Transforming E-Waste into Jobs, Growth and a Circular Future.
Across the African continent, millions of printer cartridges are used monthly – and discarded after a single use. The majority of these cartridges can be remanufactured multiple times, keeping them in use and out of landfill.
For African markets, where waste infrastructure is unregulated and landfill space is limited, remanufacturing delivers an immediate environmental benefit. Every remanufactured cartridge means less waste, fewer new resources extracted, and lower energy use.
Remanufacturing is not just recycling – it is waste prevention at source.
Remanufacturing reuses the plastics and metals already embedded in cartridges, avoiding the high energy and material costs of manufacturing new products. For example, recycled aluminium used in remanufactured products can require up to 95% less energy than producing aluminium from virgin materials.
This reuse-first approach aligns with Africa’s circular economy goals by preserving value, reducing emissions and supporting local manufacturing.
By extending product life, remanufacturing reduces waste, conserves resources and supports skilled jobs. It delivers real environmental impact today, while strengthening Africa’s transition towards a circular, inclusive economy.
The African Continental Remanufacturers Association (ACRA) is the industry body representing remanufacturers, collectors, suppliers and service providers advancing reuse and circular manufacturing across Africa.
Headquartered in South Africa and operating with a continental mandate, ACRA supports a growing African remanufacturing sector that delivers economic value, skilled employment and environmental protection. We bring industry together to build credibility, influence policy and strengthen local manufacturing capabilities across the continent.
ACRA exists to turn circular economy ambition into practical industry action.
ACRA is the collective voice of Africa’s remanufacturing industry. We engage with governments, regional bodies, international bodies and key stakeholders to ensure that remanufacturers are recognised as legitimate manufacturers and essential contributors to Africa’s circular economy.
Trust in remanufactured products is essential for market growth. ACRA promotes ethical conduct, quality practices and internationally recognised standards, adapted to African market realities. Our approach supports progressive improvement rather than exclusion.
ACRA bridges the gap between policy and practice. We contribute industry insight to policy discussions, advocate for reuse and remanufacturing and support regulatory frameworks that enable innovation, investment and fair competition.
Remanufacturing is a skills-based industry. ACRA supports training, knowledge-sharing and the integration of informal value chains, recognising that people are central to Africa’s circular economy transition.
In Africa, remanufacturing is more than a waste solution. It is an opportunity to retain value locally, reduce dependence on imports and create skilled employment. By extending product life and reducing material demand, remanufacturing supports both economic development and environmental protection in a practical, scalable way.
ACRA is the collective voice of Africa’s remanufacturing industry, engaging governments, regional and international bodies to ensure remanufacturers are recognised as legitimate manufacturers and key contributors to the circular economy. We strengthen the sector’s visibility, credibility and influence across the continent.
We promote ethical conduct, quality practices and internationally recognised standards adapted to African market realities, encouraging continuous improvement rather than exclusion. Through policy and advocacy work, ACRA bridges the gap between regulation and practice, supporting frameworks that enable innovation, investment and fair competition.
In Africa, remanufacturing is more than sustainability — it is economic opportunity. By extending product life, reducing import dependence and creating skilled employment, the sector drives inclusive growth. ACRA supports skills development and knowledge-sharing, recognising that people are central to Africa’s circular transition.
Turning waste streams into value chains, remanufacturing keeps products in use, creates skilled employment, and reduces dependence on imported raw materials. It is a practical, scalable solution that supports both environmental responsibility and economic growth across the continent.
