What MPACT does

Mpact Group Limited (JSE: MPT) is the largest paper and plastics packaging business and recycler in southern Africa, operating from a Johannesburg headquarters across 39 manufacturing and recycling facilities in South Africa (plus a converting site in Walvis Bay, Namibia) with 5,000+ employees. The company runs an integrated circular-economy model through four operating divisions: Paper Manufacturing (containerboard and cartonboard at Springs, Felixton, and Mkhondo mills), Paper Converting (Mpact Corrugated and the Detpak paper-bag joint venture), Plastics (IMH™ PET bottles, preforms, closures, bins and crates at Wadeville, Pinetown, Castleview and Atlantis), and Mpact Recycling (a 14-branch collection network recovering 639,000 tonnes of recyclables in 2025). Mpact Waste Management provides on-site waste solutions to large retailers and manufacturers, converting recovered material into feedstock that returns through Mpact's own mills.

The product portfolio is built around proprietary, sustainability-credentialed technologies including the internationally patented IMH™ injection-moulded handle (licensed from Integrated Plastics of Australia), SustainaBag™ recycled-fibre grocery paper, Freshflow table-grape packaging (15% payload savings, 30% energy reduction in forced-air cooling), and a recyclable 240-litre wheelie bin with polymer wheel. In October 2024 Mpact opened South Africa's first fibre-based recyclability testing laboratory aligned with European CEPI methodology, integrated with its paper and recycling operations. The group holds BRC/GFSI, FSC, ISO 9001/14001/22000, FSSC and POPI certifications and a B-BBEE Level 1 rating.

Mpact generates revenue through direct enterprise sales of paper, corrugated and plastic packaging to FMCG manufacturers (Unilever SA), major retailers (Pick n Pay, Shoprite Checkers, Clicks), agricultural exporters (citrus, table grape, avocado, blueberry growers) and industrial customers (Polarium/Nefab lithium-ion battery packaging), with transactions priced per unit for packaging goods and by weight/volume for recycling services. Reported group revenue rose to R14.0 billion in FY2025 (from R13.3B in FY2024, R12.8B in FY2023, R12.4B in FY2022), funded under a go-to-market that combines dedicated account management for key retailers and exporters with transactional recycling collection from over 90 independent dealers nationwide.

Name

MPACT

Legal name

Mpact Group Limited

Website

https://mpact.co.za

Company type

Public

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Mpact Group Limited is the largest paper and plastics packaging and recycling business in southern Africa, operating four integrated divisions (paper manufacturing, paper converting, plastics, and recycling) across 39 facilities in South Africa to supply FMCG manufacturers, major retailers, agricultural exporters, and industrial customers with sustainable packaging and on-site waste management services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Packaging and Recycling

NAICS

Paperboard Mills (32213), Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing (322211), Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills (3221), Materials Recovery Facilities (56292), Waste Collection (56211), Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing (322212)

SIC

Paperboard Containers & Boxes (2650), Paper Mills (2621), Refuse Systems (4953), Plastics, Foil & Coated Paper Bags (2673), Papers & Allied Products (2600)

akta.pro primary industry

Recycled Containerboard (Testliner) Manufacturing (IMAMAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Paper-Based Packaging & Single-Use Paper Products (Paper Bags, Wraps, Cartons) (CRADALAL), Recycled Paper Bags & Sacks (IMAMAKAI), Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Recycling Processing (BPALADAC), Post-Consumer Plastic Collection & Sorting (MRF/PRF, Bale Supply) (EUAIAKAA), Commercial & Office Waste Collection (Non-hazardous) (EUAIAGAA)

Keywords

• Paper packaging manufacturing
• Recycled plastics packaging
• Corrugated packaging solutions
• Waste management services
• Circular economy recycling

Headquarters

HQ city

Johannesburg

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Paper Manufacturing: Manufactures recycled-based packaging and industrial paper grades including containerboard and cartonboard. Major revenue driver contributing R11.0 billion in 2024.
2. Paper Converting: Corrugated business and other converting products for Quick Restaurant Sector (QSR) and agricultural sector including fruit packaging.
3. Plastics Manufacturing: Manufactures packaging products for food, beverage, personal care, home care, pharmaceutical, agricultural and retail markets including IMH bottles, bins, crates, and preforms.
4. Recycling Services: Leading paper recycler and collector of recyclable packaging including paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and cans. Provides waste management services to major retailers and manufacturers.
5. Waste Management Services: Mpact Waste Management division provides on-site waste management solutions, converting waste to resources and providing income streams for clients.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Mpact manufactures paper and plastics packaging products (containerboard, cartonboard, corrugated packaging, PET bottles, bins and crates) and operates the largest paper recycling and on-site waste management services business in southern Africa. The company is structured across four operating divisions — Paper Manufacturing, Paper Converting (including Detpak paper bags/lids), Plastics (IMH™ PET bottles, Bins & Crates), and Recycling — with an additional Mpact Waste Management division that provides on-site waste management solutions converting waste to resources for large distribution centres and retailers.

