The National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC) and the National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN) in collaboration with Ozone 2020 Skills Development have recently held a virtual presentation to 15 KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) companies, which comprised of foundries and suppliers to the industry, to present the skills development initiatives focused on resource-efficient and cleaner production (RECP) principles for the foundry industry.

“The aim of the virtual meeting was to discuss NCPC’s skills development programmes, explore sustainable practices within foundries, and identify the circular economy skills needed as an enabler for transformation in the foundry industry,” explained Dr Zenzile Rasmeni Masipa, Skills Development Project Manager for the NCPC and NFTN, both government supported programmes that are hosted by the CSIR.

“A special request was made from the KZN region, originating from the Ozone 2020 Skills Development company, which offers metallurgical skills-based training, after they attended a previous NCPC training session. This specific engagement targeted KZN foundries due to their interest and the request for additional support.”

The NCPC and NFTN hosted a Green Skills Pathway briefing session virtually to highlight the critical importance of the circular economy in transitioning the industry towards sustainable practices and developing green skills in the foundry industry

“Local manufacturers need to reduce carbon emissions to stimulate investment and export. To outline the wider context on carbon emissions, the European Union, a key market for South Africa-based manufacturers, began implementing its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) transition phase in October 2023. It is scheduled to come into full force in 2026.”

“This is the EU’s tool to put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive goods that are entering the EU, and to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.”

“During the transition phase, EU-based importers of goods covered by CBAM from non-EU countries must report the embedded emissions of their imports, without incurring any financial liabilities. However, after 2026, if carbon emissions exceed the prescribed amount, importers will need to pay an additional tax or purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions. For now, the industries subject to CBAM are electricity, aluminium, iron, steel, cement, fertilisers and hydrogen.”

“Foundries are not exempted. For example, even if they are not exporting directly many of their clients could be. The ripple effect is that CBAM could affect their bottom line if a foundry, as their supplier, is not compliant.”

“The NCPC and NFTN hosted a Green Skills Pathway briefing session virtually to highlight the critical importance of the circular economy in transitioning the industry towards sustainable practices and developing green skills in the foundry industry.”

“When it comes to economic sustainability, the question for foundries is how to increase economic success while at the same time maintaining the quality and availability of resources. The topic of ‘sustainability’ has been on everyone’s mind for some time now. What exactly does this mean for my foundry?”

“The definition of sustainability rests on three pillars – ecology, economy and society. The last two of these often are neglected when projects are being developed and assessed. Sustainable products, however, are able to contribute much more to achieving sustainability than people may initially think. Anyone who has ever been to a foundry that has been converted from organic to inorganic binder technology, and has seen how that technology and work environment has changed to the benefit of the workforce, will recognise the economic and social contribution it provides.”

“When it comes to economic sustainability, the question for foundries is how to increase economic success while at the same time maintaining the quality and availability of resources.”

The aim of the virtual meeting was to discuss the NCPC’s skills development programmes, explore sustainable practices within foundries, and identify the circular economy skills needed as an enabler for transformation in the foundry industry

“But first you need to have a skills development plan for all your employees, including the employers. They need to buy in to the global legislation that is taking place. Foundries need to reduce the emissions resulting from their processes. Emissions have negative and potentially irreversible consequences for the environment, and so foundries are incentivised to adopt new technologies, not only to continuously meet regulatory and environmental requirements but also to satisfy the increasing expectation of social responsibility.”

“Besides they need to satisfy their clients’ requirements.”

“There is training that will be involved, with a focus on RECP skills development and circular economy practices for the foundry industry. NCPC’s RECP skills development programmes aim to promote resource-efficient and cleaner production practices, supporting foundries in adopting sustainable, circular economy principles. These programmes are highly relevant as they help foundries adopt sustainable practices that will improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and contribute towards de-carbonisation and the long-term sustainability of the casting industry.”

“We had representatives – owners and managers – Pefco, Microfinish, Joseph Grieveson, Non-Ferrous Metals, Sheffield Non-Ferrous, Inkunzi Ferrous, Preformed Lined Products, PDC, Vexila, Northern Natal, Boschpick, Umgeni Iron and Steel, Foseco, Ozone2020 Skills Development, Merseta and Blue Parameid that attended the meeting.”

“The meeting generated significant interest, and several foundries expressed a strong desire to adopt sustainable practices and engage with NCPC in future initiatives, but there was a noticeable decline in attending the actual training due to capacity with the foundry.”

“The next steps for the sector include the RECP training sessions, followed by potential site visits to engage with foundries for deeper collaboration. The NCPC and NFTN plans to build on the momentum by scheduling further training sessions and conducting site visits to foundries to explore potential collaborations and assess their sustainability needs.”

“The Green Skills Pathway briefing session was a pivotal event for fostering awareness about sustainable practices in the foundry industry. NCPC and NFTN are committed to supporting foundries in their sustainability journey through continued training and collaboration.”

For more information visit www.ncpc.co.za or www.nftn.co.za or email ncpc@csir.co.za