CSIR Technical Report: Manufacturing and the Circular Economy
The CSIR Technical Report on Manufacturing and the Circular Economy explores the potential of circular economy principles to drive sustainability, resource efficiency, and low-carbon growth in South Africa’s manufacturing sector. The circular economy is identified as a key growth opportunity for the country, requiring innovative, transdisciplinary strategies based on science, technology, and innovation to reduce […]
CSIR Technical Report: Agriculture and the Circular Economy
The CSIR Technical Report on Agriculture and the Circular Economy highlights the critical role of agriculture in South Africa’s economy as both a major producer and exporter of agricultural goods. In 2021, the sector reached a record USD 12.4 billion in exports and supported 829,000 jobs, reflecting its significant contribution to economic growth. However, agriculture […]
CSIR Technical Report: Mining and the Circular Economy
The CSIR Technical Report on Mining and the Circular Economy examines the role of resource scarcity as a potential driver for South Africa’s transition to a circular economy and explores opportunities within the mining sector. The study addresses key questions, including the availability of economically viable minerals, the identification of critical or strategic minerals, historical […]
CSIR Technical Report: Energy and the Circular Economy
The CSIR Technical Report on Energy and the Circular Economy highlights the urgent need to transition South Africa’s highly resource- and carbon-intensive energy sector towards a more sustainable and resilient model. Currently, approximately 80% of the country’s electricity is generated from coal and thermal sources, with only 14% coming from renewables (as of 2022). This […]
CSIR Technical Report: Water and the Circular Economy
The CSIR Technical Report on Water and the Circular Economy addresses the critical challenge of South Africa’s growing demand for water amidst limited resources. With economic development and population growth placing increasing pressure on water availability, studies reveal that South Africa is already over-exploiting its renewable water resources. Water is a cornerstone of the country’s […]
CSIR Technical Report: Climate and the Circular Economy
Climate and the Circular Economy highlights the growing recognition of circular economy strategies as a vital driver for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Over the past decade, global studies have demonstrated that integrating circularity into climate mitigation efforts can significantly advance progress toward meeting international climate targets. Many countries are now incorporating circular economy principles […]
Centre for Environmental Rights Virtual Library
The Centre for Environmental Rights Virtual Library is a centralized platform providing access to key resources like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and policies. It offers comprehensive guidelines, frameworks, and legal documents to support compliance and drive sustainable practices across industries. Designed for policymakers, producers, and stakeholders, this library simplifies access to essential information.
CSIR Science Scope
The latest edition of CSIR’s Science Scope (Vol 21) marks the first comprehensive publication of the organisation’s current and recently completed circular economy R&D and Innovation projects. Discover how circular economy principles, designing out waste and pollution, keeping materials in use, and regenerating natural systems are being applied across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, […]
PAGE in South Africa Knowledge Hub
Recognizing the importance of linking economic prosperity with environmental sustainability and social equity, South Africa joined the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) from 2015 to 2022. Building on its robust green economy policy framework, the collaboration with PAGE focused on improving policy coordination, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and driving effective implementation. Through this partnership, […]
The EPR journey in South Africa and CSIR’s role
The CSIR team developed these EPR guidelines after conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study to create practical guidelines for Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) and producers. These guidelines support compliance with life cycle assessment obligations under South Africa’s mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, promoting informed decision-making and sustainable practices.