Partner

At Urban Surfer, we are committed to transforming the lives of informal waste reclaimers, providing them with a sense of belonging, dignity, and a sustainable income for themselves and their families. We believe in the fundamental right to a safe and healthy environment, and our work is centered on making this a reality for reclaimers.

Our Mission:
We strive to uplift and empower informal waste reclaimers, offering them the tools, training, and support needed to thrive. By doing so, we not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to the sustainable management of recyclable waste, boosting the economic growth of our communities and country.

Our Goal:
Through initiatives such as providing necessary equipment, comprehensive training, and community support, we aim to increase the income of informal reclaimers. This support helps them gain public acceptance, enabling better access to recyclable materials.

The Result:
Our efforts lead to more than just economic benefits. We are fostering relationships between reclaimers and residents, creating a cleaner, safer, and more socially integrated community. By transforming perceptions and supporting these vital workers, we build a future where everyone benefits from a sustainable and inclusive environment.

We believe sustainability is the precursor for running a successful organization. Too many companies still make decisions based on a dated short-term financial perspective. We enter an era where active participation to a healthier and fairer world is expected from all organizations. BrightWolves supports organizations in various stages of their sustainability journey with scientific methods and a practical approach.

FoodForward SA has a 15-year track record marked by exemplary governance, impact, and innovation, positioning us as a sustainable force in addressing food insecurity and food loss and waste at scale. Central to our operations is the retrieval of edible surplus food from the supply chain, including farmers, manufacturers, and retailers, which we redistribute to vetted beneficiary organisations (BOs) serving marginalised communities. In the fiscal year 2023/2024, we distributed 21,760 tons of food, translating to over 87 million meals, to a network encompassing 2,500 organisations, enabling us to reach 920,000 vulnerable individuals spanning all nine provinces. Our cost per meal stands at a low R0.47, underscoring the cost-efficiency of our foodbanking model as the premier solution for food security in South Africa. We employ various food security programmes including warehousing, virtual foodbanking, mobile rural distribution, mother and child nutrition, disaster aid, sustainable livelihoods and school breakfast programmes.

Through SME hubs based at targeted TVET Colleges, expanding the capacity of township-based artisanal entreprises to access the circular economy and create jobs, through providing enterprise and skills development, and market access support.

The CSIR is a leading scientific and technology research organisation, established through an Act of Parliament in 1945. It plays a key role in supporting both the public and private sectors through directed research aligned with the country’s priorities.

With its multi-sectoral expertise, the CSIR is well positioned to explore the opportunities a circular economy provides South Africa, through the lens of science, technology and innovation. Some of the CSIR’s work in the circular economy includes:

• Identifying opportunities for CE interventions in key sectors (including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, mobility and human settlements, energy and water)
• Assessing opportunities for a CE to contribute towards climate mitigation
• Evidence-based policy and decision support to inform the transition to a CE, e.g. through application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), Material Flow Analysis (MFA), and modelling of material and waste flows; as well as the development of guidelines for conducting LCA in SA.
• Development of a framework (including indicators) for monitoring SA’s progress in transitioning to a CE.
• Supporting the development of a Roadmap for Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy in SA
• Demonstration of CE interventions in a number of sectors, including manufacturing and human settlements

SRI is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO) and is implemented by the Institute for Materials Science & Technology (Empa), the World Resources Forum (WRF) and eco-invent. It builds on the success of implementing e-waste recycling systems together with various developing countries since more than ten years. South Africa SRI initiative has has played a key role in the SAWEEE Policy development and the National Norms and Standards for WEEE Management. Key business incentives within the WEEE Management area as well as the management of hazardous fractions have also been the forefront of project outcomes for the SRI Project in South Africa.

The National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa is a national support programme that drives the transition of South African industry towards a green economy through appropriate resource efficient and cleaner production (RECP) interventions.

The NCPC-SA’s mission is to drive RECP in industrial and selected commercial and public sectors by equipping them to operate in an efficient, sustainable and competitive manner.

Services and focus areas include industry and sector knowledge-sharing, company technical support; green skills development; and advocacy and awareness-raising.

Holland Circular Hotspot is a private foundation that aims to accelerate the international transition to a circular economy by connecting companies, knowledge institutes, and (local) authorities, and support international collaboration on Dutch Circular Economy.
The activities of Holland Circular Hotspot are:

• Offer insights in and access to the network of Dutch circular pioneers;
• Develop and exchange knowledge on international market opportunities for circular economy;
• Create circular opportunities internationally by matching offer and demand;
• Support companies and organizations that want to contribute to internationalization of circular economy;
• Stimulate cooperation between the private sector, knowledge institutions, governments and other relevant parties;
• Provide international visibility of Dutch CE innovations/best practices;
• Facilitate access to Dutch and international (financing) instruments and programmes.