Product overview

Mpact is a paper and plastics packaging and recycling business with an integrated circular economy model. The company operates four main business divisions: Paper Manufacturing (containerboard, cartonboard at Springs, Felixton, and Mkhondo mills), Paper Converting (corrugated packaging and Detpak paper bags/lids), Plastics (IMH™ PET bottles, preforms, closures, Bins & Crates), and Recycling (leading collector of recyclables). Key products include SustainaBag™ recycled paper bags, Freshflow grape packaging, IMH™ PET bottles with integrated handles, and 240-litre recyclable wheelie bins. The company also offers waste management services through Mpact Waste Management and operates South Africa's first fibre-based recyclability testing facility. Products are designed to support the circular economy with recyclability as a key design principle.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Freshpact: Punnet and tray product line for fruit packaging
• IMH (Integrated Moulded Handle)
• SustainaBag
• Freshflow

Products and services

• Paper Manufacturing Manufactures recycled-based packaging and industrial paper grades including containerboard and cartonboard. Operates three mills: Springs Paper Mill (cartonboard/containerboard), Felixton Paper Mill (record production of 210,646 tonnes in 2022 using recycled fibre and SustainaBag paper), and Mkhondo Paper Mill in Mpumalanga (undergoing a R1.3 billion upgrade for virgin containerboard production, scheduled for commissioning by end of June 2025). Major revenue driver contributing R11.0 billion in 2024. Targets industrial converters and external customers across southern Africa.
• Paper Converting (Mpact Corrugated and Detpak) Consists of the corrugated business and other converting products primarily for the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector and agricultural sector including fruit packaging. Mpact Corrugated facilities are located at Epping (manufacturing lithium-ion battery packaging with ISO and FSSC certifications), Kuilsriver (corrugated board manufacturing), Mbombela (customer service centre for fruit sector in Limpopo), Gqeberha (Eastern Cape fruit customers), and Walvis Bay, Namibia. Detpak designs and manufactures SustainaBag™ paper bags and paper lids for hot and cold take-away beverage cups for grocery retailers and QSR chains. Targets agricultural exporters, QSR chains, grocery retailers, and industrial customers.
• Plastics (Mpact Plastics) Manufactures packaging products for food, beverage, personal care, home care, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and retail markets. Product range includes IMH™ PET bottles (manufactured at Wadeville plant), preforms, closures, Freshpact® punnets and trays for fresh produce, 240-litre recyclable wheelie bins with the recyclable plastic wheel, IML Octagon in-mould labelled polypropylene containers, the 100% PET Crush Grinder spice container, and the 100% recyclable Single-Layer PET Wine Bottle. Operations at Wadeville (FMCG and IMH bottle manufacturing, Gauteng), Pinetown (KwaZulu-Natal), Castleview (upgraded factory with 9 machines), and Atlantis (Bins & Crates).
• Mpact Recycling Leading paper recycler in South Africa and country's leading collector of recyclable packaging including paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and cans. Operates 14 branches and over 90 independent dealers nationwide. Recovered 639,000 tonnes of recyclables in 2025 (up from 588,228 tonnes in 2024), and collected over 700,000 tonnes in 2022. Provides recyclable collection services to commercial and industrial generators. Includes the PETCO liquid board packaging collection initiative across all branches and the 'Recycling in the bag' campaign with Detpak.
• Mpact Waste Management On-site waste management solutions partnering with customers to manage waste, provide income streams, and convert waste to profit through recycling and composting. Provides dedicated on-site teams at large distribution centres such as Pick n Pay's Eastport Logistics Park super distribution centre (164,000m²) and Westfalia's Gauteng distribution centre. Unilever South Africa partnership delivers zero waste to landfill services across KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg manufacturing sites, with 70-80% offset on waste management contracts and a Mooi River pilot creating 23 direct jobs that transform food production waste into animal feed.
• IMH™ (Integrated Moulded Handle) PET Bottles PET bottle with handle injection moulded during the preform production process, eliminating the need for separation prior to recycling. The internationally patented technology is licensed from Integrated Plastics of Australia. Can include rPET content. Targets personal care, chemical, homecare, dairy, edible oil, beverage and juice markets.
• SustainaBag™ Fully recyclable and recycled grocery bag paper manufactured at the Felixton Paper Mill in collaboration with Detpak. Made from recycled fibre paper providing resistance to water penetration and capable of handling load bearing mass of more than 10kg. Used by major South African retailers for home grocery delivery services including the Shoprite Checkers Sixty60 service.
• Freshflow Packaging Innovative packaging solution for the table grape industry delivering payload savings of up to 15%, faster Forced Air Cooling times, uniform airflow, and optimal temperature control. Achieves 9.5% to 15% reduction in carbon emissions and 30% reduction in energy consumption during Forced Air Cooling. Targets commercial table grape exporters.
