ACEA
Sep 6, 2024
The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), in partnership with Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains and Circularium Africa Advisory, has released a paper titled “Reducing Plastic Pollution in Africa: The Imperative of a Continental rPET Standard for Food-Contact Applications”. The publication provides a practical strategy to address the rising plastic pollution crisis in Africa through the adoption of a unified standard for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).
Plastic pollution seriously threatens Africa's biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health. rPET, used in packaging such as plastic bottles and food containers, offers a sustainable alternative. It consumes less energy and water, reduces CO2 emissions, and decreases reliance on fossil fuels compared to virgin polyester.
Clem Ugorji (photo), Lead Advisor at Circularium Africa Advisory and the Africa Region Lead for the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) presented the publication titled “Reducing Plastic Pollution in Africa: The Imperative of a Continental rPET Standard for Food-Contact Applications” outlining these findings. It was on September 6th, 2024 during a Ministerial dinner held on the sidelines of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
The economic impact of plastic pollution is profound. In West Africa alone, plastic marine pollution costs from $10,000 to $33,000 per ton. Globally, the toll on tourism, fishing, aquaculture, and cleanup in 2018 ranged between $6 billion and $19 billion. By 2040, the societal lifetime cost of plastic production could reach $7.1 trillion—equivalent to nearly 85% of global health spending in 2018.
Currently, only 6% of Africa's plastic waste is recycled. Establishing a unified rPET standard could drastically improve recycling rates, create jobs, and attract investment. This standard would boost intra-African trade, reduce import dependency, and spur innovation, ensuring African products meet global standards while promoting sustainable development.
While the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) is already developing the standard, ACEA leverages its expertise in the African circular economy to lead advocacy efforts for setting high standards for recycled PET in food packaging.
Every stakeholder has a role in enabling Africa to unlock this opportunity. Governments must champion circular economy policies, invest in recycling infrastructure, and enhance regional cooperation. Industries need to invest in recycled materials, redesign packaging for sustainability, and meet rPET content commitments by 2030. Intergovernmental institutions and donors should provide the necessary financial and technical support. Consumers can drive demand by choosing rPET products and advocating for sustainability.
This unified effort presents a strategic and actionable solution to the plastic pollution problem in Africa. It’s not just about addressing an environmental issue; it’s about unlocking significant economic and environmental benefits for the continent, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.