South Africa Launches Its First Harbour-Based Net Recycling Facility at V&A Waterfront

Cape Town – South Africa has inaugurated its first harbor-based net recycling facility at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

The containerized “micro-recycling pod” was officially launched as a pilot project on October 10, 2025, by Dr. Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

Located at Collier Jetty, the facility aims to transform end-of-life fishing nets into high-value raw materials suitable for plastic production.

“The innovation presented today—the recycling and repurposing of discarded fishing gear—provides a glimpse into a sustainable future,” Minister George stated.

“This initiative is essential for strengthening our blue economy, ensuring that economic growth is aligned with environmental conservation.”

The recycling pod, housed in a converted shipping container, has the capacity to shred, wash, dry, and densify up to 100 kilograms of used nets each hour.

By converting unwanted fishing gear into clean plastic flakes, the facility aims to prevent waste from entering landfills and oceans, reduce the threat of ghost fishing gear, and create new economic opportunities.

The pilot project is driven by OCEAN Action Network (OCEAN) and Ocean Plastic Technologies (OPT), with support from the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA), which secured funding through the Marine Stewardship Council’s Ocean Stewardship Fund.

The V&A Waterfront also contributed by providing the necessary space for this facility’s operations.

Minister George commended the initiative, highlighting its consistency with South Africa’s national commitments under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act and its contribution to achieving global goals like Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

He further emphasized that this project supports the objectives of the upcoming Global Plastic Treaty, showcasing South Africa’s leadership during its G20 Presidency.

“This initiative transcends standard recycling,” said Estelle van der Merwe, Managing Director of OCEAN Action Network.

“It prioritizes the protection of marine ecosystems, supports South Africa’s fishing communities, and establishes a replicable model for other harbors across the country and continent.”

Johann Augustyn, Executive Secretary of SADSTIA, acknowledged the project’s alignment with the MSC Fisheries Standard: “Mitigating the effects of ghost gear is vital for the health of our oceans.”

“We anticipate that this South African pilot will inspire broader adoption of innovative, technology-driven recycling solutions.”

With the recycling pod now fully operational, the next step is to scale this model. OPT’s modular design enables easy replication, with additional containers ready to be deployed in other harbors.

“This project illustrates the potential of collaboration between industry leaders and innovators,” commented Oliver Nudds of OPT.

“By cleaning and densifying plastic right at the source, we convert a potential waste crisis into a valuable resource—paving the way for sustainable growth, job creation, and economic enhancement.”

The net recycling initiative aims to create a scalable, circular economy solution for marine plastic waste directly at the harbor.

It will also raise awareness among local residents and visitors about the importance of recycling at the V&A Waterfront.

Minister George concluded, “Our oceans are critical to South Africa’s environmental and economic future.

“Initiatives like this showcase the power of partnerships and innovation in driving meaningful change.

“When government, business, and civil society unite, we can transform waste into opportunities and stewardship into tangible results.”