The South African Paper Industry Association said COVID-19′s disrupted supply chain had directly affected the consumption, demand and recycling of paper products in the country.

Jane Molony, executive director of pamsa, said: “as offices and schools remain closed or shift in 2020 and early 2021, the amount of paper that can be recycled is greatly reduced.”

Local waste paper traders prefer the export market, and the local paper industry cannot compete with the export price

She further pointed out that as more and more consumers turn to online shopping, the demand for environmentally friendly packaging and paper packaging is increasing.

In addition, due to the interruption of major international routes, the sharp rise in the export price of waste paper in South Africa has promoted the continuous decline of inventory level. Waste paper traders prefer the export market, and the local paper industry cannot compete with the export price.

“Some foreign buyers have orders larger than the total size of the South African paper industry and can pay much higher waste paper prices than our local manufacturers.”

Pamsa members have invested billions of Rand in the recycling value chain, which is also the main source of waste paper recycling demand.

The industry has about 16300 employees and supports a thriving network of informal recycling practitioners and small recycling enterprises.