Frequently asked
questions
If you have questions about the money4glass initiative or the BanQu platform, you might be able to find the answer here.

If you still have questions, please send an email to Recycling.AGZA@ardaghgroup.com

What is money4glass?

What is the money4glass project?

money4glass is an initiative brought to you by Ardagh Glass Packaging-South Africa (AGP-ZA). This initiative uses new technology (BanQu) in the glass recycling value chain to drive growth in glass recycling in South Africa. The easy-to-use, web-based BanQu platform will make the processes in the glass recycling value chain more efficient, safer and easier.

Who are the partners in the money4glass project?

Ardagh Glass Packaging-South Africa (formerly Consol Glass) is working with various partners to implement money4glass:

  • BanQu is the technology partner providing the software platform where the transactions will be done. The platform will track and trace all cullet (recycled glass) trades within the company’s supply chain in South Africa.
  • kasiCASH is the financial partner enabling cashless payment solutions for the transactions that take place on BanQu within the money4glass initiative.
  • The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) is the producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for glass packaging in South Africa. On behalf of TGRC, Ardagh Glass Packaging pays a monthly incentive fee to waste pickers who are registered on BanQu, which is then refunded to the company by TGRC. TGRC also covers the cost of the transport subsidy paid to Level 1 glass recyclers.

Who can participate in the money4glass initiative?
The money4glass initiative is open to all glass recyclers who trade within the supply chain of Ardagh Glass Packaging–South Africa.
Within this supply chain, there are three levels of recyclers:

Level 1 supplier:
  • Must be a registered vendor with Ardagh Glass Packaging (AGP).
  • Buys glass from Level 2 and Level 3 recyclers.
  • Delivers truckloads of recycled glass to AGP.
  • Outside Gauteng and Cape Peninsula regions, must supply a minimum of 30 tons per load per month to AGP.
  • Within Gauteng or Cape Peninsula, can deliver smaller loads of minimum 5 tons per load and at least 2 loads per month = total of 10 tons per month is minimum.

Level 2 supplier:
  • Mostly uses smaller delivery vehicles.
  • Buys glass from Level 3 recyclers.
  • Sells recycled glass to Level 1 recyclers.

Level 3 supplier:
  • Informal recycler who collects glass in a trolley or bag.
  • Does not transact more than 5 tons in a day and no more than 30 tons in a calendar month.
  • Can supply to Level 1, 2 and other Level 3 recyclers.
Can a Level 2 recycler become a Level 1?

Yes a Level 2 recycler can supply directly to Ardagh Glass Packaging but then the same criteria apply as for Level 1 in terms of registration, supply size and frequency.

WHAT IS BANQU?

What is BanQu?

BanQu is the software platform provider being used by Ardagh Glass Packaging-South Africa to track and trace all cullet trades within the company’s recycling supply chain.

Why did Ardagh Glass Packaging choose to use BanQu?

Currently, BanQu is the only solution that satisfies Ardagh’s requirements to collate data for the EPR plan and B-BBEE audits.

How does BanQu work?

On any web-enabled device (mobile or laptop). Standard network charges will apply.

What are the benefits to glass recycling vendors of being registered on the BanQu platform as part of the money4glass initiative?
  • Improved communication and trust between formal and informal glass recyclers and between buyers and sellers at different levels.
  • Transact anywhere, anytime on any internet connected device.
  • Enables instant cashless transactions to reduced risk around cash and payments.
  • Enables easy and safe cashless payment of subsidies and other incentives for qualifying recyclers where relevant.
  • Allows seamless transactions and sharing of data with third parties on a trusted platform without compromising data security.
  • Enables electronic records and bookkeeping to replace paper or manual systems.
  • Being part of a growing network of recycling enterprises could open up opportunities for business growth.
What are the benefits to Ardagh of using BanQu as part of the money4glass initiative?
  • Real-time reporting and tracking across multiple buying or processing sites.
  • Enables management of supply chain party data in compliance with POPIA.
  • Increases sustainability and BEE procurement scores.
How does BanQu help to drive EPR objectives?
  • It allows identification of traders, a better understanding of the footprint of cullet recycling activity and monitoring of the volumes of cullet traded in the different regions.
  • Allows incentives/payments to be passed to the recycler at the start of the recycling process while bypassing middlemen who may not be passing incentives down the chain.
  • Empowers downstream recycling value chain players through visibility and increased bankability.
  • Enables enterprise development and visibility to base of the pyramid and other micro-enterprises.
  • Strengthens and increases efficiencies of waste collection networks, including the base of the pyramid collectors.
  • Enables waste producers to include others in their EPR compliance schemes and programmes.
Disclaimer: All suppliers on BanQu are subject to audits performed by Ardagh Glass Packaging – South Africa or an independent auditor.

