An investment through a partnership between Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Namibia and Plastic Packaging has culminated in the opening of a new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flaking plant at Okahandja.
The Plant will double the capacity of the only mechanical recycler of plastic waste in the country. The completion of the N$24 million cutting-edge recycling facility will enable Namibia Polymer Recyclers to recycle up to 500 tonnes per month, ensuring that a circular economy for plastics is advanced in Namibia.
Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta said the investment amplifies the commitment of the Coca-Cola Company and its partners in meeting the government halfway in its agenda to create a Namibia and a world without waste.
“As our world continues to grapple with the consequences of excessive waste production, it is now more important than ever to address these challenges head-on and work towards sustainable solutions,” Shitefa said.
“The impact of improper waste management and the proliferation of plastic waste on our environment cannot be overstated. Therefore, the significance of this endeavour cannot be overstated. By doubling the capacity of our mechanical plastic waste recycling, we are not only addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution but also unlocking economic opportunities for our nation,” said Shifeta.
He added that the consequences of people’s wasteful habits are far-reaching and damaging, due to the dangers posed by plastics polluting oceans and harming marine life contributing, to greenhouse gas emissions and land pollution.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola’s Chief Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Officer Tshidi Ramogase said the process started in 2018 when the beverages company launched an ambitious strategy called World Without Waste to drive systemic change through a circular economy for our packaging.
“World Without Waste is a global sustainable packaging platform focused on measurable and interconnected goals, each of which is supported by additional targets, making 100% of our packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and using at least 50% recycled material in our packaging by 2030. In addition to collecting and recycling a bottle or can for each one we sell by 2030,” said Ramogase.
He added that they are bringing people together to support a healthy and debris-free environment, noting that the demand for recycled PET plastic for food-grade applications currently exceeds supply.
“So we need to help build a sustainable pipeline of high-quality material because tackling the global plastic waste crisis requires cross-sector collaboration and alignment on common principles and targets,” Ramogase further stated.
This recycling plant transforms discarded beverage bottles made from PET into PET flakes with an international market value.
The shredding process involves the sorting, washing, and shredding of post-consumer bottles into PET flakes, which are then sent to South Africa for further processing into recycled PET products or R-PET material.
This reduces the requirement for the manufacture of virgin plastic packaging while also reducing plastic waste entering landfills and the environment.
