Future ready packaging for a Circular Economy

Master Plastics launches SA’s first 30% PCR pouch

In a landmark move for South Africa’s flexible packaging industry, Master Plastics has unveiled the country’s first fully recyclable pouch containing 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content – a development that sets a powerful new precedent for circular packaging innovation and local sustainability leadership.

This milestone reinforces the company’s position at the cutting edge of sustainable flexible packaging through its subsidiaries, Peninsula Packaging and Barrier Film Converters and aligns seamlessly with the South African Plastics Pact’s 2030 targets and global circular economy standards.

Designed to meet the needs of modern packaging users while driving environmental responsibility, Master Plastics’ new recyclable pouch is available in multiple configurations – including doy, K-seal, three-side seal and quad-seal formats, with or without zippers.

The innovation is suitable for both liquid and non-liquid non-food applications, as the PCR content is derived from mechanically recycled materials rather than chemical recycling streams. This not only diverts plastic waste from landfill but also supports South Africa’s growing movement toward closed-loop packaging systems.

For manufacturers using form-fill-seal systems, the material is also available in reel stock format, offering flexibility across a wide range of applications. The result is a packaging format that blends strength, convenience and sustainability – without compromising performance.

Homegrown Innovation

At the core of this breakthrough is Master Plastics’ locally developed and patented recyclable film technology, representing a major stride towards reducing South Africa’s dependence on imported materials such as MDO (Machine Direction Oriented) films.

This solution is cost-effective and also significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance material imports, demonstrating how South African ingenuity can drive both economic resilience and environmental progress.

‘Developing a fully recyclable pouch with 30% PCR content locally is a proud moment for us,’ says Dieter Kreissel, general manager of Peninsula Packaging. ‘It’s about proving that local manufacturing can deliver world-class, eco-friendly packaging that meets the performance standards expected by retailers and brand owners – while keeping value creation within South Africa.’

Closed-loop ecosystem in action

The new pouch represents the culmination of years of environmentally responsible advancements across Master Plastics’ operations, with every layer designed for true circularity. It features recyclable film structures developed through proprietary polymer science and printed with water-based inks that eliminate solvents and significantly reduce VOC emissions. Expanded colour gamut (ECG) printing technology enhances visual impact while minimising ink and energy consumption and advanced pouch converting lines ensure precision, efficiency and consistency when processing next-generation recyclable films. Together, these technologies create an integrated sustainability ecosystem – one that doesn’t just claim recyclability but proves it through science, engineering and production excellence.

Leading the transition

Master Plastics’ innovation arrives at a pivotal moment as retailer commitments, regulatory frameworks and consumer expectations around eco-friendly packaging intensify. The pouch directly supports major retailers, FMCG brands and multinational producers striving to meet their sustainability goals without sacrificing shelf appeal or functional performance.

‘We’ve always believed that sustainability and performance can co-exist,’ Dieter explains. ‘This solution represents the balance between environmental stewardship and real-world packaging demands. It’s a testament to what’s possible when science, technology and collaboration come together.’

He adds that Master Plastics’ customer-driven approach was key to the project’s success. ‘We listen carefully to what our customers need – and this offering directly answers the challenges they face in reducing pollution, cutting waste and supporting the responsible use of resources. Equally important, we can offer these solutions at a competitive price point, proving that sustainability can be accessible and commercially viable.’

As a member of the SA Plastics Pact, Master Plastics remains unwavering in its commitment to accelerating the shift toward circular, resource-efficient packaging systems.