Enabling circulareconomy
that turns your ideas into action.
Making sure it's possible.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Innovation
When it comes to the circular economy in South Africa, there is no shortage of remarkable ideas or people. What is needed is the capability to develop ways so that local innovations that support conversion technology – which converts waste matter to something useful – can be used to live sustainably and compete globally.
At the Department of Science and Innovation, that's what we do. We partner with some of the most innovative minds and companies to make the circular economy viable and supportable. We provide access to bio manufacturing facilities and research solutions for zero waste product development.
Take your business to the next level by accessing local innovations that protect our planet and the communities that live on it.
Key Circular Economy Programmes
Discover our flagship initiatives that are transforming waste into valuable resources and building a sustainable economy.
CSIR BIDF
Developing advanced or "next generation" technologies for commercialisation.
The potential that lies in our waste products is, for the most part, untapped. The Bio-refinery Industry Development Facility works to use biomass and organic industrial waste to extract maximum value from waste with minimal wastage.
They provide research and development for zero waste product development for the forestry and agro-processing industry. They also support industry, start-ups and small, medium and micro enterprises to enter the market through the development of new technologies and products. If you are in the forestry and agro-processing industry, or an SMME seeking technology advisory and development support in biomass valorisation, this initiative is for you.
UNISA NanoMagh
Converting Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) into a valuable water resource for irrigation.
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) management is crucial to the preservation of the health of our water and food chain. Failure to effectively do so leads to high acidity levels which allow heavy metals from the mines to enter our water system.
While there are several treatment options for AMD, the innovative NanoMagh process offers an adsorption rate that is highly convenient, it uses fewer chemicals, and it is more cost effective. If you are in the mining industry and want a more effective way to purify Acid Mine Drainage to turn it into something more sustainable, this solution is for you.
EPCM Global
Reducing the carbon footprint with CO2 conversion technology.
Our carbon footprint, and the way it impacts global warming, is the environmental challenge of our generation. EPCM Global's next-generation non-intrusive modular multi-pollutant flue emission abatement technology can reduce both pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
Flue refers to a mixture of gases produced by the burning of fuel or other materials. This new technology reduces the dangers of flue, while producing no waste and operating at low temperatures and pressures. As part of the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme, the CoalCO2-X Programme project aims to capture flue gas and use Green Ammonia and Green Hydrogen to turn elements into sulphuric acid, fertiliser and other value-added products.
UNISA P2Power
Recycle plastic into energy at a lower conversion cost.
It's no mystery why plastic has become a major part of our modern lives. It has a low production cost and is highly flexible. However, the disposal of plastic is an environmental concern as it does not decompose.
UNISA's P2Power conversion technology transforms plastic into synthesis gas (syngas). Syngas is used for producing ammonia or methanol and can be used as a fuel. The P2Power method produces syngas more efficiently than many alternative methods, significantly reducing the energy conversion cost. Businesses in waste management and energy companies looking for new ways to convert plastic to energy should explore this technology.
Ready to Build a Circular Economy?
Partner with us to transform waste into valuable resources. Together, we can create a sustainable future for South Africa.