Partnering with producers
Become a member of Petco
What defines a producer and what are your legal obligations?
Section 18 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) makes it compulsory for all producers responsible for placing more than 10 tonnes of identified paper and packaging products onto the South African market annually to implement an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme.
The Act defines a producer as ‘any person or category of persons, including a brand owner, who is engaged in the commercial manufacture, conversion, refurbishment (where applicable) or import of new or used identified products’.
It is therefore compulsory for such producers either to form their own EPR scheme or belong to a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) which offers an EPR scheme, such as Petco, in order to comply with legislation.
Compliance for producers is the absolute minimum. Producers need to ensure that their chosen PROs are meeting legislated targets on their behalf. Petco helps our members go further, assisting them not only to reach legislated targets, but to lead the way to a circular economy in South Africa.
How do producers benefit from Petco?
Since 2005, we’ve led producer responsibility with an enduring commitment to driving industry-leading solutions that propel us towards a circular economy. We’ve picked up our lion’s share of experience along the way, allowing us to bring exceptional value and transparency to our members.
Understanding EPR
Under Section 18 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA), the South African government sets annual targets which apply to PROs and producers. Take a deep dive into this legislation, find out how and why it is essential for your company to comply, and learn how Petco can help you.
EPR schemes administered by Petco
We take on part of our members’ Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for their packaging placed on the market by administering EPR schemes for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) rigid containers, specifically bottles and jars, and their associated polyolefin labels and closures, as well as liquid board packaging (LBP).
Who are Petco’s current members?
Petco’s success can be attributed to our steady and committed membership base who have supported Petco since inception. We take collective Extended Producer Responsibility for some of South Africa’s largest brand owners, retailers and importers, assisting them to meet legislated and corporate targets.
EPR fees
Petco’s EPR fees are guided by the job of work needed to meet our members’ corporate and legislated targets. View the identified products for which we administer EPR schemes and their associated EPR fees.
Resources for producers
Petco has broad and in-depth expertise on the collection and recycling of the materials for which we take responsibility.
We are the leading industry source of information, from the latest packaging developments to environmental issues, waste recovery, collection and recycling, market intelligence, research and development, independent data, and changes to the legislation.
Meet our EPR team
Get in touch with our passionate and experienced team.
Mmathapelo Mosekedi
Stakeholder Liaison and Communications Officer
Join Petco
We take Extended Producer Responsibility on behalf of our members on a collective basis, helping them to meet legislated and corporate targets. We go beyond policy, creating real value and leading the way to a circular economy.