Whether you are a small business owner looking to stock up or a shopper curious about why your checkout experience is changing, the landscape of plastic bags in South Africa has shifted significantly. In 2026, the focus has moved away from “single-use” toward durability, high-quality plastic products manufacturing, and advanced recycling integration.
Here is everything you need to know about the current standards, pricing, and industry trends.
1. Mandatory Plastic Products Manufacturing Standards
In South Africa, the days of flimsy, “see-through” plastic bags are officially over. Under current legislation, all plastic carrier bags and flat bags must meet strict thickness and composition requirements:
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Minimum Thickness: To ensure bags are durable enough for multiple uses, the law mandates a minimum thickness of 24 microns. Anything thinner is prohibited for commercial distribution.
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Recycled Content: As of January 2026, most plastic bags in the market are required to contain at least 75% post-consumer recyclate. This shift has spurred massive innovation in the local plastic products manufacturing sector.
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Future-Proofing: By 2027, the goal is for all plastic bags to be made from 100% recycled materials, making South Africa a regional leader in circular manufacturing.
2. The Plastic Bag Levy: Where Does the Money Go?
When you pay for a plastic bag at a local retailer like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, or Woolworths, a portion of that price is a government-mandated environmental levy.
The South African plastic packaging market is a multi-billion rand industry. If you are a business looking for bulk supply, these are some of the key players dominating the sector:
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ITB Flexible Packaging Solutions: A major supplier of retail carrier bags and heavy-duty sacks.
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Gundle Plastics Group: Known for high-quality LDPE and HDPE films and plastic sheeting.
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Transpaco: One of the largest manufacturers and distributors of plastic bags in the country.
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Makulu Group: Specializes in custom-printed bags and fine-gauge extrusion.
Pro Tip for Businesses: Choosing a local manufacturer with FSSC 22000 certification ensures that your bags are safe for food-grade contact, which is essential for grocery and deli operations.
4. Innovation and Alternatives
While traditional plastic bags remain popular for their cost-effectiveness and water resistance, 2026 has seen a rise in hybrid packaging solutions:
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70-Micron “Heavyweight” Bags: Many premium retailers now sell ultra-thick reusable plastic bags for around R3.00 to R5.00. These are designed to be used dozens of times.
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Smart Packaging: High-end brands are beginning to integrate QR codes on bags to offer consumers discounts or rewards for returning the bag for recycling.
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Woven Polypropylene: For industrial or agricultural needs, woven bags (like those from Wang On Fibres) offer the highest weight-bearing capacity.
For consumers, the “plastic bag” is no longer a throwaway item; it’s a durable tool. For businesses, compliance is the name of the game. Staying updated on thickness regulations and levy adjustments is crucial for remaining competitive in the South African retail market.
