Celebrating Industry Progress and Setting Bold Goals for 2025
Durban, 26 June 2025.
MetPac-SA, the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for metal packaging in South Africa, recently held its 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) online, reflecting on the organisation’s impressive growth and achievements, while outlining ambitious plans for the year ahead.
The meeting was opened by the Chairman, Mark Helfrich, who welcomed members and stakeholders, expressing pride in the significant strides made by the MetPac-SA team. Helfrich emphasised the power of collaboration and innovation, highlighting that sustainable practices are no longer aspirational but essential and achievable through united industry efforts.
MetPac-SA Chief Executive Officer Dr Kishan Singh delivered a detailed presentation on the association’s core function in representing metal packaging producers in South Africa (excluding pesticide aerosols and 210-litre drums). He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Directors, EPR team, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), PRO Alliance, and other strategic partners for their continued support in advancing the circular economy.
“Since our inception in 2017, MetPac-SA’s growth as a PRO has been commendable. Our performance against the DFFE’s Section 18 NEMWA compliance obligations demonstrates that we are not only meeting expectations but exceeding them in several areas. We remain optimistic about the future of metal packaging collection and recycling in South Africa,” Dr Singh said.
MetPac-SA currently represents approximately 100,000 tonnes of metal packaging in the country, comprising 58% aluminium and 42% ferrous. Dr Singh highlighted a positive trend in membership growth over the past three years and showcased the organisation’s performance against government targets, including post-consumer re-melt volumes and recycled content.
“While tinplate data collection remains a challenge, we have surpassed expectations thanks to strong partnerships with recyclers, re-melters, and the integration of digital tracking systems like XA Trading’s My Scrap Matters,” he reported.
The AGM showcased updates on several of MetPac-SA’s key projects:
- Trash for Treats: Now in 45 schools across Gauteng, KZN, and the Western Cape, engaging 28,691 learners and 1,800 teachers.
- Plant the Seed: A national education and awareness campaign, inspiring 11,700 learners and generating 46,800 video views.
- Research and Awards Programme: 28 students from 5 universities focused on recycling in rural communities.
- Phoenix for the Planet: A growing community cleanup initiative.
- XA Trading / My Scrap Matters: Enhancing ferrous data collection through app-based tools.
- Get Metal: A waste characterisation initiative adding accuracy to ferrous data reporting.
- Support Projects in Swellendam, Saldanha, and Mangaung: Empowering local recyclers, launching depots, and supporting door-to-door campaigns.
- IPSA Gold Pack Awards Programme: MetPac-SA’s ongoing sponsorship to highlight innovation in metal packaging.
Another notable development within MetPac-SA this past year includes the roll-out of the SA Waste Picker Registration System (SAWPRS 2.0) by Lariat, aiming to register 20,000 waste pickers by the end of 2025. As an active member of the PRO Alliance, Dr Singh also introduced the restructuring of the PRO Alliance into five strategic pillars, which MetPac-SA will continue to support in the coming year. This includes: waste picker integration; compliance and governance; infrastructure development; public relations and legislative reform.
Strategic Outlook for 2025
MetPac-SA’s priorities for the year ahead include:
- Enhanced waste picker integration
- Continued EPR legislative reform
- Improved aluminium re-melt and ferrous tonnage data collection
- National municipal engagement strategy
- ISO9001:2015 certification
- A national metal art sculpture drive, which will engage communities through creativity
During the meeting, various other topics were addressed during a live question and answer session, including recycling targets and aerosol recycling. It was highlighted that MetPac-SA member Hulamin remains Sub-Saharan Africa’s only can-to-can recycler, with significant investments made to enhance local capacity. Moreover, MetPac-SA introduced a proactive safety and collection strategy for aerosol cannisters, aimed at increasing awareness and improving infrastructure in this complex waste stream.
Board Announcements
The MetPac-SA Board of Directors was confirmed as follows:
- Kishan Singh – CEO
- Mark Helfrich – Chairman
- Ntsako Baloyi – Vice Chairman
- Bridget Zuma – new incoming board member replacing Riccardo Benedetti
- Muhammed Darsot – Board Member
- David Kramer – Board Member
- Charles Muller – Board Consultant
- Andre Hoffman from RFG Foods was elected to the board by unanimous vote.
Closing the AGM, Dr Singh reaffirmed MetPac-SA’s commitment to driving innovation, improving data accuracy, and building inclusive recycling ecosystems that benefit all South Africans.
“The metal packaging industry stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation, supported by robust legislation, growing consumer demand, and a committed network of stakeholders. As we navigate ongoing challenges, our focus remains clear: to strengthen recovery systems, promote circularity, ensure that metal packaging plays a vital role in South Africa’s sustainable future, supporting waste-pickers and creating more employment opportunities within the metal packaging recycling sector. With the continued collaboration of our members and industry partners, we are confident that metal will remain a packaging powerhouse thanks to it being infinitely recyclable, environmentally sound, and essential to a greener tomorrow,” Dr Singh concluded.
