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PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA OPENS COROBRIK’S KWASTINA FACTORY

5 May 2022: President Cyril Ramaphosa says the public sector and private business can come together to form productive partnerships which can accelerate South Africa’s economy and create jobs. The President was speaking at the opening of the Corobrik Kwastina brick manufacturing factory at Driefontein, in Gauteng, on Tuesday 3 May.

Corobrik’s new R800 million Kwastina (‘Home of the Brick’) factory is the most technologically advanced and environment friendly brick-manufacturing plant in Africa. “Kwastina is testament to our commitment to constantly innovate. It is an acknowledgement on our part that we need to progress and make those step changes to keep us relevant for the next 100 years,” said Corobrik CEO Nick Booth.

The President highlighted the fact that the company is a local one that supports government efforts to empower and support local enterprises. “Corobrik has made a significant contribution to our efforts to extract greater value from our natural resources, by making its bricks from raw materials extracted from South African soil. This is an important part of government’s efforts to support localisation, supplier and enterprise development, as well as empowerment.

“As we proceed with the implementation of our infrastructure plan, the demand for building materials will grow substantially. It is our intention that as much of these materials as is possible should be sourced locally,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President hailed the local company for doing well despite the devastating and detrimental impact COVID-19 has had on the South African economy.

“We are an economy that was devastated by COVID-19. Much as we sought to manage COVID-19 and navigate our way around its dangerous paths, we still lost two million jobs. For an economy like ours which was precariously positioned over a number of years to lose two million jobs in just a twelve-month period is quite a devastation.

“And we are very pleased that as we begin to recover, we have companies like Corobrik who are living up to the commitments they made and are creating jobs and making sure that our economy moves forward. Corobrik is making a vital contribution – in a very literal sense – to rebuilding South Africa’s economy,” said President Ramaphosa.

The hi-tech facility is fully automated, from mixing the raw materials to the end product. Capable of producing 100 million bricks a year, the new factory will easily be able to meet largervolume orders. In a first for the South African market, Kwastina will be flexible enough to produce small quantities of bespoke products for the architectural market.

Kwastina is not only one of the largest brick manufacturing plants in sub-Saharan Africa, but also one of the most modern and energy-efficient in the world. After a comprehensive analysis of Corobrik’s existing manufacturing process, the Greenfield project resulted in a new shaping plant, a new fully automatic wet side, a setting plant for direct setting, two tunnel dryers and two tunnel kilns, and a new unloading and packaging plant for dispatch packs without pallets.

“What makes this factory so exciting is that it allows us to compete anywhere in Southern Africa, landing product in regions traditionally not in Driefontein’s market as the new factory is more cost-effective,” says Booth. “It is going to give us an advantage in the market, not just in terms of technology, but also in quality and consistency, which are critical for specifications involving tight tolerances.”

The Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) is the voluntary industry association representing the entire value chain of the local PVC industry. With the help of its members, SAVA is creating a dynamic, sustainable and responsible vinyls industry in the sub-Saharan region. With a mandate to grow and protect the industry, the non-profit association is pro-actively working to expand key markets, identify barriers to growth and stimulate innovation.

Polyvinyl chloride (often simply referred to as PVC or vinyl) is the third-most produced plastic in the world. Although it is known as “the building plastic” - owing to the fact that it is used to manufacture products that have long lifespans of 20 to 50 years or more, such as water pipes and plumbing accessories, floors, window and door profiles - it is also widely used in sports equipment, furniture, lifesaving medical devices, shoes and fashion accessories, packaging etc.

Only approximately 12 000 tonnes (or 9 %) of the locally consumed PVC goes into packaging such as bottles, thermoformed punnets, blister packs, clingfilm and other flexible packaging. Although a small volume polymer packaging material, it has very specific and necessary application values. All of these vinyl products are recyclable, in high demand by recyclers and help to reduce the amount of energy and raw materials needed to produce new products.

Since its inception in 2011, SAVA has been working tirelessly to assist its members, relevant authorities and experts to understand, characterise and address issues associated with the life cycle of vinyl products through its Product Stewardship Commitment (PSC). The Product Stewardship Commitment forms the cornerstone of SAVA’s focus and activities and is based on international health and safety standards and best practice models. It specifies requirements with regards to sustainable manufacturing processes, the sustainable use of additives, sustainability awareness and a closed loop management system. SAVA members are obliged commit to adhering to these guidelines as a means to improving the reputation and health and safety credentials of the industry.

SAVA has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Proudly South Africa. This partnership will offer significant benefits and exposure to our members and their locally produced PVC products. In addition, SAVA has also registered as a PRO with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in order to represent the interest of the PVC packaging sector as they demonstrate Extended Producer Responsibility.

In difficult times like the COVID-19 crisis, membership of a professional body like SAVA is especially important as it offers members a platform to connect, to discuss challenges and share knowledge and learnings, as well as crucial support, stability and a sense of community through the uncertainty.

For more information about SAVA membership benefits, new structure and fees, please email Admin@savinyls.co.za.

