Published 16 June 2026

For a business that operates 24 hours a day supplying tissue products to households across Southern Africa, energy is far more than an overhead cost. It is a critical input that directly impacts competitiveness, growth and long-term sustainability.

Universal Paper and Plastics (UPP) has been a part of South African industry for more than 75 years. From its facilities in Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng, the family-owned business manufactures and supplies tissue paper, napkins and household towels under its Dinu, and Dinu Professional brands. Its products are distributed through leading retailers including Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, SPAR, Clicks and Food Lovers, as well as a growing network of commercial and industrial customers across Southern Africa.

Employing approximately 400 people and producing more than 2500 tonnes of tissue products per month, UPP is one of Southern Africa’s leading independent tissue manufacturers.

UPP and NOA have entered into an energy supply agreement that will provide competitively priced renewable electricity while supporting the company’s long-term strategy of improving operational efficiency and managing future energy costs.

The energy challenge facing South African manufacturers

South African manufacturers continue to operate in a challenging environment. Industrial electricity tariffs have increased significantly over the past two decades, placing increasing pressure on businesses that rely on energy-intensive production processes.

For tissue manufacturers, where operations run continuously and energy is a major production input cost, electricity pricing has become an increasingly important factor in maintaining competitiveness. Every increase in energy costs ultimately impacts the cost of producing goods and supplying customers.

As a result, many manufacturers are actively exploring ways to secure greater certainty around future electricity costs while maintaining reliable energy supply for their operations.

Karel Cornelissen, Group CEO of NOA, says:

Universal Paper and Plastics is exactly the type of South African manufacturing business we are proud to support. For more than 75 years, UPP has built a respected business, created employment opportunities and supplied essential products to households across the region. Energy cost certainty is increasingly important for manufacturers, and our flexible supply model is designed to help businesses like UPP remain competitive while continuing to grow.

A solution built around UPP’s operations

UPP has already invested substantially in renewable energy through a 3MWp solar PV installation across its Ga-Rankuwa facilities. This investment forms part of the company’s broader strategy to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and strengthen long-term sustainability.

 

The agreement with NOA represents the next phase of this strategy.

NOA’s proposed solution comprises renewable energy generated from a combination of solar PV and battery energy storage systems, designed to complement UPP’s existing onsite generation. The structure of the agreement provides flexibility that aligns with UPP’s operational requirements and varying production demands throughout the year.

When fully operational, the solution is expected to significantly increase the proportion of renewable energy utilised across UPP’s operations while contributing to the company’s broader sustainability objectives.

Supporting long-term manufacturing growth

UPP continues to invest heavily in new manufacturing technology, production capacity and operational efficiency. Significant capital investments currently underway will further enhance product quality, production capability and service levels across the business.

Access to competitively priced and predictable electricity forms an important part of enabling this continued growth.

The partnership between UPP and NOA reflects a broader trend across South African industry, where manufacturers are increasingly seeking innovative energy solutions that support both operational resilience and long-term competitiveness.

As South Africa’s energy market continues to evolve, businesses are gaining access to new opportunities through renewable energy generation, wheeling arrangements and energy trading solutions. These developments are creating greater flexibility for manufacturers looking to manage costs while supporting future expansion.

Jonathan Sher, Managing Director, Universal Paper and Plastics, concludes:

Electricity is one of the largest input costs in our manufacturing process, making long-term energy price certainty strategically important for our business. NOA took the time to understand our operations and structured a flexible solution around our consumption profile and operational requirements. As we continue investing in new manufacturing technology and expanding our production capabilities, securing a reliable and competitive energy supply will play an important role in maintaining our competitiveness and supporting future growth. We believe this partnership positions us well for the years ahead.

About Universal Paper and Plastics

Universal Paper and Plastics is a leading Southern African tissue paper manufacturer producing bathroom tissue, household towels and napkins from its facilities in Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng. Through its Dinu, and Dinu Professional brands, the company supplies major retailers, commercial customers and distributors throughout Southern Africa. For more information, visit www.upap.co.za.