When you label your company as sustainable, it should better the society it operates in. When we hear the word, we don’t fully grasp the many moving parts that make up the definition of a sustainable, responsible brand. Sustainability means not to reduce the long-term productivity and availability of natural resource assets on which a country’s income and development are dependent. Beyond manufacturing high quality products, sustainability is at the heart of all we do.
It goes far beyond being ‘green’
When people hear the word sustainability, the first thing that comes to mind is that it’s all about being green. However, truthfully it goes far beyond recycling and reducing waste. Although we are responsible towards reducing waste, a sustainable brand is one that has integrated environmental, economic and social issues. Swartland manufactures sustainable products in a sustainable way.
We don’t just talk the talk
As a customer, it’s important to use sustainable products, but it is imperative to look at whether the product is in fact manufactured from sustainable materials in an ecologically beneficial manner. Swartland’s windows are SANS 613 certified and compliant. Our products are tested for deflection, structural strength, water-resistance, air-tightness, operating forces, and the best possible energy efficiency. Beyond the durability, they are made from sustainable materials, including timber that is sourced from sustainable FSC- and FLEGT-certified mills, or aluminium that is 100% recyclable.
When timber is managed correctly, it can become a sustainable resource. We also manufacture our wooden windows and doors in a sustainable manner. The best woodcuts are used to create the finest, high-quality products.
But what happens to the waste? Other grade cuts are used for wood laminate products, and the timber that doesn’t get used in production is used as fuel for the boilers that kiln-dry the wood. Any leftover shavings or sawdust are sold on to local farmers for chicken bedding. We are proud to have a zero waste policy.
Durability is good for the environment, which is another reason we value quality.
When it comes to quality, it goes without saying that Swartland products are also manufactured for durability – thereby minimising their overall carbon footprint: Knauf mineral wool insulation, for example, features a revolutionary binder technology called Ecose Technology, which is now popularly known as a truly sustainable building material. It offers a reduced impact on the environment through lower embodied energy, as well as slumping pollutant manufacturing emissions and workplace exposures.
Let’s get ethical!
Ethical practices and pro-social behaviours are just as important as diminishing your carbon footprint. When working with people, it is of utmost importance to make sure that you put their well being first. Swartland is known as a pillar in the Moorreesburg community where it started in 1951. It is still run by the same Hanekom family, and has stood the test of time when it comes to our ethical and honest reputation. Our values and code of conduct embody economically, environmentally and socially ethical practices.
Swartland will continue to build towards making a difference in every area we operate, that goes from our stakeholders to trade unions, regulators, community, employees, and of course, our customers. Thinking long-term might be difficult, but we view it as an investment in the future of our company, our environment and our people.
You have a responsibility too
We encourage you to become aware of the brands you support to choose sustainable, quality resources. If you’re embarking on your next renovation project, partner with us to ensure that not only will your project be one of the highest quality, but also ethically and sustainably manufactured.