Leading carbon manufacturing company Orion Engineered Carbons (OEC) SA has been awarded the 2024 Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA) Award in the Responsible Care Report category for its innovative Brown Water Reclamation Sustainability Project at its business premises in Deal Party.
This project has significantly reduced the need for municipal water by producing 1.6 million litres of demineralised water daily. The facility, which started operating in October, sources this reclaimed water from a neighbouring municipal wastewater facility, benefiting both the company and the local community of Nelson Mandela Bay.
The Responsible Care initiative, which OEC adheres to, focuses on continuous improvement in safety, health, environmental performance, and security, with transparency in reporting to stakeholders. By implementing this sustainable practice, OEC not only improves its own operational efficiency but also contributes to local water resource management and resilience.
The company’s R68 million Rand investment in this facility is part of its broader commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.
As a leading global speciality chemicals company producing carbon black, a material used in a wide range of everyday products, OEC continues to lead in sustainable practices.
Nomfundo Faltein, Managing Director of OEC SA, emphasised that the award reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, responsible resource use, and waste reuse.
“It also reflects OEC's continued focus on providing solutions that drive sustainable practices within the industry and the community we operate in. By relying less on municipal water, OEC is contributing to local water resource management and resilience,” says Faltein.
With water being a scarce commodity, more businesses should commit to adopting sustainable practices that focus on reducing waste, optimising water use, and supporting the health of local ecosystems.
“We applaud Orion for setting an example in the industry with its proactive efforts to conserve water and reduce its environmental footprint,” said Basil Mugwagwa, the Chamber’s Lead for Water and Sanitation Task Team. “Their actions demonstrate that businesses can make a substantial impact on sustainability while still achieving operational success.”
Mugwagwa said that by implementing cutting-edge water-saving solutions businesses can yield substantial long-term savings and help improve resilience against water supply disruptions caused by droughts or other environmental challenges. “Importantly, this showcases their commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.”
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