SPUR Corporation, a leading multinational franchised casual-dining restaurant group and founding member of the SA Plastics Pact, has pledged to phase out PET, PETG and PVC shrink sleeves as part of its Greater Good Journey. The SPUR journey to eliminate PETG shrink sleeves began with the identification of this material as problematic plastic packaging by the SA Plastics Pact. After some investigation, SPUR began tests with the printing supplier and PET bottle manufacturer, Polyoak Packaging, in 2023 to identify the most suitable material for substitution. Polyoak Packaging is also an SA Plastics Pact founding member. Based on the tests, SPUR Corporation ultimately selected a floatable polyolefin material, supplied by SA Plastics Pact business member MCC, as a suitable alternative. However, the adoption of the chosen polyolefin shrink sleeve was initially hampered by global supply problems, which caused a delay in transitioning to the new format.
In 2024, SPUR began to transition the shrink sleeves on sauce bottles supplied to restaurants to the polyolefin material. By 2025, SPUR was on track for the complete adoption of polyolefin sleeves across its restaurant range.
This action by SPUR Corporation represents pioneering action by the company to tackle the challenge of problematic shrink sleeves. As part of the SA Plastics Pact’s work on Target 1, the members compiled a list of problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging items for phasing out. Whilst many of these items have since been completely phased out by the members, several items have proved harder to eradicate than previously expected.
Presently, problematic shrink sleeves (those made from either PET, PETG or PVC (which accounts for most of the market)) represent the largest share by weight of priority problematic and unnecessary plastics on the market.
As part of the private sector engagement component of the Plastic Reboot – South Africa project, GreenCape has published a case study, titled “Shrinking the problem? Addressing problematic PET, PETG and PVC shrink sleeves on PET bottles”. The case study showcases how collaboration among South African Plastics Pact members support the redesign of shrink sleeves to improve the recyclability of PET bottles. This is shown by the shift to floatable polyolefin material, which includes polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), that is compatible with PET bottle recycling. The case study includes an examination of the action taken by SPUR Corporation as well as other members that have tackled this challenge.
To access the full case study, click on the image below.
Plastic Reboot is funded by the Global Environment Facility and co-led by UN Environment Programme and World Wildlife Fund. The programme is implemented by UNIDO and UNDP and brings together governments, businesses and civil society. The goal is to build circular systems that re-envision the plastic value chain in the food and beverage industry.
Plastic Reboot – South Africa is executed by WWF South Africa in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), GreenCape and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
