Page 80 - 2019\20 KZN Top Business Portfolio - EBOOK

BELGOTEX

CEO: Edward Colle
www.belgotex.co.za

WE TREAD SOFTLY Numerous energy optimisation initiatives have provided
more sustainable energy sources, including the R17
The Belgotex value ‘We Tread Softly’ reflects its million photovoltaic solar power plant that provides
commitment to sustainability. about 5% of the company’s annual energy requirement.
Belgotex has been a leader in the local flooring industry A phase 2 solar power plant of the same capacity will be
for 36 years, and has a healthy export market for high- rolled out in 2018.
end residential, corporate and commercial flooring. The rainwater harvesting initiative considerably reduced
water consumption by using rainwater from the factory’s
A member of the multi-national Belgotex International
Group that spans five continents, Belgotex designs, roofs in non-critical applications. The company’s move
manufactures and delivers a wide range of carpeting, to 100% solution dyed yarn production has also resulted
vinyl, artificial grass, underlays and rubber flooring in significant water, chemical and energy savings. This
to private homes and the corporate, commercial, has saved a precious resource, distanced Belgotex from
healthcare, retail, educational, hospitality, sporting and old technology and offers clients a far superior ‘stain
landscaping sectors. proof’ yarn system.
The company’s continuous investment in technology has In alignment with the three Rs of waste management
laid the foundation for manufacturing excellence, and - reduce, reuse and recycle - Belgotex seeks to reduce
adapting to market trends has ensured that Belgotex inputs, reuse materials and recycle waste from the
remains competitive, locally and internationally. company’s operations, effectively reducing the amount
Belgotex takes great pride in their innovative approach of waste sent to landfill.
to business, and in an age where the product is no The ongoing ‘Green Journey’ aligns with Belgotex’s
longer a differentiator, they focus their investments value We Tread Softly, which speaks to the company’s
and energy on their people, their brand and their commitment to operational sustainability practices.
distribution channel.
Best Practice
The Green Journey The company adheres to international best-practice
Twenty-eight years ago, the company embarked on principles and frameworks such as the ISO Quality
their ‘Green Journey’. Operating from their 100 000m2 and Environmental ISO 9001 (Quality management
green factory, Belgotex is committed to sustainability system), ISO 14001 (Environmental management
on all levels. ‘We Tread Softly’ is one of their core values, system), ISO 14064/7 (Greenhouse gas emissions
and this is very evident in what they do. reporting), ISO 14040/4/6 (Life cycle assessment),
Raw materials for several products are derived ISO 14024/5 (Environmental labelling), GRI-GR4
from post-industrial and post-consumer waste, and Guidelines, 12 Principles, and the GreenTag and
the needlepunch ranges are made with a blend of GreenStar 6 Star certifications.
polypropylene and recycled eco-fibre. This considerably Belgotex Foundation
lowers the embodied energy associated with virgin raw The company has a history of establishing, supporting
material use. and implementing programmes that uplift communities
A Carbon Footprint analysis was done in 2010 and, and organisations. The Belgotex Foundation, established
Belgotex developed their blueprint for carbon emission in 2015, was initially dedicated to early childhood
reductions, using integrated carbon management development. The Foundation successfully transformed
systems to reduce their carbon footprint significantly. numerous projects with their wide range of products,

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