ALPLA joins forces with Re-Purpose
THE ALPLA Group and Re-Purpose have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing sustainable packaging solutions and strengthening the feedstock value chain of ALPLA’s inaugural PET recycling facility in Africa.
ALPLA is investing €60 million in constructing a cutting-edge recycling plant in Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal. Construction of the plant on the 90,000m² is well underway. By early 2025, the plant is projected to produce over 35,000 tons of recycled PET (rPET) annually.
Re-Purpose, headquartered in Durban, is a key player in the reverse logistics of post-consumer plastic waste through source-oriented collection programmes. With four material recovery facilities across KwaZulu-Natal, Re-Purpose is fostering the development of local communities and buy-back centres to gather and divert a significant volume of plastic waste. This model also generates hundreds of jobs and income for previously disadvantaged individuals.
The partnership amalgamates ALPLA’s recycling expertise with Re-Purpose’s innovative reverse logistics. By combining efforts, the two companies aim to cultivate innovative solutions and promote the circular economy. Simultaneously, numerous job opportunities will be created in KZN, neighbouring provinces and potentially nationwide.
Circular economy and waste reduction
As part of the collaboration, Re-Purpose will maximise the use of its existing baling centres and establish new centres to facilitate PET bottle collection. Re-Purpose will also aid ALPLA in establishing a strategic supplier base for PET bottle bales and collaborate with key stakeholders to extend community outreach and source separation programmes. The objective is to contribute to the collection of 5,000 tons of PET per month, a volume expected to be necessary for the full capacity operation of ALPLA’s recycling plant from 2026.
“We are delighted to partner with Re-Purpose to expedite our journey towards a more sustainable future. This collaboration enables us to broaden our range of packaging solutions crafted from recycled PET material, providing our regional customers with innovative alternatives that align with their sustainability objectives,” said Dietmar Marin, managing director of ALPLA’s Recycling Division.
Re-Purpose brings its expertise in baling with advanced machinery and in developing collection models from the source. The partnership bolsters the company’s impact and propels the widespread adoption of collection programmes involving buy-back centres, waste pickers, and schools.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with ALPLA to drive innovation and sustainability in the recycling industry. By merging ALPLA’s extensive recycling experience with our reverse collection model, we are expanding the circular economy and assisting manufacturers in meeting the requisite EPR targets,” said Bevlen Sudhu, founder and managing director of Re-Purpose.
Together, ALPLA and Re-Purpose are committed to spearheading the development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions that benefit businesses, consumers and the environment alike. This partnership represents a significant stride towards a more circular and sustainable environment.
