Page 11 - KZN Business Sense 10.3

LEADING THE TRANSITION TO GREEN

MANUFACTURING

Liesel Kassier, Metair to this evolving energy landscape prioritising the business case for burgeoning circular economy. a proactive approach to
Research Head: risk several consequences: adopting green energy solutions. This framework emphasises sustainability integration
Sustainable ■ Escalating Energy Costs: Two of the key value propositions closed-loop systems through by executives leading their
Manufacturing Reliance on conventional energy for this business case would be the several key mechanisms: organisations. Sustainable
and Sustainable sources is leading to rising costs, following: ■ Design for Disassembly and practices necessitate a holistic
Finance, Toyota eroding profit margins. ■ A robust energy and net-zero Reuse: Products are designed approach, with collaborations
Wessels ■ Regulatory Pressures: strategy positions companies with an emphasis on facilitating between manufacturers,
Institute for for success in a rapidly changing disassembly and component material suppliers, and research
Manufacturing The prevalence of increasing market with a growing reusability, thereby extending institutions accelerating the
international carbon taxes
Studies (TWIMS) development and adoption of
such as the Carbon Border emphasis on sustainability. their lifespan and minimising sustainable solutions.
waste generation.
Adjustment Mechanism
Sustainable practices can unlock
■
T he (CBAM) has the potential access to green financing and ■ Content: Manufacturers are education programme in green
At TWIMS we offer an executive
Integration of Recycled
for enacting high penalties for
investment opportunities,
manufacturing that offers a
Imperative for Green manufacturing firms that have facilitating capital acquisition increasingly incorporating valuable opportunity for leaders
an energy source that is highly
higher percentages of recycled
for future growth.
Manufacturing Practices carbon intensive, like Eskom 2. The Ascendancy of Circular materials into their products, to gain critical knowledge and
skills to navigate the evolving
The global manufacturing sector grid-tied energy. Economy Principles: consequently diminishing market landscape. Leaders will
faces a multifaceted challenge: Forward-thinking manufacturers ■ The traditional linear economic reliance on virgin resources. walk away from the programme
balancing economic growth with can leverage the energy transition model of ‘take, make, dispose’ These trends reshaping having gained:
environmental responsibility. A as a strategic advantage by is being challenged by the green manufacturing require
paradigm shift is taking place in ■ A comprehensive understanding
manufacturing, with sustainable of green manufacturing
manufacturing practices no longer principles, encompassing
being a peripheral concern but resource management,
a central tenet for a responsible sustainable business models,
and prosperous future within the energy efficiency, circular
manufacturing sector. This article economy, and life-cycle
explores two trends shaping the assessment.
landscape of green manufacturing ■ Practical strategies for
and explores the benefits of integrating sustainability into
undertaking executive education existing operations. This
programmes in this field. includes technology adoption
choices and supply chain
1. Green Energy Adoption optimisation.
within manufacturing
A strategic vision for green
The global energy sector ■ manufacturing and the skills
is undergoing a significant to champion its implementation
transformation, characterised
by a shift from traditional, within their organisations. 
centralised, and carbon-intensive
power sources towards cleaner, For more information visit
decentralised, and digital www.twims.co.za
solutions. This transition presents
challenges and opportunities
for the manufacturing sector,
particularly in regions like South
Africa with energy insecurity and
a high dependence on fossil fuels.
Manufacturers who fail to adapt

FROM PITCH TO PROFIT

hree KZN SMEs sized enterprises (SMEs) in the He explains that after a Sustainability Solution, with like visiting 12 suppliers in a single
triumph at the Durban South African automotive sector. rigorous screening process both receiving R15 000 in prize day. I will certainly be encouraging
TAutomotive Cluster In opening the event, Takalani to assess the viability of each money. The Best Overall Business other Tier 1 companies to
Dragons’ Den Event. Rathiyaya, Head of the Economic business, the top contenders Case, and R25 000, went to Sirius collaborate as it boosts the tenacity
The Durban Automotive Cluster Development Unit at eThekwini underwent comprehensive Manufacturing. of the whole automotive industry.”
capacity-building to understand
(DAC) Business Accelerator held Municipality said, “The what it is that big customers are However, for the passionate SME Ballard expressed his delight
its ‘Dragons’ Den’ event at The meaningful transformation that looking for in local suppliers. participants and esteemed industry concluding, “The Accelerator’s
Pearls in Umhlanga Rocks on 4 is achieved by investing in these leaders, the true prize extended far ability to deliver meaningful
June 2024. Although this step of young, Black entrepreneurs in the The SMEs were capacitated to beyond the day’s monetary awards results for SMEs and transform
the Accelerator is based on the automotive industry is priceless develop a compelling business – the real value lay in unlocking their businesses into sustainable
popular Dragons’ Den television and we are so proud to be pitch to unlock significant sales sales opportunities, investments, enterprises is proven and we
show, its intentions and outcomes involved in this partnership that opportunities with potential mentorship opportunities and look forward to many more of
are very different. The panel of also drives localisation.” customers. expert coaching to scale their these events.” 
‘Dragons’, Kim Nisbet and According to Kyle Ballard, Consequently, selecting the business through the Accelerator.
Zimvo Mtolo from Toyota South Head of Accelerators at the top three from the twelve Tansel Ozimamoglu, Vice There are also three other Accelerator
programmes facilitated through the KZN
Africa Motors, Thomo Molepo DAC, the programme attracted emerging, Black-owned SMEs President of Business Management Clothing & Textile Cluster, eThekwini
from Hesto Harnesses, and Tansel over 100 applications this year. was a challenging task for the at Toyota-Boshoku South Africa, Furniture Cluster and Durban Chemicals
Ozimamoglu from Toyota- “This is a tribute to the success Dragons. The panel settled on highlighted the shared advantages Cluster. So, if you are a large corporate
Boshoku South Africa, were of the Accelerator over the past Enermous Investments for the of the programme: “It has been wanting to leverage the Accelerator for
your local supply chain, please contact
all there to find ways to partner six years and the transformative Industry Game Changer award beneficial and fruitful in finding accelerators@bmanalysts.com
with and bolster shortlisted outcomes for both big customers and Sizundawo Engineering new suppliers for our latest projects
high-potential small and medium- and SMEs alike.” for the Best Environmental and localisation activities. It was T: +27 (0)31 764 6100

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