The Southern African Vinyls Association is the voluntary industry association representing the entire PVC value chain. C O N V E N T I O N 2 0 2 0 SAVA strives to create a 2 8 - 3dynamic, 0 O C T O B E R 2 0sustainable2 0 and responsible vinyls industry in the sub-Saharan region by growing the industry and protecting its stature through communicating the latest, scientifically-based and researched information. SAVA also represents South Africa on the global stage as a member of the Global Vinyl Council.

Look out for SAVA's new Green Tick product label. Safe, responsible. sustainable PVC.

www.savinyls.co.za

Corobrik is already hard at work extending its product range, with various new products being introduced already. Current trials are being carried out with brick glazing for bespoke projects, as well as the clay raw material to produce different colours to give Kwastina a unique footprint in the country.

Booth concluded that the commissioning process went smoothly, with no major hiccups in the process. “It was a privilege to see Kwastina through to fruition.” He ascribes the success of the project to detailed planning and the fact that tried-and-tested technology has been used, mainly from German suppliers. Hi-tech innovation at Kwastina

Dryer plant

The dryer system consists of two separate tunnel dryers based on latest advances in air circulation technology. This means air in the individual zones is circulated by radial fans without housing, installed in an intermediate ceiling and operated via external drives. Adjustable injection openings ensure an optimal drying process.

Kiln plant

The kiln system consists of two separate tunnel kilns coated with PTFE on the inside for sealing purposes. To optimise energy consumption, the kilns feature a preheated combustion air supply and systematic wheel cooling in the undercar area. The burner system with pulse control and flashing device, combined with a kiln control system, ensures an optimal firing result to produce a variety of fired products.

Unloading and packaging

The kiln car handling is fully automated. The tunnel kiln cars are transported to the unloading position, where finished firing packs are unloaded from the kiln car deck. The firing packs are placed carefully on a belt conveyor and delivered to the dehacking robots. Two industrial robots form a complete dispatch pack on each line and feed it to the packaging plant.

Kiln car cleaning system

For an optimum cleaning result, both the bottom draught blocks and kiln car deck are completely cleaned according to the ‘topbottom’ system.

Visit our newly launched website for more information at www.corobrik.co.za.

PLASCON DOUBLE VELVET PURE

The next-generation Plascon Double Velvet Pure drastically improves indoor air quality by incorporating new air purifying technology to reduce harmful formaldehyde. This pioneering formaldehyde abatement technology is the first on the South African market! This means that Plascon Double Velvet Pure is now even more relevant to architects and interior designers working on green building projects. The paint provides a viable means of helping to combat “sick building syndrome”.

Formaldehyde is a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) that is used as a binding agent in many composite building materials like chipboard, textiles and furniture, as well as several other products such as detergents and pesticides. These items are most commonly found in office and home settings where people spend 90% of their time. Formaldehyde is released into the air from these sources and, although it is not the only culprit, it is one of the major contributors to making indoor air five times more polluted than the air outside.

The formaldehyde abatement technology present in Plascon Double Velvet Pure absorbs formaldehyde particles emitted from fabrics, woods, building materials and furniture in the surrounding

Leaders in people flow management

Gunnebo works with customers, shaping the future of access and security with an integrated approach to entrance control. Combining design, manufacture and installation with a customised maintenance and service package.

Mantraps • Revolving Doors • Turnstiles • SpeedStiles • Vehicle Barriers

environment and by reacting with specific compounds present in the paint, irreversibly converts the formaldehyde compound into harmless water vapour that is safe for breathing.

The reengineered premium product will retain all of its quality, strength and elegance as well as its existing technologies such as the Stain BarrierTM, Silver ProtectTM and BreatheasyTM. Plascon Double Velvet Pure’s unique Stain BarrierTM forms a multilayered protective coating that prevents dirt from penetrating the coating. The BreatheasyTM Technology contains zero VOCs, allowing the product to be virtually odourless and making it ideal for enclosed interior spaces. No emission VOCs mean cleaner, more breathable air. Plascon Double Velvet Pure is highly stain-resistant as it is reinforced with Silver ProtectTM Technology, offering users a luxurious finish that is easy to maintain. This technology also inhibits mould and bacterial growth.

The reinvented Plascon Double Velvet Pure is the obvious choice for trade professionals who are active in the eco architecture and interiors space, or who are working with clients who want to put the wellness of a building’s occupants first, whilst experiencing the premium, luxurious quality for which Plascon Double Velvet has always been known.

DECOREX CAPE TOWN WINNERS

Turning out in force to welcome the return of Decorex Cape Town after a two-year break, a significant crowd of VIP guests - including guest speaker Alderman James Vos of the City of Cape Town, who is the Mayoral Committee Member for Lana Fredericks (Curator of 100% Radical Transparency) Alderman James Vos (City Economic Growth - gathered for the official opening of the of Cape Town, Mayoral Mother’s City’s leading decor and Committee Member for design show on the evening of Economic Growth) 16 June 2022. The evening was crowned with the announcement of several new industry awards, in keeping with the show’s reimagined approach.

