This aims to reflect a continued strengthening of the country's recycling ecosystem and an increase from the 24% recycling rate recorded in 2024 to 31% in 2025, says the company.

These year-on-year gains follow sustained investment and collaboration aimed at expanding collection and recycling infrastructure nationwide. As the only producer actively driving post-consumer carton recycling in South Africa, Tetra Pak has invested just under R100-million over recent years, including R17-million invested in 2025 to further enhance recycling capability, build capacity and deepen value-chain partnerships, adds the company.

Building a Circular Economy

"Achieving a 33% collection rate and 31% recycling rate for 2025 demonstrates the real impact of consistent investment and strong partnerships," says Wael Khoury, Managing Director of Tetra Pak® Southern Africa. "While we continue working toward our 2030 goals, the progress reflected in this year's results shows that our long-term strategy is delivering meaningful benefits for communities, the economy and the environment."

The company's results for 2025 were delivered in partnership with the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), Petco, ensuring alignment with legislated annual targets set by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), says the company.

Partnerships and Community Empowerment

"Collaboration continues to be central to the company's momentum," says Telly Chauke, CEO of Petco. "The growth in carton collection and recycling over the past year demonstrates the strength of shared commitment in building a functional and inclusive recycling value chain. Tetra Pak's continued investment is opening up opportunities across the sector and driving sustainable impact."

Reflecting on the progress, Tetra Pak's Head of Sustainability for Sub-Saharan Africa, Masale Manoko, aims to highlight the company's strengthened partnerships with recyclers Mpact and Gayatri Paper Mills, who have integrated carton recycling into their operations, says the company.

Over the past two years, the number of buy-back centres collecting LBP cartons has expanded from 32 to more than 220 nationwide, deepening access for waste collectors and supporting growth in collection volumes, adds the company.

"Alongside infrastructure investment, our national education and outreach programmes are helping embed awareness around the value of cartons in the recycling stream," says Manoko. "Through recycling champions working directly with waste pickers and buy-back centres, we're building a culture that understands and supports the circular economy."

Progress With Purpose

Tetra Pak's 2025 results aim to reflect one of the most significant year-on-year increases in carton recycling rates within the local packaging sector. While the company continues its work toward achieving its 2030 commitments, the progress made this year aims to underscore its leadership in sustainable packaging and its role in developing a resilient, circular economy in South Africa, concludes the company.

For more information, visit www.tetrapak.com. You can also follow Tetra Pak on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor