With the promulgation of the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) regulations, a renewed focus has been placed on reaching collection and recycling targets for packaging. Brand owners have also set ambitious sustainable packaging goals of which many factors are determined in the design phase of the product.
To support our customers and industry bodies, such as Fibre Circle, Mpact took the decision to launch a local recyclability testing laboratory that is aligned with the harmonised European CEPI methodology. This method of testing enables a science-based approach to inform design for recycling principles and accurate labelling of products for consumers to dispose of packaging responsibly.
Mpact’s training took place at Institut für Fasern & Papier GmbH, a research and service institute in Germany, formerly known as Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS). Based on this training, and the experience that was subsequently gained in this space, our testing facility was invited to apply to become an accredited laboratory on the CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries) list.
Based in Springs, the laboratory is the first of its kind in South Africa. The facility is uniquely positioned as it is integrated with Mpact Recycling, one of the largest waste collectors in South Africa, and Mpact Paper, a manufacturer of paperbased products containing recycled fibre. By overlaying knowledge of key points along the value-chain, valuable insights of recyclability in practice and at scale is created.
Thought leadership developed in this space allows for the evolution of new innovative product designs and identifying new end-of-life scenarios for previously difficult to recycle materials. Together, we aim to accelerate the sustainable packaging transformation.