The Decorex Cape Town 2022 awards celebrate the designers and businesses that are reimagining the future of the industry. These awards promote the appreciation of excellence, by paying tribute to the stands, products, services and people that are driving innovation.

The judging process was facilitated by Sisipho Graham of House and Leisure and the panel of independent judges included Laurence Brick, Managing Director of award-winning agency Platform Creative; respected interior designer Liam Mooney; Johanna VDMBrouwer, owner and creative lead at The Sourcing Lab; and Anja Joubert, the Trend Director at Superbalist.com.

The judges recognised excellence in the following new award categories this year, namely: BUILD, KITCHEN, REIMAGINATION, COLLABORATION, NEW TALENT, SUSTAINABILITY, DESIGNER OF THE YEAR, and BEST STAND.

The BUILD AWARD is for the exhibitor who has dramatically realised the potential of architectural materials, and spatial orientation in a design scheme. The judges chose Arc Modular as the winner because the concept executes compact living well, through refined finishes and collaborative furniture pieces that serve to elevate the space.

The KITCHEN AWARD is for the exhibitor who has incorporated functionality, sustainability, aesthetics and innovation into this hard-working heart of the home. SPECIAL MENTION in this category went to Caesarstone for its recent addition of outdoor surfaces that usefully extends the indoor range. The judges chose

The Trend Kitchen by Cosentino and Numu Kitchens as the winner because of the stand’s modern lines and slick finishes that elegantly incorporate oak and greenery.

The REIMAGINATION AWARD is for the exhibitor who has most holistically encapsulated this year’s theme of reimagination and has demonstrated what it means to adapt, rethink and redefine the future of design. The judges were looking for ethical design practices and a designer who is creating meaningful change.

The judges chose Her Perspective as the winner, not only because of the interesting way in which the stand was designed, but because the content shares a wonderful revisionist approach that serves to highlight female architects. “It changes your focus,” was the assessment the judges made.

The COLLABORATION AWARD is for the most successful example of co-creation and this is awarded to the team that has best realised the creation of space for the ideas of others. This is about working together, sharing the same vision, collaborative values and execution, and their co-achievement in transdisciplinary exploration.

A SPECIAL MENTION went to Okra Candles, for a reimagined product range and an innovative use of wax on 100% Chair in collaboration with THEFOURTH, as well as the room divider on 100% Weave.

The judges chose Clout/SA as the winner because the entire stand is a collaboration between many designers and the products showcased are also produced collaboratively, in a way that allows rising young designers to advance their careers and access the market.

The NEW TALENT award goes to the most prominent new voice in the design world. It recognises an emerging designer’s vision, tenacity and potential to contribute to the industry in a positive way.

Siviwe Jali from Clout/SA was chosen as the winner because his aesthetic approach is fresh and unique, with a promising sense of scale and proportion. “His lights in particular are beautifully realised,” commented Brick.

The SUSTAINABILITY AWARD recognises significant advancements in the use of low-impact materials in both manufacturing and further consumption. The award was given to the Garage of the Future, Progressed by Audi, for the Audi E-tron electric car itself, to all the materials and furniture pieces used on the stand, which were sourced by Donald Nxumalo.

The DESIGNER OF THE YEAR award goes to the designer who has produced consistently outstanding, original and impactful work. This designer understands the demands and culture of our time and is designing for now, next, and when we are gone.

SPECIAL MENTION was given to Haldane Martin for his consistent excellence, quality and strength of vision – he is a leading light for many in the industry.

The winner is Thabisa Mjo. She is the only south African designer to have had pieces included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Design in Paris and she is consistently one of the largest exporters of South African design through the Nando’s Portal to Africa, facilitated by Clout/SA. Very recently, in mid-June 2022 the renowned Pompidou Centre in Paris acquired Mjo’s Hlabisa Bench, a collaboration between the designer, Houtlander, and master weaver Beauty Ngxongo.

The BEST STAND award pays tribute to the stand that has displayed the most innovative, interactive, and communicative potential. This award goes to the stand that has most successfully invited conversation and participation through its design. The judges were looking for the most inspiring installation that adheres to good design principles.

SPECIAL MENTION went to the Njano Restaurant by Cassandra Twala of moea design Studio for scaling beadwork to give contemporary impact. The restaurant’s bold colour palette was supplied by Plascon.

The judges chose 100% Radical Transparency curated by Lana Fredericks as the winning stand because it transports the viewer into a contained world, and intrigues them when there, by showcasing inspiring products from a range of top local glass designers, artisans and artists. The intention behind the display is to spark conversations about transparency in the design industry.

Decorex Joburg comes to the Sandton Convention Centre from 2831 July. Get the inside track via decorex.co.za.

Alderman James Vos (City of Cape Town, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth) Nokuzola Jenness (Yellowwoods Ventures Investments) Siviwe Jali (Designer at Clout/ SA) Khosi Leteba (Designer at Clout/SA) Tracy Lee Lynch (Creative Director at Clout/SA) Katlego Tshuma (Designer at Clout/SA) Bonolo Helen Chepape (Designer at Clout/SA) Candice Lawrence (Designer at Clout/SA)