Engineering News | Features | Sugar Growers, Millers and Refiners

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Sugar Growers, Millers and Refiners

Battling threat of sugar tax, excessive imports and low price

By: Victor Moolman 8th December 2017 The large amount of sugar being imported into South Africa has caused the country’s sugar industry, which may soon be further compromised by the introduction of a sugar tax, to start exporting sugar at world market prices to offload excess sugar, which it is unable to sell locally. While opposing... →

Strand jacks an effective option for sugar mills

By: Robyn Wilkinson 12th April 2017 Machine moving and rigging specialist Lovemore Bros is adding four 70 t strand jacks to its service offering, providing an effective heavy-lifting alternative to conventional cranes for many industries, including the sugar industry. →

EFFECTIVE USE OF SPACE Strand jacks are particularly useful in operations with limited space available, such as in sugar mills, which are generally very congested

Demand grows as centrifugal screen proves its worth

By: Robyn Wilkinson 31st March 2017 Market demand is growing for Johnson Screens’ all welded, one-piece wedge wire centrifuge screens after the completion of a three-year trial at sugar producer Illovo Sugar subsidiary Ubombo Sugar’s mill, in Swaziland, which started in 2014, says filtration specialist Filteg Solutions. →

Sugar industry reduces haulage costs by R38m

By: Robyn Wilkinson 31st March 2017 The South African sugar cane industry should be congratulated on the progress it has made over the past ten years in improving the efficiency of its haulage system in line with the South African National Roads Agency’s Road Traffic Management System (RTMS), says South African Cane Growers’... →

Need for industry growth must be recognised

By: Robyn Wilkinson 31st March 2017 More favourable economic conditions for sugar cane production and processing need to be fostered in South Africa to protect and grow a sector that contributes an average R12-billion to the economy and provides about 350 000 jobs in the country, say industry associations the South African Cane... →

REMAINING GLOBALLY RELEVANT South Africa needs to protect its positon as a globally competitive producer of high-quality sugar

Photo by Duane Daws
REMAINING GLOBALLY RELEVANT South Africa needs to protect its positon as a globally competitive producer of high-quality sugar

Sugar tax threatens sugar industry survival

By: Robyn Wilkinson 31st March 2017 The South African Treasury’s proposal to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) later this year threatens the sustainability and survival of a sugar industry already under strain, says South African Sugar Association (Sasa) executive director Trix Trikam. →

Online platform advances sustainability in global sugar supply chain

By: Robyn Wilkinson 31st March 2017 Sugar cane organisation Bonsucro launched Bonsucro Connect in January – a new cloud-based technology platform that will enable its global web of members to connect with one another to verify the sustainability standard of their sugar cane and streamline the global sugar supply chain. →

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
Bonsucro Connect will enable buyers to trace their supply and develop robust sourcing strategies to support producers of sustainable sugar cane-derived products

Photo by Joe Woodruff/Bonsucro
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING Bonsucro Connect will enable buyers to trace their supply and develop robust sourcing strategies to support producers of sustainable sugar cane-derived products

Expected decline in sugar cane crop

By: Simon Sonnekus 25th March 2016 The drought in the eastern part of South Africa will lead to a projected decline in sugar production of 500 000 t, says South African Sugar Association (Sasa) executive director Trix Trikam. “The strategic crop, which is grown in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, yields an average of 2.3-million tons... →

RAIN NEEDED Since November 2014 to date, producers have noted an average decrease of about 60% of the required rainfall

Drives provide maximum capacity for mills

By: Simon Sonnekus 25th March 2016 The South Africa branch of German engineering company SEW Eurodrive is focused on producing energy efficient drives that can maximise the load and capacity of mills and refiners in the sugar industry. “A key point in the sugar industry is its need for motors and gearing solutions to provide... →

TAILORED DRIVES SEW Eurodrive has reaffirmed its focus to tailoring its motor and gearing options for sugar producers

Corrosion cures for sugar cane industry

By: Simon Sonnekus 25th March 2016 Coatings manufacturer Kansai Plascon has reaffirmed its position in the sugar industry by providing holistic coating solutions that will prolong inevitable corrosion at sugar mills and refineries through implementing established specifications and seasoned systems. Kansai Plascon industrial and... →

FILM THICKNESS
Plascon ensures that the dry film thickness of the coating meets client requirements, with a full inspection conducted after the application

Photo by Bloomberg
FILM THICKNESS Plascon ensures that the dry film thickness of the coating meets client requirements, with a full inspection conducted after the application

Sugar mill focuses on skills development

25th March 2016 South African sugar producer Illovo Sugar’s new technical academy located at the Eston sugar mill, in KwaZulu-Natal, will soon see large portions of the company’s agricultural, factory and management personnel attend a combination of intense in-classroom and on-the-job training to deliver... →

Photo by Bloomberg
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT The academy also presents the opportunity to extend the company’s agricultural programmes