The Green Youth Network is a not-for-profit organization responsible for the advancement of youth interest and sustainable skills development in the green economy as well as promoting comprehensive education on issues relating to environmental conservation in South Africa.

The Green Youth Network is a national network of over 10 000 action-oriented youth in South Africa concerned about environmental issues and determined to make positive change

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) is deeply committed to accelerating the adoption of the circular economy in South Africa, recognizing it as a pivotal model for sustainable development. Embracing the circular economy not only aligns with global environmental objectives but also presents a unique opportunity for significant economic growth, particularly for poorer communities. Crucially, the circular economy approach not only addresses environmental concerns but serves as a catalyst for sustainable consumption and production.
DFFE actively implements the National Waste Management Strategy, designed to minimize waste generation and landfill use, unlocking economic opportunities in the process. Through various recycling and waste beneficiation initiatives, the department promotes a recycling economy ethos, aligning with the circular economy principles. Furthermore, stringent enforcement of chemicals and waste management policies and legislation underscores the commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring compliance with authorizations, directives, and international agreements.

We’re dedicated to closing the gap between green businesses and the world of finance and market opportunities. We provide a thriving ecosystem where entrepreneurs gain access to vital resources, knowledge, and investment to make their sustainable vision a reality.

Twyg, a magazine based in Cape Town, tells stories about sustainable and ethical ways of being through the medium of fashion. Our mission is to drive planetary care and human well-being, and nurture African perspectives and solutions.
Through storytelling, events and campaigns we engage people and business with the Sustainable Development Goal 12 to support a sustainable future for African fashion.

The African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) is the implementing organisation of CSA. The vision of the ACEN is to build a restorative African economy that generates well-being and prosperity, inclusive of all its people, through new forms of economic production and consumption which maintain and regenerate its environmental resources. Together we have more then 500 members and are represented in 42 African countries. We are a network of networks and believe in long-term partnerships and collaborations to accelerate a just circular economy transition across the continent.

Implementing and working with stakeholders on a fabric waste recycling project from the textile and garment industries in a small capacity which is an extension of the existing garment plant

The Embassy of the Netherlands in Pretoria, together with the Dutch Consulate General in Cape Town, works on promoting SA-NL partnerships in a multitude of areas. The transition to a circular economy is one of the key priorities where the Netherlands and South Africa are collaborating and cocreating circular, innovative solutions. Together with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Embassy of the Netherlands has assisted in setting up CSA and it partnered up with CSA in organizing an economic mission from the Netherlands to South Africa in the field of circular waste management in October 2023. The Embassy of the Netherlands is committed to continue its engagement with CSA and to work together in making the economy more and more circular.

UNIDO is a special agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for industrial development. In South Africa, it is one of the 17 agencies of the UN. UNIDO provides concrete and practical solutions to pressing global challenges. Sustainable industrial development can deliver a world without hunger, using sustainable energy for productive activities, and creating jobs, particularly for young people. UNIDO seeks to advance poverty eradication and inclusiveness, build productive capacities in an inclusive manner, and provide more opportunities for all women and men as well as across social groups, also through partnerships with all stakeholders involved in industrialization processes (SDG Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). UNIDO supports fair and responsible local industrial production and trade. Supply chains are essential to trade, and trade is essential to job creation. UNIDO shares knowledge and technology to help reduce post-harvest losses and increase food security. Agribusiness generates job opportunities for young people. UNIDO promotes policies, technologies and practices to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Climate action can create millions of new, decent jobs.
UNIDO would like to lead in the rollout of the Circular Economy Programme for South Africa in partnership with like-minded entities.

ARO is a membership-based democratic organisation of reclaimers working with reclaimers in residential areas and landfills. We sort, collect and sell recyclable materials. Currently we have a membership of over 5500 reclaimers in and around the City of Johannesburg. We represent and defend the interests of reclaimers, and ensure that they are able to partake fully as members of society in the recycling economy and in looking after the environment.

The South African Plastics Recycling Organisation (SAPRO) represents the plastics re-processors in South Africa. Its members procure sorted, baled end-of-life plastics and re-process it into raw material. The recycled material can be used to manufacture new plastics products. South Africa is amongst the top recycling countries in the world.

we redefine consulting by prioritizing human-centered collaboration, strategic agility, and deep industry expertise. Our passionate team is dedicated to helping businesses, especially in the financial services sector, achieve remarkable results and embrace sustainability as a core value.

