfing events, healthy oceans play a central role at the Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill - without this, there is no surfing. There is no Ballito Pro. There is no us. That’s why ocean conservation initiatives continue to drive this winter holiday event, with the 57th edition taking place from 4 to 18 July 2026 at Willard Beach, KwaDukuza. This year, the event is introducing a powerful environmental initiative to tackle one of the ocean's most deadly yet least visible threats: ghost fishing gear. Known as Stop the Strangle, the initiative is combating ghost gear -abandoned or discarded fishing nets, ropes, lines and traps - which continue to entangle and kill marine animals long after they have been lost at sea. "As surfers, event organisers and ocean lovers, we understand that protecting our coastline is an essential part of our daily lives,” said Collette Bundy, Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill Festival Organiser. “Our long-held conservation initiatives, such as Litter4Tokens and the WESSA Blue Flag and Green Coast projects, are thriving, which is why we felt it right to introduce Stop the Strangle. “This gives visitors another practical way to become part of the solution while learning about one of the greatest threats facing marine life today. We're proud to work with our conservation partners to use the Ballito Pro platform to drive real environmental action." The campaign is being rolled out by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) through its Green Coast Programme, in partnership with Blue Flag South Africa, KwaDukuza Municipality, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, and the Strandloper Project. FAST FACTS: THE GHOST GEAR CRISIS 10% of all marine pollution is made up of ghost fishing gear 70-80% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is estimated to be fishing gear 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear enter the world's oceans every year 100,000+ marine mammals die …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
South African-established Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day Gets United Nations Endorsement in 2026
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), often referred to as the 'nature reserves of the sea', are ecologically significant areas that protect vulnerable marine ecosystems, habitats and species, while supporting the people who depend on them. Launched in South Africa on 1 August 2021, MPA Day aims to drive awareness of these areas dedicated to ocean – and planetary health – with the 2026 edition garnering support from the United Nations. MPA Day now forms part of the Ocean Decade as an Activity under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). This propels the initiative onto an international platform, reinforcing its role in advancing global ocean conservation. "When we launched MPA Day six years ago, our goal was simply to help more people understand why Marine Protected Areas matter,” said Dr Judy Mann-Lang, Founder of MPA Day. “We knew that if people could connect with the ocean and with each other, they would more fully appreciate the value of the ocean and how together we can actively care for it. To now have that vision recognised through a United Nations endorsement is an incredible honour. It validates the importance of the collective work being done to protect our ocean and highlights the critical role MPAs play in securing a healthy future for our planet.” Mann-Lang says this also provides an opportunity to unite individuals, local communities, organisations, scientists, conservationists and policymakers around the common goal of protecting the ocean: “We hope this recognition inspires even more people around the world to join the movement and celebrate MPA Day." What Does the UN Ocean Decade Endorsement Mean? The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development was established to support transformative action for a healthy and sustainable ocean. MPA Day is recognised for its contribution to raising awareness about ocean conservation, promoting ocean literacy, encouraging public …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Dust-A-Side Puts Water Savings at the Heart of Road Dust Control
Dust-A-Side spotlights how its water-saving dust suppression and road management systems help South African mines and industrial sites cut costs and conserve resources. Dust-A-Side, a South African born dust control company with an international footprint, is drawing fresh attention this July to the water savings and operational gains that its dust management systems deliver for mines, quarries, and industrial sites. As operators across the country look for ways to run leaner and greener, the company is putting resource efficiency at the centre of how it talks about road care and airborne dust.Water is one of the most closely watched resources on any South African site, and traditional dust control often leans heavily on it. Dust-A-Side approaches the problem differently. Its treated road surfaces and chemical suppressants are designed to lock dust in place for longer, which reduces how often water carts need to run. On its own materials the company points to water savings of up to 90 percent compared with conventional watering, alongside lower fuel use, fewer equipment repairs, and reduced maintenance costs. At the heart of the offering is a practical form of dust suppression built around the realities of heavy industry. Rather than selling a single product, Dust-A-Side develops site-specific solutions using a range of technologies, including bitumen emulsion, lignosulphonate, polymer-based treatments, and blended formulations that combine these chemistries. Surfactant products and fog cannons round out the toolkit, giving the company options for everything from haul roads to blasting and drilling zones where airborne particles are hardest to manage. Built for mining and heavy industry Mining remains a core focus. Haul roads, underground roads, and hard parking areas all benefit from a properly engineered dust suppression system that keeps surfaces stable under constant heavy traffic. Well maintained roads mean smoother hauling cycles, longer tyre life, and …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
