South Africa’s Fruit Industry Prepares for EU Packaging Regulations

With the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) set to take effect in roughly 18 months, South Africa’s pome and stone fruit sectors are proactively taking steps to comply with the incoming rules, which aim to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainability.

For decades, South African exporters have relied on plastic-based packaging to preserve fruit quality during long transcontinental shipments. Transitioning to alternative materials poses significant challenges, particularly in balancing sustainability with the need to maintain high product standards during transit.

To address these challenges, the industry body Hortgro, in collaboration with GreenCape, is engaging with plastic recyclers and innovators to identify suitable packaging alternatives. Their goal is to align with both the targets of the South African Plastics Pact and the requirements set by international retailers.

GreenCape, a non-profit organisation focused on promoting green economic solutions, plays a key role in facilitating partnerships among businesses, investors, academia, and government to support a shift toward a circular, sustainable economy.

“Hortgro Science is also investing in research to develop viable plastic alternatives,” said Dr. Mariana Jooste, Post-Harvest Programme Manager at Hortgro Science. “We are committed to solutions that support the export quality of our fruit while meeting evolving regulatory standards.”

The EU’s PPWR sets ambitious goals for member states, including mandatory 100% recyclable packaging by 2030, reduced use of primary raw materials, and strengthened systems for reuse and refill. The regulation also includes provisions for minimum levels of post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging and mandatory deposit return systems.

Nitasha Baijnath-Pillay, Resource Management and Sustainability Manager at Hortgro, noted the PPWR’s emphasis on innovation and traceability. “It’s a stringent framework that requires measurable progress,” she said. “The transition is challenging, but necessary.”

To stay informed about the regulatory landscape, Hortgro has consulted with Joanna Nathanson, Head of Sustainability and External Relations at Freshfel Europe. Nathanson confirmed that while the regulation is in place, EU member states must still develop specific guidelines and standards, which will clarify compliance requirements for non-EU exporters.

Nathanson is expected to speak at Hortgro’s upcoming “Footprint” webinar in June 2025, which will focus on plastics and packaging requirements for exporters. “Our Footprint webinar series promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing on critical environmental and social issues,” said Baijnath-Pillay.

While plastic remains essential for preserving fruit safety and quality, the South African industry is working to use it more responsibly. Hortgro and its partners have been researching alternatives for years, aiming to reduce environmental impact without compromising on quality.

“The deadlines are clear, and the work we are doing now with the Plastics Pact, Hortgro, and Hortgro Science is essential,” Baijnath-Pillay explained. “It helps avoid unexpected costs and risks associated with non-compliant packaging.”

These efforts also align with broader South African legislation focused on waste recovery, recyclability, and extended producer responsibility, which affects all sectors beyond agriculture.

A significant hurdle remains in the form of single-use plastics, which are specifically targeted by the EU directive. Baijnath-Pillay emphasized that until EU member states finalize their national guidelines, South African producers must prepare for a range of potential specifications.

“We are committed to finding sustainable packaging solutions that meet the standards of the EU and UK,” she said. “Ultimately, our ability to export depends on meeting the expectations of our international customers and retailers.”