WHAT ARE THE SUBSIDIES AND INCENTIVES?

Why are there subsidies and who qualifies?

To drive growth in glass recycling in South Africa, there are several subsidies and incentives that can be paid to certain qualifying recyclers who are registered and transact on BanQu.

How does the transport subsidy work and who qualifies?
  • The Transport Subsidy is ONLY PAID TO LEVEL 1 RECYCLERS (see explanation on different levels here) by Ardagh Glass Packaging on behalf of The Glass Recycling Company.
  • The subsidy is applicable to all recycled glass supplied by Level 1 recyclers registered on BanQu and will be paid along with the standard weekly payment.
  • GPS data is recorded on BanQu for transactions between buyer and seller.
  • In calculating the distance, BanQu will review the GPS coordinates of the transaction as well as the registered business address of the buyer. Whichever has the shortest distance to the Ardagh Cullet Plant (either Clayville in Gauteng or Bellville in the Western Cape) is the distance that will be used for the calculation.
  • The subsidy is calculated as follows: Distance factor x Rate x Weight
    Distance factor is distance divided by 50
    Rate is R30 per 50km per ton
    Weight is qualifying BanQu tons

    EXAMPLE:
    Distance: 348km
    Rate: R30
    Weight: 27 tons

    348/50 = 6.96 x 30 = 208.80 x 27 = R5 637.60
  • The first 50kms will be paid at the full rate – EVEN IF IT IS LESS THAN 50KM – and thereafter will be calculated to two decimal points.
  • Suppliers from whom AGP normally collects recycled glass, and who comply with the qualifying criteria, will be paid the first 50km subsidy only.
How does the volume incentive work and who qualifies?
  • Only applies to existing Level 1 recyclers whose base tons will be communicated directly with them.
  • New Level 1 recyclers must supply a minimum of 30 tons per month for 6 months before qualifying for volume incentive.
  • Base tons been set for 2023 by AGP Recycling Office based on the monthly average supply history of existing Level 1 recycler for past 12 months. The incentive rate for 2023 is R100 per ton on all tons exceeding the base tons.
    Calculated as follows: (BanQu qualified tons – base tons) = incentive tons x rate (R100 per ton).
Who qualifies for waste picker incentive fee and how does it work?
  • Applies to Level 3 (waste pickers) and Level 2 recyclers.
  • Waste pickers typically supply not more than 5 tons per day and not more than 30 tons per month.
  • As an incentive, waste pickers will be paid an additional R150 per ton for new glass they bring into the supply chain.
  • In addition, the buyer (Level 2 recycler) of the additional tons will be paid an extra R50 per ton.
  • The total R200 waste picker incentive is covered by TGRC.
  • Once the transaction between the waste picker and the buyer has been completed on BanQu , two things will happen in real time:
    1. The buyer will make a cashless payment for the glass via BanQu to the waste picker’s kasiCASH account.
    2. Once the transaction is verified, BanQu will activate an additional R150 per ton incentive into the waste picker’s kasiCASH account and an additional R50 per ton incentive into the buyer’s kasiCASH account on behalf of Ardagh.
  • The additional R200 per ton incentive only applies to transactions done on BanQu and recyclers must have a BanQu profile and a kasiCASH account.

QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR SUBSIDIES AND INCENTIVES

1. Steps to be taken on BanQu to qualify for subsidies and incentives
  • 1. Level 1 supplier must have an active BanQu profile
  • 2. Level 1 supplier must have uploaded own B-BBEE Certificate/Affidavit and it must be approved on BanQu by AGP
  • 3. Level 1 supplier must have uploaded own proof of identity and it must be approved on BanQu by AGP
  • 4. Level 1 supplier must create and link their suppliers’ BanQu profiles
  • 5. Level 1 or Level 2 supplier must upload Level 2’s B-BBEE Certificates or Affidavits and it must be approved by Level 1 in the case of when the Level has uploaded the documents
  • 6. Level 1 or Level 2 supplier must upload Level 2’s proof of idenity and it must be approved by Level 1 in the case of when the Level 2 has uploaded the documents
  • 7. Cullet transactions on BanQu between Level 1 and Level 2 must be correctly concluded on BanQu
2. Transport Subsidy for Level 1 Recyclers
  • Available to South African registered businesses and citizens on Recycling Level 1.
  • Only transactions done on BanQu and that include geolocation data will qualify for the Transport Subsidy.
  • Recyclers must have supplied a valid B-BBEE certificate/affidavit and certified ID timeously.
  • Once documents are uploaded onto BanQu, they will be verified through the AGP approval process.
  • Foreign suppliers who are registered as South African companies: distance to be calculated to the border post of that leg of transport route and verified by import documents.
  • Foreign cullet suppliers not registered on BanQu: Price adjusted separately for the first 50kms only.
  • Level 1 recyclers must ensure that their suppliers (Level 2 and 3) have supplied valid B-BBEE certificates/affidavits and certified IDs timeously and are responsible for verifying these documents on BanQu.
  • Effective only at the start of the following month – will not be effective from the middle of a month.
3. Volume Incentive (VI)
  • Available to South African registered business and citizens on Recycling Level 1.
  • Level 1 recyclers must have supplied a valid B-BBEE certificate/affidavit and certified ID.
  • Once documents are uploaded onto BanQu, they will be verified through the AGP approval process.
  • Recyclers must supply a minimum of 30 tons per month by end 2023 (Sept/Oct/Nov) to qualify for the VI in 2024; 60 tons per month by end 2024 (Sept/Oct/Nov) to qualify for the VI in 2025 and 100 tons per month by end 2025 (Sept/Oct/Nov) to qualify for the VI in 2026. BanQu will provide the effective date for the incentive.
  • Calculated in December each year, the monthly average quantity for the preceding 11 months will be used to set the base tons for VI from 2024 onwards. New cullet vendors to the incentive will be added monthly.
  • Existing vendors who have not supplied in the past six months will be treated as new vendors before being included the VI.
  • Level 1 recyclers are not allowed to have more than one vendor account with a common director operating in the same region unless agreed with AGP.
  • Volume Incentive does not apply to cullet suppliers who are not registered and domiciled in South Africa.
  • Volume Incentive is capped at 100% growth of base tons per annum.
4. Waste Picker Incentive Fee
  • The waste picker and buyer must transact all cullet sales on BanQu to qualify for the incentive.
  • The waste picker and the buyer must receive payment for all cullet sales into a valid kasiCASH account.
  • BanQu will calculate the value of cullet sold by the waste picker, on which the incentive fee will be paid, but it cannot be more than the value of cullet paid for by the buyer. That means the value paid for the purchase of the cullet from the waste picker cannot be greater than R150 per ton.
  • The waste picker does not have to be in possession of a valid SA ID although it is recommended.
  • The buyer and waste picker cannot be related parties.

HOW DO I REGISTER ON BANQU AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

How do I register on BanQu?
Level 1:
  • Level 1 glass recyclers who are already registered vendors with Ardagh Glass Packaging will be invited, via a BanQu link, to complete their profiles on the platform.
  • The following documents must be uploaded on BanQu:
    o A certified copy of ID
    o A valid B-BBEE certificate or affidavit for the current year. An affidavit is required if a QSE is 51% or more black-owned. If less than 51%, then a BEE certificate required.
  • Contact Ardagh Glass Packaging’s Recycling office on 011 874 2142/2328/2327 for any enquiries.
Level 2:
  • Only an existing BanQu user can invite a new user to the platform and complete the seller’s profile on his/her behalf.
  • If the seller is not already registered, the buyer invites the seller via the BanQu platform – the seller will receive a BanQu link via sms.
  • The seller must accept the invitation to connect and transact.
  • A seller can connect to more than one Level 1 buyer.
  • Must upload following documents on BanQu:
    o A certified copy of ID
    o A valid B-BBEE certificate or affidavit for the current year. An affidavit is required if a QSE is 51% or more black-owned. If less than 51%, then a BEE certificate required.
Level 3:
  • Must be invited by Level 1, Level 2 or another Level 3 buyer already on BanQu.
  • Must accept invitation to connect and transact.
  • Can connect to multiple Level 1, 2 or Level 3 buyers.
  • Following documents are recommended:
    o A certified copy of ID (recommended for maximum benefit).
What documents do I need to register?
Level 1:
  • A certified copy of ID
  • A valid B-BBEE certificate or affidavit for the current year. An affidavit is required if a QSE is 51% or more black-owned. If less than 51%, then a BEE certificate required.
Level 2:
  • A certified copy of ID
  • A valid B-BBEE certificate or affidavit for the current year. An affidavit is required if a QSE is 51% or more black-owned. If less than 51%, then a BEE certificate required.
Level 3:
  • A certified copy of ID (recommended for maximum benefit).
What if I do not have a valid BEE certificate?

A certificate is not compulsory, a correctly completed affidavit (EME or QSE) will be accepted. An affidavit is required if a QSE is 51% or more black-owned. If less than 51%, then a BEE certificate required.

What happens if I don’t have a SA ID?

A certified copy of ID is required for Level 1 and 2 recyclers and is recommended for Level 3 recyclers to ensure maximum benefit.

What happens to my personal information?

BanQu always ensures POPIA compliance so your information is safe. You can also adapt your settings to control who has access to your information.