• Sustainable Lithium-Ion Battery Packaging Sustainable paper-based packaging for lithium-ion batteries manufactured at Mpact Corrugated's Epping factory (with ISO and FSSC certifications) in partnership with Nefab Sweden. Engineered packaging concept meeting ECT 13kN/m standards and certified for distribution. Uses corrugated die-cut parts made from virgin FSC papers, delivering an 18% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 12% reduction in landfill waste compared with polystyrene alternatives. Targets lithium-ion battery manufacturers such as Polarium.
• 240-Litre Recyclable Wheelie Bin Recyclable HDPE plastic wheelie bin (240-litre) designed for industrial, household, and hospitality use. Features a specially designed rim flange, shock-absorbent and chemical-resistant properties, and a recyclable plastic wheel that replaces traditional rubber wheels, making the bin 100% recyclable. Targets municipalities and government entities, industrial users, households, and the hospitality sector.
• Fibre-based Recyclability Testing Facility South Africa's first fibre-based recyclability testing laboratory. Based in Springs and integrated with Mpact Recycling and Mpact Paper. Aligned with harmonised European CEPI methodology to provide science-based recyclability insights and design-for-recycling guidance to customers, industry bodies, and Mpact's own packaging design teams. Delivered in collaboration with Fibre Circle, with Mpact training conducted at PTS in Germany.
• IML Octagon Range In-mould labelled (IML) plastic containers manufactured from fully recyclable polypropylene. Versatile range designed for various packaging applications in the food and consumer goods sectors. Recognised as a 2023 IPSA Gold Pack Awards finalist.
• Crush Grinder (PET Spice Container) Spice container manufactured from 100% PET plastic that is fully recyclable without requiring separation of different polymer types. Includes an integrated grinder mechanism. Won an IPSA Gold Pack Gold Medal in 2023.
• Detpak Paper Lids (for Hot and Cold Beverage Cups) Paper lids for hot and cold beverage take-away cups produced from polylaminated board by Detpak. Eliminates the single-use plastic footprint associated with traditional plastic lids. Won IPSA Silver Medal and Fibre Circle Gold in 2023. Targets QSR chains and beverage retailers.
• Single-Layer PET Wine Bottle Single-layer wine bottle produced from 100% PET plastic which is 100% recyclable, offering an alternative to traditional glass wine bottles. Recognised as a finalist at the 2023 IPSA Gold Pack Awards.
• Zimflex Succulent Carton Agric-style carton with airflow design built in for cross-border transportation of succulents and similar agricultural products. Withstands atmospheric and direct moisture exposure using lightweight construction. Won IPSA Gold Medal and the Afristar Gold award in 2023.
• Freshpact® Punnets and Trays Paper-based punnets and trays for fruit packaging. Supports the home grocery delivery channel (e.g., the integrated Women filling Freshpact punnets and Mpact corrugated box with grapes among grape vines image on the investor relations page) and broader fresh produce retail and export sectors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 639,000 tonnes of recyclables recovered in 2025 (up from 588,228 tonnes in 2024)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OSY GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2025Five-year partnership with Mpact Operations to apply antimicrobial coating technology on corrugated board-based packaging for fruits sold in South Africa and Namibia, running until November 2030. The technology uses microscopic pins on packaging surfaces that puncture and kill microbes, extending shelf life and reducing food waste. Represents OSY Group's next stage of establishing long-term partnerships with packaging manufacturers globally.
• Africa TanksminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 July 2024Mpact Plastic Containers acquired 30% interest in Africa Tanks, one of South Africa's leading water tank manufacturers. Investment provides capital for economies of scale and accelerates growth plans.
• Unilever South AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Mpact Waste Management to accelerate Unilever's zero waste to landfill ambitions and support its net zero emissions target by 2039. Operational across Unilever's manufacturing sites in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg, with estimated 70-80% offset on waste management contracts. Pilot project in Mooi River created 23 direct jobs transforming food production waste into animal feed.
• Nefab SwedencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to develop durable paper-based packaging for safe containment of lithium-ion batteries. Nefab engineered packaging concept meeting rigorous standards (ECT 13kN/m), certified for distribution. Mpact manufactures corrugated die-cut parts at Epping factory using virgin FSC papers. Reduces CO2 emissions by 18% and landfill waste by 12%.
• Pick n PaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMpact Waste Management provides sustainable on-site waste management services for Pick n Pay's super distribution centre at Eastport Logistics Park (164,000m2). All processed cardboard transformed into paper at Mpact mills and returns as fresh cardboard - circular economy model in action.
• WestfaliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMpact Waste Management partnered with Westfalia to manage their Gauteng distribution centre site by combining Mpact Waste Management and Mpact Recycling expertise. Creates closed loop where used corrugated packaging returns to Mpact mills and back to Westfalia as new packaging.
• Fibre CirclecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMpact collaborated with Fibre Circle to launch South Africa's first fibre-based recyclability testing laboratory aligned with European CEPI methodology. Supports customers and industry bodies in science-based recyclability testing.
• PETCOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMpact Recycling partnered with PETCO to host activities at all 14 branches encouraging liquid board packaging collection. Waste collectors celebrated and incentivized with prizes for bringing over 5 tonnes of recyclable material.
• SingakwenzaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMpact Recycling collaborated with Singakwenza, an NPO dedicated to Early Childhood Education, for Global Recycling Day. Six collection shelves distributed to help gather recyclables for handmade educational toys from waste.
• Detpak South AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint project between Mpact and Australian-based Detmold Group for paper bag manufacturing. Detpak designs and manufactures SustainaBag and paper bags for QSR and grocery retailers. Collaboration includes 'Recycling in the bag' campaign with Mpact Recycling.
• Food Forward SAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMpact joined hands with Food Forward SA for Mandela Day Food Drive. Collection of non-perishable food items and volunteer packing of hampers distributed to underprivileged communities.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Pactiv Evergreen: Pactiv Evergreen produces foodservice and consumer packaging including paper-based and plastics products. Comparable to Mpact Plastics' foodservice and QSR-related packaging (Detpak paper lids, plastic containers) and shares the sustainability-driven product innovation trajectory.
• Greif Inc. Greif is a global producer of industrial packaging including corrugated products, containerboard, and plastics. Comparable to Mpact's industrial packaging customers (Polarium, manufacturers) and to Mpact Plastics' Bins & Crates product line.
• Sonoco Products Company: Sonoco is a global packaging company with significant paper-based, rigid plastics, and recycling operations. Comparable to Mpact's plastics (preforms, IMH bottles, bins/crates) and paper converting product portfolios serving consumer, industrial, and agricultural markets.
• Huhtamäki Oyj: Huhtamäki is a global food and consumer packaging company with a strong fiber-based packaging business. Comparable to Mpact's Detpak paper bags/lids, Freshpact punnets, and corrugated fruit packaging - serving similar QSR, grocery retail, and fresh produce end markets with sustainability-led product innovation.
• Smurfit Westrock: Smurfit Westrock is the world's largest containerboard and corrugated packaging producer post-merger. Comparable to Mpact Corrugated in producing shipping containers, corrugated boxes, and recycled containerboard at scale, with a strong focus on sustainability and circular economy.
• International Paper Company: International Paper is one of the largest global producers of containerboard and corrugated packaging with integrated recycling operations. Comparable to Mpact's integrated paper manufacturing + recycling model and competing for global FMCG and industrial packaging customers.

Others

• Waste Management Inc. While geographically focused on North America, Waste Management is a useful comparable for Mpact Recycling and Mpact Waste Management divisions - large-scale collection, sorting, and processing of recyclable materials from commercial and industrial customers, monetising both collection fees and material sales.

Direct peers

• Mondi Group: Mondi is a global paper and packaging group with significant operations in South Africa (previously Mondi South Africa). Directly comparable as a vertically integrated containerboard, corrugated, and paper-based packaging producer with recycling operations - similar product portfolio to Mpact's paper and converting divisions.
• Sappi Limited: Sappi is a South African-headquartered global paper and paperboard manufacturer producing containerboard, cartonboard, and coated papers. Comparable on the paper manufacturing side (Mpact's Springs, Felixton, and Mkhondo mills produce similar grades) and competes for industrial and packaging customers across Southern Africa.
• Nampak Limited: Nampak is Africa's largest packaging group, producing metal, glass, paper, and plastics packaging. Directly comparable to Mpact's plastics and paper packaging divisions serving FMCG, beverage, and personal care customers across South Africa and the broader African market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdzSEcSrS6vG-lh2PypXbiQ/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/MpactRecycling
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mpact-limited

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MPACT