If the South African manufacturing sector wishes to mitigate the effects of rising tariffs and the new Carbon Tax, then it needs to become more resource efficient, according to the National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA).

Local manufacturing is still very resource intensive, and uses a lot of energy – primarily coal-based electricity – to drive its processes. The NCPC-SA, funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, exists to assist companies to adapt their processes to save resources, and subsequently production costs, says communications manager Julie Wells.

“We have seen that energy efficiency materialises into financial sustainability for many manufacturers, so our outlook for the future is very positive. We believe that by simply adjusting production processes and the way in which manufacturers do business, they can embrace the green economy and become sustainable businesses,” she says.

The manufacturing sector has not been growing because of its mounting challenges, which include continually rising electricity costs, as well as water security, with some manufacturing plants in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape having to adhere to severe water restrictions. Despite these challenges, Wells notes that the sector is still essential to the growth of the South African economy.

The yearly Manufacturing Indaba conference is one of the platforms through which the NCPC-SA programme can connect with small and large manufacturers to assist them in using resources more efficiently.

The NCPC-SA partners with the Manufacturing Indaba every year to help manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint, energy and water consumption. This year, the Indaba will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from June 25 to 26.

Wells says the NCPC-SA is particularly excited about the Small Business Indaba and the free Technical Workshop taking place at the Indaba exhibition area.

As small businesses are often not able to afford the costs of attending large events like the Manufacturing Indaba, the co-located Small Business Indaba event is one of the ways in which they are able to take part. Wells states that the NCPC-SA is looking forward to welcoming and connecting with small businesses.

The NCPC-SA will provide technical expertise regarding energy efficiency in manufacturing during the Technical Workshop. The workshops run concurrently with the Manufacturing Indaba in the exhibition hall and will be presented free of charge.