The Shoprite Group has rolled out South Africa\u2019s first fully recyclable 7kg potato bags, tackling a persistent packaging dilemma in the country\u2019s retail industry.<\/p>\n
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The initiative represents a crucial advancement in minimising landfill waste produced by conventional potato pockets, which cannot be recycled through current domestic facilities.<\/p>\n
Potato pockets, utilised by millions each year, comprise two layers that complicate recycling efforts.<\/p>\n
The outer layer and an inner wet-strength layer, designed to withstand moisture, contribute to an estimated 18,600 tonnes of waste in South Africa annually, the company said.<\/p>\n
A team of five staff members from various departments in the company took on this challenge as part of a leadership development programme in partnership with the Gordon Institute of Business Science.<\/p>\n
The team\u2019s objective was to develop potato pockets that are recyclable, reusable, or compostable.<\/p>\n
The project uncovered complexities within the supply chain, particularly due to the necessity for a moisture-absorbing inner layer.<\/p>\n
This requirement, stipulated by Potato SA, rendered conventional recycling processes ineffective for these bags.<\/p>\n
The team dedicated six months to mapping the value chain and engaging with various stakeholders across the industry.<\/p>\n
Its investigation included examining international alternatives and evaluating the feasibility of consumer return schemes or reuse in construction.<\/p>\n
However, none of these options proved viable for the local market.<\/p>\n
A breakthrough occurred when Billerud, a prominent supplier of potato pocket material, became aware of the issue.<\/p>\n
Its research and development team in Sweden began working on a new semi-wet-strength formulation that would be recyclable in South Africa.<\/p>\n
After an initial formulation did not succeed, a second attempt successfully passed local recyclability assessments, meeting all technical specifications without incurring additional costs.<\/p>\n
This development allowed for smooth integration without disrupting existing operations.<\/p>\n
The new recyclable potato bags will be introduced in over 1,400 Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave supermarkets starting this month.<\/p>\n
This change will elevate the proportion of the group\u2019s packaging that is recyclable, reusable, or compostable from 88.9% to 90%. <\/p>\n
In addition to its environmental advantages, the initiative offers economic prospects.<\/p>\n
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