South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) sector will come together in an unprecedented show of collaboration when PRO Alliance SA (PASA) hosts the EPR 2030 Conference at the HCC Homecoming Centre in Cape Town.

Held under the theme “From Fragmentation to Shared Impact”, the conference will bring together government leaders, municipalities, Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), producers, recyclers, waste management specialists and environmental organisations to define a shared vision for the future of EPR in South Africa. The programme focuses on moving the sector from compliance-driven activity towards measurable environmental, economic and social impact.

As South Africa marks five years since the implementation of mandatory EPR regulations, the conference aims to reflect honestly on progress made, identify the challenges limiting performance, and establish a roadmap for stronger collaboration across the value chain.

“The next phase of EPR cannot be achieved in silos. It requires cooperation, transparency and a shared commitment to building systems that work for producers, municipalities, recyclers, waste pickers and ultimately, South Africa.”

PASA is being spearheaded by three PROs namely:

1. eWASA (EPR Waste Association of South Africa)
2. Circular Energy (Circular Energy NPC)
3. R2E2 NPC.

Bringing together influential voices

The conference features an exceptional line-up of keynote speakers representing government, municipalities and industry.

Among the headline speakers are:

• Chief Director Mvuselelo Mathebula (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment), delivering the Government Keynote on “EPR at Five Years: From Compliance to Impact.”
• Edward Kieswetter, former Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), presenting the sector keynote “From Fragmentation to Shared Infrastructure.”
• Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management for the City of Cape Town, discussing the critical role municipalities play in delivering the circular economy.

These keynote addresses will set the tone for a day focused on practical solutions rather than theory.

Four strategic themes to shape the next five years

The conference has been designed around four interconnected themes that reflect the biggest opportunities and challenges facing South Africa’s EPR system.

1. System Reality & Reset
2. Policy, Cooperation & Sector Alignment
3. Infrastructure & Implementation
4. Data, Accountability & Future Systems

More than a conference

A significant highlight of the day will be a series of strategic sector announcements, including the continued evolution of PASA as a platform for cooperation, strengthened collaboration between PROs, and initiatives aimed at creating greater interoperability across the industry.

The conference will conclude with a networking reception followed by the Networking Dinner, celebrating leadership, innovation and collaboration across South Africa’s circular economy.

Event Details

• Event: EPR 2030 Conference
• Theme: From Fragmentation to Shared Impact
• Date: Thursday, 6 August 2026
• Venue: HCC Homecoming Centre, District Six, Cape Town
• Conference: 08:30 – 17:00
• Networking Sundowner: 17:00
• Dinner: 18:00