RS South Africa is aiming to expand its range of energy-efficient products from 30 000 to over 100 000 within the next five years.
The ambitious goal was announced by Erick Wessels, Sales Director at RS South Africa, during Electra Mining Africa 2024 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre earlier this month.
The expansion is part of the company’s Better World Products strategy, which involves vetting products to meet energy-efficient criteria and working closely with suppliers, including those in the mining sector.
“The Better World Products strategy was established two years ago but we have chosen to use the platform provided by Electra Mining to renew its focus, particularly towards mining product suppliers,” Wessels said.
The Better World Products strategy classifies products into three categories:
- Sustainable manufacturing: Products made from sustainable materials and processes.
- Energy efficiency: Products designed to reduce energy consumption, waste or water usage.
- Recyclability: Products that are durable, easy to disassemble and recyclable at the end of life.
Wessels said, in response to customer demands for sustainable purchasing, RS South Africa also introduced a claims-based framework in March. The framework provides clear, verified sustainability claims and aligns with evolving regulations such as the Green Claims Directive.
“Our customers trust us because they know we are committed to environmental responsibility. Our environmental, social and governance strategy is only as strong as the products we offer,” Wessels stated.