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This considerably lowers the embodied energy Belgotex Foundation
associated with virgin raw material use. The company has a history of establishing, supporting
A Carbon Footprint analysis was done in 2010 and, and implementing programmes that uplift communi-
Belgotex developed their blueprint for carbon emission ties and organisations. The Belgotex Foundation,
reductions, using integrated carbon management established in 2015, was initially dedicated to early
systems to reduce their carbon footprint significantly. childhood development. The Foundation success-
fully transformed numerous projects with their wide
Numerous energy optimisation initiatives have range of products but has concluded that the role of
provided more sustainable energy sources, including the Foundation was far greater than ECD revamps
the 17 million rand photovoltaic solar power plant and upgrades.
that provides about 5% of the company’s annual
energy requirement. Edward Colle, Belgotex’s CEO and co-founder of
the Belgotex Foundation said, “Belgotex believes
The rainwater harvesting initiative considerably wholeheartedly in a ‘hand-up’ rather than a ‘hand-out’
reduced water consumption by using rainwater from approach, and we are proud to be associated with
the factory’s roofs in non-critical applications. The initiatives that support the efforts of communities
company’s move to 100% solution dyed yarn production and individuals to improve their socio-economic
has also resulted in significant water, chemical and circumstances.”
energy savings. This has saved a precious resource,
distanced Belgotex from old technology and offers “If we look around, we cannot be proud of the current
clients a far superior ‘stain proof’ yarn system. situation in society. It may be more evident in this
beautiful country we live in, but the same social decay
In alignment with the three Rs of waste management and lack of inclusive growth is evident globally.
– reduce, reuse, and recycle – Belgotex seeks to
reduce inputs, reuse materials and recycle waste from This is not part of our purpose, and if we don’t
address the situation, we will leave our children a very
the company’s operations, effectively reducing the challenging set of cards. On a fundamental level, if
amount of waste sent to landfill.
we cannot look after our planet and the society that
The ongoing ‘Green Journey’ aligns with Belgotex’s occupies it, we will have a very dysfunctional set of
value We Tread Softly, which speaks to the company’s circumstances which will put immense pressure on
commitment to operational sustainability practices. business, as the environment will not be conducive to
any form of growth. The sooner we address and deal
Best Practice
with these issues the better it will be in the long run.”
The company adheres to international best-practice
principles and frameworks such as the ISO Quality The Belgotex Academy was launched in 1999 and
and Environmental ISO 9001 (Quality management provides flooring installation training, technical sales
system), ISO 14001 (Environmental management training and estimating training across the various
system), ISO 14064/7 (Greenhouse gas emissions product categories offered by Belgotex.
reporting), ISO 14040/4/6 (Life cycle assessment), In addition, the company offers youth and employee
ISO 14024/5 (Environmental labelling), GRI-GR4 development through internship and learnership
Guidelines, 12 Principles, and the GreenTag and programmes, various training and awareness
GreenStar 6 Star certifications. programmes and employee wellness campaigns.

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