South Africa’s fruit industry gears up for EU’s PPWR compliance

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s pome and stone fruit industries are actively preparing to meet the European Union’s forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), with a general date of application expected in about 18 months.

While the regulation is still developing within EU member states, its impact is already rippling across global supply chains—including South Africa’s fruit export sector.

South African exporters, long reliant on plastic components to ensure fruit quality over long shipping distances, are now navigating a major transition.

The PPWR mandates that all packaging placed on the EU market be 100% recyclable by 2030 and introduces strict requirements on recycled content, minimization of packaging waste, and improved reuse and refill systems.

Hortgro, the industry body representing South Africa’s stonefruit and pomefruit growers, is leading the charge to align with these new rules.

“Hortgro, together with Greencape, is engaging with the plastics industry—recyclers and innovators alike—to develop alternatives and long-term solutions that align with both the South African Plastics Pact and export market requirements,” said Nitasha Baijnath-Pillay, resource management and sustainability manager at Hortgro.

Greencape, a non-profit organization promoting the green economy, facilitates collaboration across sectors to support a circular economy and sustainable packaging practices.

Hortgro Science, the organization’s research arm, is also investing in studies focused on plastic alternatives.

“We are funding research to find responsible alternatives that maintain fruit quality while meeting new legislative demands,” added Dr. Mariana Jooste, post-harvest program manager at Hortgro Science.

The PPWR’s overarching goal is to reduce packaging waste and dependence on virgin materials while fostering innovation and sustainability across supply chains.

“It is stringent and measurable, pushing for innovation and ensuring that packaging is recyclable, contains post-consumer recycled content, and meets new re-use systems,” Baijnath-Pillay explained.

To stay ahead of developments, Hortgro has engaged with European stakeholders, including Joanna Nathanson, head of sustainability and external relations at Freshfel Europe.

Nathanson indicated that specific guidelines and standards are still being developed within EU member states, which will clarify how non-EU exporters must comply.

“Our Footprint series aims to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration and inspire action towards a more sustainable future,” said Baijnath-Pillay.

Despite the challenges ahead, the industry is not starting from scratch. South Africa’s Plastics Pact, Hortgro, and its research division have already laid important groundwork by developing recycling targets and responsible packaging practices.

“We’ve been preparing for this. The targets are clear, and our timeline gives us space to innovate and avoid surprises,” said Baijnath-Pillay.

One of the major hurdles will be addressing the use of single-use plastics, particularly as PPWR implementation tightens. These materials will only be accepted in the EU if they conform to yet-to-be-published recycling specifications, adding a layer of complexity to the export packaging process.

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