What type of information is required for the transaction?
  • Information of buyer and seller
  • Weight of cullet
  • Material type
  • Rate
  • GPS location – this is required for Transport Subsidy – for Level 1 Recyclers only
What is the process for a transaction?
  • Recycled glass is presented by the seller to the buyer.
  • The buyer will assess the quality of the glass to confirm that it is acceptable glass and then weigh the cullet.
  • The buyer selects the seller on BanQu and enters the transactional information. If the seller is not registered, the buyer will first assist to register the seller.
  • The buyer submits the transaction and the seller receives notification of the transaction. The seller has the option to raise a query against that transaction if he/she does not agree with the details.
  • The seller will receive a notification that he/she has been paid via a cashless payment into a kasiCASH account. However, a traditional cash payment can also be made but the seller will not receive notification of payment because this is outside of the BanQu platform.
Does it matter if I only have a feature phone and not a smart phone?

The full transaction can be done on a smart phone. On a feature phone, the user can only accept or reject the transaction through SMS.

HOW DOES THE CASHLESS PAYMENT SYSTEM WORK?

How does the instant cashless payment transaction work?
  • The seller must have a kasiCASH account. Open an account by dialing *134*20039#. You do not need airtime or data to call this number.
  • Once the details for the transaction have been entered, agreed and verified, a payment will be made into the seller’s kasiCASH account and the seller will receive a notification of payment.
  • Payment is made in the form of Digital Rand vouchers.
How do I open a kasiCASH account?

You can open a free kasiCASH account on your cell phone. Dial *134*20039# from your cell phone to open your account.

How do I USE my kasiCASH Digital Rands?
  • Access your kasiCASH account by dialing *134*20039# from the phone number that you used to receive your payments. To USE your Digital Rands, read the menu options and choose the option that you want to use.
  • You can SEND Digital Rands to any mobile number in SA.
  • You can BUY airtime and data using your Digital Rands.
  • You can PAY for goods and services from thousands of stores and online retailers using your Digital Rands.
How quickly will the money be available to me?

Immediately once payment is made.

Which merchants accept kasiCASH Digital Rands?

Participating retailers like Checkers, Shoprite, Steers, Wimpy, Mr D and many more. See more details at kasicash.com.

What if I need cash and cannot USE my Digital Rands?
  • If you cannot USE your Digital Rands you can request a refund in cash at any Pick n Pay store.
  • Dial *134*20039# to log into your kasiCASH account and reply with option 4 for REFUND.
  • Follow the steps and then use the REFUND wiCode number at any Pick n Pay store to get cash.
  • Fees and a limit of R1000 per transaction applies.
What are the fees associated with redeeming kasiCASH Digital Rands for cash?
  • There is no fee to open a kasiCASH account.
  • There is no monthly fee.
  • There is no fee to USE Digital Rands to pay for goods and services.
  • There is no fee to USE Digital Rands to buy airtime and data.
  • There is no fee to send Digital Rands to friends and family.
  • There is a refund fee of R10.00 per transaction and the maximum refund is R1000 per transaction.
What is my kasiCASH account number?

Your mobile number is your account number. Please make sure that the mobile number that you register on BanQu is the same as your kasiCASH account number.

Do I need any paperwork to open a kasiCASH account?

No, all you need is a South African mobile number.

What is 6DOT50?

6DOT50 is the voucher-based transactional technology platform that operates the kasiCASH account and Digital Rand voucher solution. You can use your Digital Rands at more that 80,000 stores and online retailers that accept 6DOT50 vouchers as payment.

WHAT IS THE EPR AND WHY IS GLASS RECYCLING IMPORTANT?

What is the EPR legislation and how is Ardagh complying with it?

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) applies to all producers and importers of packaging in South Africa and requires them to change how they design, make, and sell their products to keep them in the recycling loop as long as is practically possible. It is also mandatory for all producers to become a member of an approved EPR Scheme or Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). AGP-South Africa is a member of the TGRC which is a PRO for the glass packaging industry.

Why is glass recycling important for the environment and the production process?

The more recycled content is used in the production of new glass packaging, the fewer raw materials are needed, less energy is consumed, and less CO² is emitted, all good for the environment.

What is a circular economy and how does glass recycling contribute to it?

The circular economy is about sustainable resource management. It is about managing South Africa’s future development risks by understanding the availability of resources and keeping these resources circulating productively within the economy. Glass is made from natural ingredients that are abundant in nature, such as sand, soda ash, and limestone. Sustainably sourced, these materials combine with as much recycled glass as is available to produce new glass. More recycled content used in production translates directly into fewer raw materials needed, less energy consumed, and less CO² emitted. Glass is a 100% recyclable material and can be endlessly recycled, reused and repurposed, making it the perfect packaging material for a sustainable future and for achieving a circular economy.

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