We are your agile partner, dismantling traditional consulting models to bring sharp minds, collaborative spirit, and a relentless focus on results.

Circular Energy NPC, by enabling the Extended Producer Responsibility policy instrument, reduces the environmental impact of a product throughout every step of its lifecycle and to mimic natural systems with no waste generation.
Our ethos is to embrace circularity of systems and products to effect change from a linear to a circular approach, that benefits the African continent in terms of waste minimisation, job creation, skills development, with a positive impact on the climate and ecosystems.

Lumec is a Durban-based economic research organisation that was established in 2016. Paul Jones, the Managing Director, has over 15 years of experience as a development economist which he combines with his passion for people and the environment to provide a unique response to sustainable development challenges. Lumec has extensive experience in economic research and modelling, strategic planning, project management and stakeholder engagement, and provides a range of services to support evidence-based decision making in circular economy projects.

Circular Economy strategy and design consultancy based in South Africa and Australia. We are passionate about making a positive impact by identifying opportunities to shift circular economy principles into implementation. Our focus is on driving economic, social, and environmental prosperity through connecting across the value chain; collaborating on projects; creating new business models that respond to the circular economy principles, leading to a thriving and inclusive economy.

After completing Chemical Engineering studies in Germany, Susanne Karcher started her company EnviroSense CC (an Environmental Consultancy) in Cape Town in 1999 . Her company specialises in the planning, development and facilitation of tailor-made governmental, industrial/commercial and residential “Integrated Resource and Waste Management” programmes ultimately geared towards pollution prevention.
Susanne is also a founding member of the African Circular Economy Network (www.acen.africa ). As a one-woman consultancy business Susanne specialised early in her career on furthering collaborative, safe and inclusive WEEE management. Since the end of 2020 Susanne has been appointed by WRF and Empa as the National Coordinator for the Phase 2 of the SRI South Africa project https://www.sustainable-recycling.org/ where amongst other things she assists National Government in the development of a future WEEE policy and technical Norms and Standards for defined WEEE recycling activities. She also helps to develop WEEE curriculum to be able to initiated structured training as part of managing co-working facilities that enable the refurbishment, repair and recycling of WEEE

The Digit Mint tool is designed to empower businesses to perform Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). We enable your organization to re-design products effectively, de-risk your value chain, optimize internal processes, and enhance customer trust through actionable LCA insights.

Taking Care of Business (TCB) is a nonprofit social enterprise. We are empowering unemployed South Africans and their families to escape the cycle of poverty through small business opportunities, mostly within the circular economy. Our flagship programmes ensure that unwanted fashion and other products are responsibly eliminated from the main market and distributed to secondary ones while protecting the contributing brands, reducing waste and creating self-employment opportunities.

Circular Squared is a public beneficiary organisation (PBO) that aims to accelerate the circular economy in Africa with design. Through advocacy, thought-leadership and mentorship, Circular Squared is paving a way for designers, manufacturers and retailers to adopt circular economic thinking and regenerative practices. Together, we design circular business solutions for positive impact.

Entrepreneur Connect Africa (ECafrica) is committed to driving sustainable growth by addressing post-COVID challenges through its innovative Resource Bank. This initiative transforms surplus resources—unused office space, furniture, technology, and skills—into valuable assets for entrepreneurs, particularly those in underrepresented sectors. By redirecting these resources back into communities, ECafrica builds validated circular economies where resource-sharing fosters inclusive growth and job creation.

Aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), ECafrica promotes sustainable business practices by maximizing the use of existing assets rather than perpetuating scarcity. Our circular communities are designed to reduce waste and create economic opportunities by ensuring that excess resources benefit documented, validated entrepreneurs who grow and innovate within the ecosystem.

ECafrica also serves as a channel for Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) and B-BBEE conversion strategies, offering businesses a direct link to impactful, measurable economic upliftment. By collaborating with donors and recipients, we create a self-sustaining economy where value flows continuously, contributing to both local economic resilience and the broader goals of social and environmental responsibility.

Masana Generation Project (Pty) Ltd, headquartered in Pretoria, specializes in providing premium-quality live broiler chickens. From nurturing chicks to the age of 42 days, we meticulously rear our chickens before offering them to market. As a fully integrated company, we ensure that you receive top-notch poultry products directly from our farms to your table.

Our operations extend beyond poultry farming; we are committed to sustainability and economic growth. Alongside our poultry business, we engage in the resale of chicken feeds and implement innovative methods to reuse materials, contributing to environmental conservation while fostering economic development.