Shortly after the launch of the SA Plastics Pact in 2020, members began work on Target 1, which involved determining a list of problematic and unnecessary plastic packaging items for phasing out. Amongst the items listed were problematic shrink sleeves (a 360-degree, form-fitting label that fully wraps around the bottle) – in particular those comprised of either PET, PETG or PVC.
A core issue with those shrink sleeve formats is that they disrupt PET beverage bottle recycling streams. PET beverage bottles represent one of the most successfully recycled packaging formats in South Africa, with 67% reportedly collected for recycling in 2024.
Woolworths‘ journey to phase out PVC shrink sleeves began about 20 years ago, driven by concerns about the environmental and health impacts associated with PVC production. These impacts include the release of toxic substances and the risk posed by the improper management of wastewater, which can release harmful contaminants into local ecosystems.
Woolworths chose to substitute PVC shrink sleeves with PETG, which – at the time – was widely considered a suitable alternative. However, exposure to international developments, such as efforts in California to reclassify PETG separately from PET, and engagements with local recyclers, including SA Plastics Pact member Extrupet, revealed that PETG behaves differently during recycling.
Woolworths realised that PETG was not the ideal solution. This prompted a search for a material that could deliver the same shrink performance without disrupting recycling. After exploring international options that did not meet performance requirements, Woolworths worked with label manufacturer MCC, a locally operating multinational supplier and SA Plastics Pact member, to find an alternative. The alternative was polypropylene (PP), a floatable polyolefin material compatible with PET recycling processes. However, as the shrink sleeves had to be imported, supply was initially an issue, with the shrink sleeves not being readily available as they were still considered in development. However, those issues were soon resolved as global supply became available and local demand increased.
In 2023, Woolworths transitioned its first product line to PP shrink sleeves. This innovation was recognised with the 2024 Petco Award for “Best Design for Circularity”. Woolworths has since continued to transition more product lines to polyolefin sleeves.
The SA Plastics Pact provides an enabling platform and opportunity to address the challenge of PET, PETG and PVC shrink sleeves on recyclable PET bottles. Through the Pact’s Action Groups, which are specialised working groups representing relevant value-chain role players, members have worked together to identify practical solutions for problematic and unnecessary plastic packaging. In the case of shrink sleeves, this process highlighted several potential pathways:
- Replacement of shrink sleeves with labels
- Complete elimination of shrink sleeves
- Material substitution.
Other members have shown similar ambition and innovation, with the notable cases of the Spur Corporation and CCL labels.
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 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).