Drought, low oil price weighing down ethanol industry

By: Simon Sonnekus 25th March 2016 The ethanol industry in South Africa remains lacklustre, owing to various issues, including low Brent crude oil prices, the persisting drought in the sugar cane-producing regions and the lack of policy implementation, says Ethanol Producers Association of Southern Africa chairperson Peter... →

Photo by Bloomberg
DETREMENTAL DROUGHT The end of the current drought will ensure crop production is restored fully

Sugar mill to bolster operations with broad upgrades

25th March 2016 Durban-based sugar producer Umfolozi Sugar Mill have set its sights on producing a higher grade of sugar by introducing a new distributed control system (DCS) as well as upgrading several of its systems for the 2016/17 season. The company has invested in the multimillion-rand system from... →

MORE SUGAR IN THE BAG
Combined results of upgrade projects at Umfolozi Sugar Mill is expected to increase the overall recovery to an additional 600 t of sugar in the bag

Photo by Duane Daws
MORE SUGAR IN THE BAG Combined results of upgrade projects at Umfolozi Sugar Mill is expected to increase the overall recovery to an additional 600 t of sugar in the bag

5.7% decline in half-year revenue for sugar producer

25th March 2016 Agriculture, agroprocessing and sugar producer Tongaat Hulett has noted a 5.7% decline in half-year revenue, generating an operating profit for the 2015/16 sugar season. The sugar season, which runs from April 1 to March 31 yearly has been beleaguered by drought during the current season which... →

Photo by Bloomberg
STRUGGLING MARKET Tongaat Hulett’s various sugar operations’ revenue totalled R5-billion up until September

Locally produced flocculants provide cost-effective solutions

By: Simon Sonnekus 25th March 2016 With increasing productivity and water availability being the biggest challenges for sugar and ethanol plants, chemicals group AECI’s wholly owned water, energy and air solutions subsidiary ImproChem has reaffirmed its focus to provide sustainable solutions for the sugar industry. →

SIMON TRESTON The new SENFLOC range of products is suited to the market as it has a unique property in uncurling to reach maximum expansion

Bittersweet report leads to prompt response from sugar company

25th March 2016 A report regarding sustainability issues in sugar cane production by the independent, not-for-profit research and network organisation Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) has rapped the Malawian division of South African sugar producer Illovo over the knuckles over issues... →

Nepean

By: Zandile Mavuso 25th March 2016 Establishment in in 1995, South African manufacturing company Nepean Conveyors strives to be one of the leading conveyor design, manufacturer and service company in Africa, as it aims to grow through delivering quality conveyors to the benefit of all stakeholders, formation of strategic alliances... →

Electrolysers efficient energy alternative in sugar industry

25th March 2016 With electrolyser proving to be an efficient source of energy in the sugar industry, Tshwane-based specialised engineering company RTS Africa Engineering believes that the use of hydrogen in electrolysers is potentially the energy carrier of the future. Electrolysis is the process of splitting... →

HYDROGEN NEL A electrolysers offer complete reliability and flexibility for the end-user, and are a highly cost effective solution to hydrogen generation

Production decline spurs sugar price increase

By: Pimani Baloyi 27th March 2015 The provisional recoverable value price of sugar from cane delivered in January 2015 for the 2014/15 season increased to R3 359.21/t, after a R1.18 increase in December 2014, according to the South African Cane Growers Association (Canegrowers). Canegrowers attributes the increase to a higher... →

Photo by Duane Daws
INDUSTRY SUPPORT Canegrowers represents about 23 866 private sugar cane growers, many of whom run small family-owned farms

$82m Zambia sugar project gets under way

By: Pimani Baloyi 27th March 2015 JSE-listed sugar producer Illovo Sugar’s $82-million construction project at its subsidiary Zambia Sugar’s Nakambala sugar plant will give momentum to the further development of Zambian smallholder cane farmers, as well as provide employment opportunities for local people during construction,... →

GAVIN DALGLEISH About 90% of Illovo Sugar Group’s energy requirement is produced through renewable energy

Sugar producer partners with college, develops local farmers

By: Pimani Baloyi 27th March 2015 JSE-listed agroprocessing company Tongaat Hulett has formed a partnership with the Umfolozi Technical and Vocational Education and Training College, in KwaZulu-Natal. This resulted in four of the college’s engineering students being placed at the Felixton mill to complete a 12-month work... →

EMPOWERMENT Peaceful Ndlovu is Tongaat Hulett's youngest black economic empowerment land reform growers

African sugar production expected to increase by 500 000 t

By: Pimani Baloyi 27th March 2015 African sugar production is expected to rise to 12-million tonnes in 2014/15 from 11.5-million tonnes in 2013/14, as a result of expansions in Ethiopia and Sudan, says the International Sugar Journal’s (ISJ’s) 2015 World Sugar Outlook. The report attributes the rise in sugar production on the... →

Event highlights industry outlook

27th March 2015 Discussions at the eleventh yearly Kingsman Dubai Sugar Conference – which took place from January 31 to February 3 in Dubai – focused on the 2015 to 2020 industry outlook, trader debates and refining updates, says global energy, petrochemicals, metals and agriculture information firm Platts.... →

