Pretoria– In a major stride toward ocean sustainability, South Africa has unveiled its first harbour-based net recycling facility at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The initiative, led by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, aims to tackle marine pollution while strengthening the nation’s blue economy.
The new “micro-recycling pod,” installed at Collier Jetty, can process up to 100 kilograms of used fishing nets per hour. These discarded nets are shredded, washed, and transformed into clean plastic flakes that can be reused in industries ranging from packaging and textiles to automotive manufacturing. By recycling end-of-life and abandoned “ghost” fishing gear, the facility reduces plastic waste and helps protect marine life from entanglement.
Speaking at the launch, Dr George described the project as a symbol of innovation and sustainability in ocean management. “The recycling and repurposing of end-of-life fishing gear show how we can build resilience in our blue economy while protecting marine ecosystems,” he said.
The initiative was developed through collaboration between the OCEAN Action Network (OCEAN), Ocean Plastic Technologies (OPT), and the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA), with funding support from the Marine Stewardship Council’s Ocean Stewardship Fund. The V&A Waterfront provided the operational space, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
OCEAN Managing Director Estelle van der Merwe called the project a model for replication across Africa’s coastal regions. SADSTIA Executive Secretary Johann Augustyn added that the initiative supports responsible fishing and aligns with global environmental standards.
The recycling facility supports South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Waste Act and contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14—Life Below Water. It also aligns with the objectives of the forthcoming Global Plastic Treaty, promoting international cooperation to combat marine plastic pollution.
Dr George emphasized that the success of this initiative demonstrates how local innovation can inspire global environmental progress. The government plans to expand similar modular recycling pods to other ports, including Saldanha Bay, Gqeberha, and Richards Bay, potentially creating green jobs and advancing the country’s circular economy.
Located at one of Africa’s most visited destinations, the V&A recycling hub doubles as a public awareness center, allowing visitors to witness ocean plastic recycling firsthand. “Our oceans are the lifeblood of South Africa’s future,” Dr George said. “When government, business, and communities work together, we can turn waste into opportunity and ensure cleaner, bluer seas for generations to come.”