New plant to recycle 500 tonnes of plastic per month

Approximately 500 tonnes of polyethylene terephthalate will be processed per month at the recently inaugurated first plastic recycling plant, says minister of environment, forestry and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta.

Shifeta said this during the inauguration ceremony of the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic recycling plant yesterday in Okahandja.

The N$24 million joint venture is a commitment from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) and Namibia Polymer Recyclers who are meeting the government halfway in its agenda to create a Namibia, and a world, without waste.

“The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. By doubling the capacity of our mechanical plastic waste recycling, we are not only addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution, but also unlocking economic opportunities for our nation,” he said.

The plant will significantly reduce the need for virgin PET while diverting substantial waste from landfills and the precious environment.

“Moreover, the collaboration between Plastic Packaging, a stalwart in Namibia’s packaging industry and Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, a key player in Africa’s beverage landscape, underscores the power of public private partnerships in driving sustainable development,” he said.
According to Shifeta, the initiative aligns with Namibia’s broader environmental conservation efforts and the country’s commitment to the principles of a circular economy.

Furthermore, the initiative highlights that economic prosperity and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive but are interconnected pillars of sustainable development.

Additionally, waste management practices such as composting, re-using and reducing the consumption and banning the production, imports and usage of irrelevant single use plastic products can significantly lessen mankind’s environmental footprints and contribute to a more sustainable future.

“Together we can turn the tide against plastic pollution and pave the way towards a more sustainable and prosperous future,” he concluded.