The German Submarine Consortium (GSC) and its partners yesterday launched a multimillion rand plastic bottle recycling plant in Alrode on the East Rand.

GSC, Ferrostaal and KAP International's Hosaf Recycling project should substantially reduce the number of plastic cooldrink and other containers littering the countryside by giving them an economical value similar to empty cans and glass bottles.

Currently only 10% of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are recycled.

The state-of-the art plant will process used PET bottles and produce "very high quality" synthetic pellets which are then turned into fibres for home textile and industrial end uses.

The recycled fibres can be used instead of "virgin" materials, which are made from imported raw materials derived from oil.

Recycling the bottles will help limit South African oil imports.

GSC, Ferrostaal and KAP International said in a joint statement the project was a direct result of the South African government's Industrial Participation strategy related to its acquisition of three submarines within the strategic defence procurement package.

Besides creating at least 62 jobs at the Alrode site of Hosaf Recycling, Hosaf's collection partner, Mama She's Waste Recyclers, has already created 300 new sustainable collector's jobs and expects the number to grow to 500 next year.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Cape Argus.