IVORY COAST – The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), a government-led coalition of African countries, with a mission to spur Africa’s transformation to a circular economy, has proposed the establishment of an African standard for rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate or recycled PET) in food applications.
rPET is a food-grade material derived from the recycling of used PET packaging. It has a significant environmental benefit, requiring half the energy and emitting five times less CO2 than the production of virgin PET bottles.
According to the ACEA study presented in Abidjan, such a standard will boost the continent’s economic growth, stimulate intra-African trade and reduce countries’ dependence on imports, while encouraging innovation.
The circular economy refers to a model in which products are re-used and recycled, waste is reduced, and products are re-designed.
The publication, entitled “Reducing Plastic Pollution in Africa: The Imperative for a Continental rPET Standard for Food Contact Applications, “was conducted in collaboration with Circularium Africa Advisory and the European Union-funded “Switch to Circular Economy” programme.
“Implementing a pan-African rPET standard requires coordinated action by all stakeholders: governments must champion circular economy policies and foster regional cooperation,” the ACEA study suggests.
“Industries must invest in recycled materials and redesign packaging for sustainability; consumers must choose rPET products, while intergovernmental institutions and donor agencies must provide financial and technical support.”
The theme of this year’s Ministerial Conference was “the crucial role of the circular economy in combating land degradation, desertification and drought.”
South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George commented that circular economy holds the potential to address many of the environmental complexities the world faces.
“Circular agriculture, for instance, offers solutions for regenerating degraded soils and reducing water stress. By utilising organic waste as a resource, we can enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and restore ecosystems,” George said.
At the same time, Anthony Nyong, Director of the Climate Change and Green Growth Department at the African Development Bank said the circular economy is a transformative solution for Africa’s green growth.
It has the potential to create eleven million jobs and grow Africa’s GDP by $66 billion, while enabling a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
For Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission, “It is essential to support Africa to seize the vast opportunities offered by circularity. We call on all stakeholders – governments, the private sector and development organizations – to join forces with the Alliance to support the African Union Circular Economy Action Plan.”
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