South Africa is making its mark in the global effort to tackle plastic pollution, with two prominent industry leaders stepping forward to represent the nation’s paper and packaging sector at the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), hosted by the United Nations.

Vanessa Mashele and Adri Spangenberg, both representing the EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA), are attending the high-level INC-5 negotiations in Geneva to bring the collective voice of South Africa’s paper and packaging producers and recyclers to the international arena. Their presence not only showcases South Africa’s progress in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) but also reinforces the country’s commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental accountability.

Representing a Responsible and Innovative Sector

eWASA plays a crucial role in uniting producers and recyclers under a shared vision for a more sustainable future. Mashele and Spangenberg, as respected sector leads, will contribute to discussions focused on:

• Sustainable packaging design
• Efficient material recovery systems
• Regulatory harmonisation
• Global reporting and accountability mechanisms.

Through their participation, they will ensure that the treaty being developed is informed by on-the-ground realities and tested solutions already in motion within the South African context.

“It’s an honour to represent the producers and recyclers who are not only compliant with national regulations but are pushing for innovation in sustainable packaging,” said Vanessa Mashele.

“Our focus is to ensure the treaty reflects workable, effective solutions that support our local realities.”

Adri Spangenberg echoed this, stating, “As sector leads, we see firsthand the dedication of our members to reducing environmental impact through responsible production and material recovery. We are here to amplify those efforts in a global conversation that demands collaboration and accountability.”

Shaping a Binding Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution

The INC-5 session is a decisive milestone in the UN’s effort to develop a legally binding global treaty aimed at ending plastic pollution. Mashele and Spangenberg’s role ensures that South Africa’s unique experiences, challenges, and leadership in the paper and packaging sector are considered as the framework for this treaty is finalised.

Their involvement affirms eWASA’s mission to champion a circular economy model – one that reduces waste, encourages innovation, and promotes environmental stewardship from production to post-consumption recovery.

As the world watches Geneva for outcomes that will shape the future of packaging and plastic use, Vanessa Mashele and Adri Spangenberg’s contributions ensure that South Africa is not only present but influential in shaping sustainable and equitable solutions for generations to come.