Analysing the role and job creation potential of buy-back centres along the South African beverage polyethylene terephthalate value chain: A circular economy perspective

The rate of plastic consumption is predicted to grow at an increasing rate beyond 2050, with plastic waste reaching as much as 873 million tonnes by 2050. The drive towards a circular plastics economy means that plastic waste represents a growing resource, with the potential to contribute significantly to job creation and economic activity, particularly in developing countries. However, this potential is not currently being realised, highlighting the need for strategic interventions. In 2020 extended producer responsibility, one mechanism available to enable the circular plastics economy, was legislated in South Africa. One of the requirements for producer responsibility organisations is to report on job creation. This study investigated the beverage polyethylene terephthalate (PET) value chain and identified the critical and poorly understood role of buy-back centres (BBCs) in the system. A survey of 52 BBCs, covering 8 of the 9 provinces, was conducted to understand material flows, operating and financial models and staffing requirements. The BBC sector is estimated to employ over 15,500 full-time equivalents, the majority (68%) unskilled or semi-skilled workers, and contribute over R1.66 billion in wages and salaries. Beverage PET accounts for approximately 19% of the material handled, directly contributing to over 3000 jobs. Key findings of the research were the difference between the various categories of BBCs operating in South Africa referred to as 'aggregators' and 'pre-processors' and the critical role played by 'bakkie collectors', as an essential link for informal collectors.