by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SYSTEMS Applications and Products (SAP), German software giant has urged South African companies to tap technology as they prepare for incoming plastic legislation.
The South Africa government is implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, plastic taxes and reporting requirements to turn the tide on unchecked plastic production and use, noted Sunil Geness, Director: Global Government Affairs and CSR Africa and Global Sustainability Lead for Africa at SAP.
“Businesses need to prepare for the incoming plastic legislation by enhancing their data management and compliance efforts to ensure they gain a clear, accurate picture of their plastic material flows and minimise the environmental impact of plastic products in their supply chains,” he said.
Geness advises that businesses wishing to mitigate risks regarding plastic products in their supply chain need to implement robust data management to improve compliance and advance their sustainability and circular economy goals.
“South African companies also face increasing pressure from government regulations to minimise plastic waste and enhance their recycling efforts, adding further pressure on business leaders,” Geness said.
South Africa’s updated environmental regulations require that companies increase the percentage of post-consumer recyclables to 75 percent by 2025, and 100 percent by 2027.
Non-compliance would result in fines of up to R5 million or imprisonment for up to five years.
According to a new report launched in partnership with research consultancy Earth Action, businesses that fail to scale their plastic data management could face corporate liabilities of more than $20 billion globally by 2030.
Geness noted that emerging technologies could deliver circular economy benefits across the plastic lifecycle.
“AI and IoT enhance efficiency during manufacturing, while blockchain ensures transparency throughout supply chains through immutable and transparent records of plastic materials,” Geness said.
“IoT-enabled smart packaging can engage consumers by providing recycling information and incentives, while tech-powered advanced recycling technologies can convert waste into valuable resources, closing the loop in circular economy efforts.”
March 18 was World Recycling Day.
– CAJ News