South Africa’s Plastics Recycling Reaches New Milestone Despite Manufacturing Slowdown
South Africa's plastics recycling industry continued its remarkable growth trajectory during 2025, even as the country's manufacturing sector contracted and ongoing weaknesses in the national waste management system threatened to undermine further progress. The latest plastics consumption and recycling figures for the year ending December 2025, released by Plastics SA, show that although domestic virgin polymer consumption declined by 2.8%, plastics recycling continued its upward trajectory, with total plastics recycled increasing by 3% to 485,000 tonnes. The findings reinforce South Africa's position as one of the world's leading performers in mechanical plastics recycling, while highlighting the urgent need to strengthen waste collection and support local manufacturing. Unlike many recycling reports that focus solely on packaging, these figures represent the entire South African plastics industry, including packaging, building and construction, agriculture, mining, automotive, consumer goods and all other plastics applications. Sector-specific analysis will be released later this year. According to Anton Hanekom, Executive Director of Plastics SA, the figures demonstrate both the resilience of the recycling industry and the vulnerability of South Africa's broader manufacturing sector. "Recycling works. The latest figures show growth despite very difficult trading and operational conditions. Over the past ten years, domestic consumption of recyclate in South Africa has grown by an impressive 62%. That is a remarkable achievement and proof that the industry continues to invest, innovate and build a circular economy even under extremely challenging conditions." Manufacturing under pressure While recycling continued to grow, the report paints a less encouraging picture for South Africa's manufacturing sector. Total domestic plastics consumption declined from 2.114 million tonnes in 2024 to 2.063 million tonnes in 2025, with virgin polymer consumption …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot Programme Takes Youngsters to Sea to Strengthen Marine Conservation Education and Stewardship
Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: From first-time snorkellers to future ocean advocates, one humble Mission Blue marine youth education programme is showing how a single encounter with the ocean can completely transform a young person’s understanding of the ocean and broader life perspectives. In less than a year, the Mission Blue Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot Youth Ambassador Programme has taken more than 150 young South Africans out to sea and into tidal pools along the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area in Southern KwaZulu Natal. The programme primarily focuses on participants from underserved communities and has offered their first opportunity to snorkel in tidal pools, explore the Aliwal Shoal reef system and learn about hands-on marine conservation education through personally lived experiences. Target groups have included young people from more rural local areas, as well as youth outreach groups from Genesis Hope South Africa and Made for More. By connecting young people directly with the ocean, the initiative is strengthening local conservation awareness and helping build a new generation of informed ocean stewards. Sponsored by Mission Blue and implemented by Wild Alliance Africa, the programme combines on- and offshore experiences with practical learning about Marine Protected Areas, marine biodiversity, plastic pollution, estuary health and the role that a healthy ocean plays in supporting communities and the planet. Claire Taylor, Co-Champion of the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot and Mission Blue Youth Ambassador Programme Lead for Wild Alliance Africa, says direct experiences in nature are essential to building a conservation ethic. “You cannot protect what you do not know or love. Giving young people the opportunity to experience the ocean firsthand creates a lasting connection that extends far beyond the shoreline. They return home with newfound practical knowledge that could potentially influence broader perceptions, sustainable …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Afrisupply Puts Focus on Spill Containment for South African Worksites
The Boksburg manufacturer highlights secondary containment and emergency response gear as South African businesses plan safety upgrades for the second half of the year. Afrisupply, a South African manufacturer and supplier of spill containment products based in Boksburg, is drawing attention to secondary containment and workplace emergency equipment as businesses across the country review their safety setups for the second half of the year. The company, which describes itself as a spill kit champion, works with sites that handle oil, diesel, chemical and other hazardous substances, and it is encouraging operators to check that their containment measures are in place before an incident happens rather than after.The message from the Boksburg team is straightforward. A spill that reaches a storm drain becomes an environmental problem as well as a workplace one, and the cost of cleaning up a contaminated waterway is far higher than the cost of preventing the spill in the first place. Afrisupply designs its range to keep leaks and spills contained at source, which protects both the site and the surrounding environment. A full range built around containment Afrisupply manufactures and supplies a wide range of products for spill response and prevention. Its Spill Kits are built to deal with oil, diesel, chemical and biological spillages, and they are available in wheelie, truck-mounted and customised formats so that they suit the way a particular site operates. A kit that sits ready in a warehouse looks different from one that travels on a delivery truck, and Afrisupply builds to those different needs rather than offering a single option. Alongside its response kits, the company supplies secondary containment products that stop a leak before it spreads. Its Drip Trays sit beneath drums, machinery and stored liquids to catch drips and small leaks, keeping them off the floor and away from drains. This kind of passive containment is often the difference between a …