South Africa Launches First Harbour-Based Net Recycling Facility

Strategic Insights -

South Africa has taken a significant step towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability with the launch of its first harbour-based net recycling facility at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The facility, a containerised "micro-recycling pod," processes end-of-life fishing nets into high-value raw materials for reuse in plastic manufacturing. This innovative project aims to create a scalable, circular economy solution for marine plastic waste and support South Africa's national commitments under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act.

Key Takeaways:

  • The harbour-based net recycling facility, located at Collier Jetty, is South Africa's first of its kind and processes up to 100 kilograms of used fishing nets per hour.
  • The facility transforms discarded fishing gear into clean plastic flakes, preventing waste from reaching landfills or the ocean and reducing the risk of ghost fishing gear.
  • The project was led by OCEAN Action Network (OCEAN) and Ocean Plastic Technologies (OPT), with support from the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA) and the V&A Waterfront.
  • The facility complements South Africa's national commitments under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act and advances global goals such as Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
  • The project reflects South Africa's leadership on the issue of marine plastic waste within the Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency.

Statistics:

  • The harbour-based net recycling facility can process up to 100 kilograms of used fishing nets per hour.
  • The facility can transform up to 100 kilograms of discarded fishing gear into clean plastic flakes per hour.
  • The project aims to scale the model and deploy additional containers to other harbours across the country and continent.
  • The facility will create awareness of the importance of recycling among residents and visitors to the V&A Waterfront.

Sources:

  • SAnews.gov.za)
  • Government of South Africa
  • OCEAN Action Network (OCEAN)
  • Ocean Plastic Technologies (OPT)
  • South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA)
  • V&A Waterfront