GLOBAL GROWTH FORECAST
The eleventh Kingsman Dubai Sugar Conference provided a platform for critical debate on the sugar market's immediate and longer-term outlook

Photo by Bloomberg
GLOBAL GROWTH FORECAST The eleventh Kingsman Dubai Sugar Conference provided a platform for critical debate on the sugar market's immediate and longer-term outlook

Sugar producer’s train weighing system replaced

27th March 2015 Static and dynamic weighing technology specialist Cardinal Weighbridge Company South Africa (CWCSA) has replaced the underperforming train weighing system at JSE-listed sugar producer Illovo Sugar’s Noodsberg mill in KwaZulu-Natal. Illovo Sugar Noodsberg project engineer Craig Lipsett says the... →

NOODSBERG MILL Prior to the installation of the new weighing system, many of Illovo Sugar’s rail cars were underfilled to prevent excess train weight exceeding the legal rail freight limit, set by Transnet Rail, which was costly for Illovo Sugar

Cost efficient blower available to sugar industry

By: Pimani Baloyi 27th March 2015 As South Africa’s sugar production industry faces several challenges, owing to an increase in imports and the subsequent negative impact on domestic sales, local machinery supplier Airgas Compressors says that its Aerzen Delta Blower Generation 5 roots blower provides a cost effective and... →

AERZEN DELTA BLOWER GENERATION 5 Demand for this roots blower has been high, despite economic challenges

Government considers sugar tax for South Africa

28th March 2014 The Department of Health (DoH) is considering introducing a sugar tax to encourage South Africans to consume less sugar, says DoH head of non-communicable diseases Melvyn Freeman. Freeman’s comments follow the publication of the World Health Organisation’s latest Global Cancer Report, which... →

Standard Bank poised to help grow local agriculture sector

28th March 2014 With more than 150 years of providing financial services and support to the agriculture sector, South African financial institute Standard Bank remains at the forefront of agricultural development with key partnerships with major agricultural role players, aimed at creating a sustainable sector,... →

Sugar cane used for sustainable packaging solutions

28th March 2014 There was strong progress in 2013 toward 2020 environmental targets which focused on developing sustainable products, reducing environmental footprint across the value chain and increasing recycling, reports food processing and packaging solutions business Tetra Pak. To make packaging products... →

Sugar cane poses some environmental threats

By: Carina Borralho 28th March 2014 The widespread practice of burning sugar cane prior to harvest is becoming a challenge, particularly in Southern Africa, as it causes air pollution and biomass residue (cane trash), which could otherwise be burned to generate heat and create electricity, says global policy research institute... →

SUSTAINABLE FOOD SOURCE The capacity of sugar cane to grow rapidly has made it the world’s number one energy crop

Setting standards for sugar cane

By: Carina Borralho 28th March 2014 To date, 3.66% of the world’s land that farms sugarcane has been certified as sustainable against the standard set by sustainability organisation Bonsucro, which is working at continuing to grow sustainability certification in sugar cane worldwide. “The 3.66% figure might seem like a small... →

New planting solutions for sugar cane in Brazil

28th March 2014 Growth technologies for sugar cane namely Plene Evolve and Plene PB, which were successfully launched in Brazil, in December, help sugar growers to increase yields and plant quality sugar cane by providing healthy young plants with an assurance of genetic purity, vigour and traceability, says... →

Engineering group focuses on heat exchange for sugar sector

By: Anine Kilian 26th April 2013 Engineering solutions provider Bearing Man Group (BMG) is focusing on extending its heat exchange business by encompassing a new partnership with ultrasonic cleaning and heating engineers SA Heat Exchange, which provides manufacture, refurbishment and repair service for BMG to all industries,... →

Sugar producer may open new mill in Moz

By: Anine Kilian 26th April 2013 South African sugar producer TSB intends to undertake a feasibility study for a new sugar production base, in Mozambique, this year. The feasibility study is the result of the right granted by the Mozambican government to TSB and its local partners to develop a 37 500 ha sugar cane growing... →

Cogeneration an option for sugar industry

By: Anine Kilian 26th April 2013 Sugar production in South Africa has recently declined, owing to factors such as climate change and the high cost of production, says information technology (IT) services and specialised solutions provider Adapt IT, which adds that there is potential for growth in the industry that could come... →

Industry explores green charcoal

By: Anine Kilian 26th April 2013 South African sugar cane growers are developing an innovative and scalable technology to produce green charcoal, which will increase growers’ revenue and generate value from excess biomass. “We are interested in producing green charcoal because it would create a parallel industry to the existing... →

Cheaper imports affect supply and demand in South African sugar industry

26th April 2013 The South African Sugar Association (Sasa) reports that the local sugar industry is suffering, owing to imports from countries such as Brazil, which means that local consumption of South African-produced sugar is likely to be less than what the industry hopes for. Since April 2012, the amount of... →

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