The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), of which the African Development Bank is a partner, is proposing the establishment of an African standard for rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate or recycled PET) in food applications in order to reduce the consequences of plastic pollution on biodiversity, ecosystems and the health of populations.
According to the ACEA study presented on September 6, 2024 in Abidjan, such a standard will boost the continent’s economic growth, stimulate intra-African trade and reduce countries’ dependence on imports, while encouraging innovation.
Unveiled on the sidelines of the 10e extraordinary session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) held in the Ivorian economic capital, the publication of the Alliance, entitled “Reducing plastic pollution in Africa: the imperative for a continental rPET standard for food contact applications “, was conducted in collaboration with Circularium Africa Advisory and the “Switch to Circular Economy” program funded by the European Union.
rPET is a food-grade material derived from the recycling of used PET packaging. It has a significant environmental benefit, requiring half the energy and emitting five times less CO2 than the production of virgin PET bottles. In Africa, this initiative would significantly reduce the extraction of new raw materials.
« Implementing a pan-African rPET standard requires coordinated action by all stakeholders: governments must champion circular economy policies and foster regional cooperation; industries must invest in recycled materials and redesign packaging for sustainability; consumers must choose rPET products, while intergovernmental institutions and donor agencies must provide financial and technical support. », suggests the ACEA study.
The crucial role of the circular economy in combating land degradation, desertification and drought – the theme of this year’s Ministerial Conference – was thus highlighted before officials from African environment ministries.
“The circular economy is a transformative solution for Africa’s green growth, with the potential to create eleven million jobs and grow Africa’s GDP by $66 billion, while enabling a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. », said Anthony Nyong, Director of the Climate Change and Green Growth Department at the African Development Bank. “The Alliance, supported by the Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), will make a decisive contribution to the implementation of the continental action plan for circularity ” he added.
For Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission, “It is essential to support Africa to seize the vast opportunities offered by circularity. We call on all stakeholders – governments, the private sector and development organizations – to join forces with the Alliance to support the African Union Circular Economy Action Plan.”
The Regional Director and Representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Africa, Rose Mwebaza, called for additional support for African countries’ transition to circularity: “We need to strengthen partnerships and alliances to define common goals and collaboratively mobilize the resources needed to finance this implementation.”
With the support of the African Development Bank’s Africa Circular Economy Facility, which hosts the ACEA Secretariat, the Alliance promotes the circular economy on the continent through various initiatives, policy development and scaling up circular businesses and projects.
Source: African Development Bank
2024-09-11 11:31:24
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Circular economy Africa
Table of Contents
Embracing the African Circular Economy: The Key to Sustainable Growth and Development
The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) is spearheading a revolutionary initiative to establish an African standard for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in food applications, aiming to reduce the devastating consequences of plastic pollution on biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health. This ambitious project has the potential to stimulate economic growth, foster intra-African trade, and reduce countries’ dependence on imports, while encouraging innovation and job creation.
The ACEA study, presented on September 6, 2024, in Abidjan, highlights the importance of a pan-African rPET standard, which will require coordinated action from governments, industries, consumers, and intergovernmental institutions. By adopting circular economy policies and fostering regional cooperation, governments can create an enabling environment for the growth of the circular economy. Industries must invest in recycled materials and redesign packaging for sustainability, while consumers must choose rPET products. Intergovernmental institutions and donor agencies must provide financial and technical support to facilitate the transition.
rPET, a food-grade material derived from the recycling of used PET packaging, offers a significant environmental benefit, requiring half the energy and emitting five times less CO2 than the production of virgin PET bottles. In Africa, this initiative would significantly reduce the extraction of new raw materials, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy.
The circular economy is a transformative solution for Africa’s green growth, with the potential to create eleven million jobs and grow Africa’s GDP by $66 billion, while enabling a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The African Development Bank’s Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the continental action plan for circularity.
The African Union Commission also recognizes the importance of circularity, calling on all stakeholders to join forces with the Alliance to support the African Union Circular Economy Action Plan. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Africa has emphasized the need for strengthened partnerships and alliances to define common goals and collaboratively mobilize resources to finance the implementation of circular economy initiatives.
In addition to the ACEA, other organizations are contributing to the growth of the circular economy in Africa. The African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) offers an alternative to the traditional linear economy, promoting the circulation of products, designing for circularity, eliminating waste and pollution, and regenerating natural systems [2]. The “African Voices – Showcasing circular economy ambition in Africa” session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2023 highlights the importance of a common approach to plastics in Africa and the need for a continental rPET recycling standard [1].
the African Circular Economy Alliance is leading the charge towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Africa. By embracing the circular economy, African countries can reduce plastic pollution, promote economic growth, and create jobs, while protecting the environment and human health. As the African Development Bank’s Anthony Nyong emphasizes, “The circular economy is a transformative solution for Africa’s green growth, with the potential to create eleven million jobs and grow Africa’s GDP by $66 billion, while enabling a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”
References:
[1] African Voices – Showcasing circular economy ambition in Africa. (n.d.). Retrieved from
[2] African Circular Economy Network. (n.d.). Retrieved from
[3] African Circular Economy Alliance. (n.d.). Retrieved from
African circular economy network
The African Circular Economy Alliance: A Beacon of Hope for a Plastic-Free Africa
The African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), in partnership with the African Development Bank, is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to establish an African standard for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in food applications. This ambitious project aims to combat the devastating consequences of plastic pollution on biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health.
The Imperative for a Continental rPET Standard
The ACEA study, presented on September 6, 2024, in Abidjan, highlights the significance of implementing a pan-African rPET standard. This standard will not only boost the continent’s economic growth but also stimulate intra-African trade, reduce countries’ dependence on imports, and encourage innovation. The publication, titled “Reducing plastic pollution in Africa: the imperative for a continental rPET standard for food contact applications,” was developed in collaboration with Circularium Africa Advisory and the “Switch to Circular Economy” program funded by the European Union[[[2]].
The Benefits of rPET
rPET, a food-grade material derived from the recycling of used PET packaging, has a substantial environmental advantage. It requires half the energy and emits five times less CO2 than the production of virgin PET bottles. In Africa, this initiative would significantly reduce the extraction of new raw materials, thereby mitigating the environmental impacts of plastic pollution.
Implementing a Pan-African rPET Standard: A Collective Effort
The ACEA study emphasizes the need for coordinated action by all stakeholders to implement a pan-African rPET standard. Governments must champion circular economy policies and foster regional cooperation, while industries must invest in recycled materials and redesign packaging for sustainability. Consumers must choose rPET products, and intergovernmental institutions and donor agencies must provide financial and technical support[[[1]].
The Circular Economy: A Game-Changer for Africa’s Green Growth
The circular economy has the potential to create eleven million jobs and grow Africa’s GDP by $66 billion, while enabling a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030[[[3]]. The Alliance, supported by the Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), will make a decisive contribution to the implementation of the continental action plan for circularity.
Calls for Support and Action
The Regional Director and Representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Africa, Rose Mwebaza, has urged for additional support for African countries’ transition to circularity. Similarly, Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission, has called on all stakeholders to join forces with the Alliance to support the African Union Circular Economy Action Plan.
Conclusion
The African Circular Economy Alliance’s initiative to establish an African standard for rPET is a beacon of hope for a plastic-free Africa. By working together, stakeholders can harness the immense benefits of the circular economy, reduce plastic pollution, and promote sustainable development in Africa.
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