Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the plastics industry, has released the latest plastics recycling figures for 2018.

Plastics SA says despite facing major challenges last year, the plastics industry made important strides forward.

46.3 % of plastics waste was collected for recycling, making South Africa one of the best mechanical recyclers in the world.

The industry provided direct employment to more than 7 800 people and created a further 58 500 income-generating jobs.

Growth in plastics recycling is 6.7 % more than the previous year.