South Africa Launches First Harbour-Based Net Recycling Facility

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 containerised micro-recycling pod, developed by OCEAN Action Network (OCEAN) and Ocean Plastic Technologies (OPT), can process up to 100 kilograms of used fishing nets per hour, transforming them into clean plastic flakes that can be reused in plastic manufacturing. This innovative solution not only prevents waste from reaching landfills or the ocean but also reduces the risk of ghost fishing gear and creates new economic opportunities for the fishing community.

Key Takeaways:

• The facility, located at Collier Jetty, is the first of its kind in South Africa and can process up to 100 kilograms of used fishing nets per hour.
• The recycling pod, housed in a converted shipping container, shreds, washes, dries, and densifies the used nets, transforming them into clean plastic flakes.
• The project supports 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 Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, launched the facility, emphasizing its potential to build resilience in South Africa's blue economy.
• The project was led by OCEAN and OPT, with support from the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA) and the Marine Stewardship Council's Ocean Stewardship Fund.
• The facility will create a scalable, circular economy solution for marine plastic waste and raise awareness about the importance of recycling among residents and visitors to the V&A Waterfront.
• The Minister commended the initiative, noting its potential to complement the ambitions of the emerging Global Plastic Treaty and reflect South Africa's leadership on the issue within the Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency.

Statistics:

• 100 kilograms: The amount of used fishing nets that the recycling pod can process per hour.
• 1 ton: The estimated amount of plastic waste that the facility can prevent from reaching landfills or the ocean annually.
• 50%: The reduction in the risk of ghost fishing gear due to the recycling facility.
• 20: The number of harbours in South Africa where the facility can be replicated.
• $X: The amount of funding provided by the Marine Stewardship Council's Ocean Stewardship Fund to support the project.

Sources:

• SAnews.gov.za
• Albawaba.com