Fibre Circle is a producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for the South African paper and paper packaging sector. In line with Government regulations and in collaboration with its registered members, Fibre Circle manages the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for seven paper and paper packaging categories.
Its principal aim is to divert paper and paper packaging, which are renewable and recyclable products, away from South Africa’s landfills and, in so doing, help to create a clean and dignified living and working environment for all South Africans.
Fibre Circle seeks to achieve this by:
- Improving paper collection and recycling programmes across through targeted, measurable interventions countrywide.
- Managing the EPR fees entrusted to the PRO in a specific, auditable and practical manner.
- Engaging with its stakeholders, including registered producers, value chain partners, and national, provincial, and local government.
- Enabling research and development in the paper and paper packaging sector to support the circular nature of paper fibre and process waste.
Fibre Circle oversees the EPR schemes for:
- Packaging papers
- Office paper
- Newsprint, magazines and coated papers
- Paper sacks
- Label backing paper and waste matrix
- Liquid board packaging
- Multi-layer paper-based packaging
EPR compliance through Fibre Circle
A Fibre Circle member is liable for EPR fees if the entity:
- Manufactures locally and places more than 10 tonnes of product per annum on the South Africa market.
- Imports paper and/or paper packaging products and places more than 10 tonnes of product per annum on the South Africa market.
- Imports products containing more than 10 tonnes of primary or secondary paper packaging.
- Converts a paper type and significantly changes the composition of the product to such an extent that the product is more difficult to collect and/or recycle, and if the converted product exceeds 10 tonnes per annum placed on the market.
Since inception, Fibre Circle built relationships with its members and key stakeholders who share the PRO’s vision of zero paper and paper packaging to landfill. It is encouraged by the number of members who are keen to actively participate in the scheme and promote South Africa’s circular economy. To date, Fibre Circle has 217 registered members including local manufacturers, importers, brand owners and retailers.
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