This issue of Castings SA could not be a more diverse read if we tried. It is packed with everything from local artists and sculptors – be sure to read about where Chris Bladen draws his inspirations from when creating his remarkable bronze sculptures of the game fish he catches fly-fishing and the birds he encounters on his travels and at home in his garden, and how Marietha Van Der Venter came to be running her own art foundry supporting dozens of artists, both locally and from abroad – but it also includes all the latest technical information, useful insight and advice as well as our usual content such as some of the latest innovations in consumables and related product information.
This issue features two very informative stories revolving around locally undertaken initiatives aimed at improving foundry efficiencies and environmental impact reductions – something this industry can expect to see more and more of as the world and countries with manufacturing-based economies come under the spotlight for their contribution to environmental pollution and the tighter regulations around this that are coming into force worldwide.
The first of these aforementioned stories relates the value in consulting the National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN). Amidst the challenging landscape of South Africa’s manufacturing and foundry sector, the National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN) continues to prioritise sustainability through resource and productivity improvement and efficiencies of local foundries.
Through targeted interventions, the NFTN conducted comprehensive support interventions over a period of years which included benchmarking assessment, layout optimisation and assistance in acquiring an Air Emissions Licence (AEL) through a storm water implementation plan at an aluminium casting foundry, Alcutech. These initiatives have significantly improved the foundry’s operational efficiencies, energy reduction and resulting cost savings by approximately 20%, and environmental compliance – all of which assisted with the sustainability of the foundry.
Something worth noting is that the NFTN will be hosting a sustainable foundries workshop at the Sustainable Industries Conference 2024, being held at the CSIR in Pretoria on 11 and 12 September. Registration and more information can be found at https://www.industrialefficiency.co.za/conference/
The second of these stories further highlights the importance of educating yourself but also your employees on not just the negative aspects of being left behind in an age of environmental awareness but also emphasises some of the positives that can come out of this as a result of implementing mitigating measures on your impact.
“As market pressure takes over, more companies are considering the international environmental standard a necessary business tool,” explains Louis Miller of Knights Foundry.
“In an age of heightened environmental consciousness and increasing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, organisations have a pivotal role to play. ISO 14001 offers a structured approach for businesses to address these pressing concerns. By adopting this standard, organisations signal a commitment not only to regulatory compliance but also to ongoing environmental improvement. This proactive approach to environmental management can result in tangible benefits, such as reduced waste, energy conservation, and cost savings.”
“Furthermore, it enhances an organisation’s reputation, fosters stakeholder trust, and often constitutes a critical step for engaging in global trade and supply chains. Simply put, ISO 14001 stands as a testament to an organisation’s dedication to a sustainable future, blending environmental responsibility with strategic business growth.”
Implementing certain measures aimed at mitigating some of the issues identified in this story could mean the difference between a foundry’s survival or its untimely closure.
South Africa is never far away from the international eye and you just never know if someone is potentially looking at your foundry or related equipment supplier business as their next line of enquiry for their latest business opportunity.
If you’re not already looking at ways at improving efficiencies and how to reduce your impact on the environment, don’t get caught behind before it is too late to catch up.
Damon Crawford
Online Editor / Journalist
