ALPLA expands into South Africa with US$63M recycling plant

SOUTH AFRICA – ALPLA, a global packaging and recycling leader, has inaugurated a new PET recycling plant in South Africa, advancing the nation’s plastic recycling capacity. 

Following an 18-month construction period, the US$63.3M facility in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, will produce 35,000 tonnes of recycled PET (rPET) annually, supporting South Africa’s circular economy goals and PET industry regulations.

This investment is a strategic move for ALPLA in the South African market, where rising sustainability requirements for packaging materials have spurred demand for recycled PET. 

Beginning in 2025, the plant will supply high-quality rPET flakes and food-grade rPET pellets to ALPLA’s Lanseria production site, where they will be used to manufacture affordable, safe, and sustainable plastic packaging. 

The Ballito facility will initially produce 35,000 tonnes of rPET flakes, of which 16,000 tonnes will be processed into pellets, enabling local beverage and packaging industries to meet growing recycled content mandates.

The opening ceremony on October 31 attracted industry representatives and government officials, including South African ministers and Austria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Romana Königsbrun. 

“Our aim is to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable packaging solutions while improving quality of life. Our investments in Ballito and Lanseria lay the foundation for continued success and growth in the region,” CEO Philipp Lehner highlighted the significance of South Africa to ALPLA’s business.

South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation, introduced in 2021, mandates that PET beverage bottles must contain 10% recycled material, a target set to double by 2026. 

ALPLA’s Ballito plant will enable local producers to meet these requirements and enhance rPET availability in the national market. 

“Our expertise makes us a reliable partner for sustainable solutions, advancing the circular economy and reducing waste through cooperation with regional collection programs,” noted Gerhard Meyringer, the plant’s Manager.

ALPLA’s investment will also foster economic development within the iLembe district. The plant has the potential to add a second extrusion line to expand its capacity further, with an additional 30,000 square meters available for future growth.