RUGBY FIELDS AND PAPER RECYCLING

South Africa recycled just under 1.3 million tons of paper and paper packaging in 2022 and if baled and laid out, this would cover 161 rugby fields. This has saved 3.8 million cubic metres of landfill space and has ensured that the paper industry could re-use the fibre in cardboard boxes, grocery bags, egg boxes, newspapers and tissue products.

Packaging sustainability trends are affecting demand for paper, with many brands reducing plastic in their packaging or aiming for single material packaging that is recyclable.

The paper recycling rate for 2022 was 61% and while this was lower than previous years, it is still comparable with more developed countries such as the US at 68% and Europe at 70%. Recycling statistics should not be viewed in isolation year on year, as a lower recycling percentage does not mean that South Africa is recycling less paper.

Clean and dry paper is essential for recycling, and informal collectors will earn a better rate if the paper is of a good quality. Consumers should keep wet waste away from dry recyclables by separating bins in the home and putting a box of clean recyclables on the pavement for collectors. If paper and cardboard get wet, they start to degrade, making the items less recyclable.

www.thepaperstory.co.za