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The value chain and activities of polyethylene terephthalate plastics in the South African waste economy

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  • Marlin Hoffman
  • Catherina Schenck

Abstract

Introduction Value chains in their entirety, within the South African context, have not been the focus of much research thus far. A plethora of research has been done on the various actors within the value chain, but the rest of the value chain has not been identified and depicted. Failing to understand and describe the entire value chain of polyethylene terephthalate plastics has led to many unanswered questions and misunderstood impacts on the plastics waste economy. Purpose The purpose of the study was to document and depict the value chain and its activities within the polyethylene terephthalate waste economy in South Africa, which, according to the available literature, has not been done before. The documentation of the value chain and its activities will assist in identifying the possibilities of job creation within the waste economy, which could impact the diversion of waste from the landfill. Method A qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design was followed, and the data collection was done by means of a workshop. The participants in the workshop included captains of industry, entrepreneurs, academics, government, environmental groups and environmental non-governmental organizations. The workshop was recorded audio-visually, and concepts and discussions were documented for this purpose. All information was transcribed and documented in a final document. Results The value chain and its activities were documented. Conclusion The information collected is a starting point for more research within the waste economy, as the process will be followed with other waste streams. Job creation gaps have been identified and further research has started creating a better understanding of the value chain, which will influence policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Marlin Hoffman & Catherina Schenck, 2020. "The value chain and activities of polyethylene terephthalate plastics in the South African waste economy," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 35(5), pages 523-535, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:35:y:2020:i:5:p:523-535
    DOI: 10.1177/0269094220931697
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jacoba Viljoen & Derick Blaauw & Catherina Schenck, 2019. "The opportunities and value-adding activities of buy-back centres in South Africa's recycling industry: A value chain analysis," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 34(3), pages 294-315, May.
    2. Robert Mattes, 2014. "South Africa's Emerging Black Middle Class: A Harbinger of Political Change?," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2014-147, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    3. Mattes, Robert, 2014. "South Africa’s Emerging Black Middle Class: A Harbinger of Political Change?," WIDER Working Paper Series 147, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    4. Cornwall, Andrea & Jewkes, Rachel, 1995. "What is participatory research?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 41(12), pages 1667-1676, December.
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