Green Jobs

Blendwell scoops Eco-Logic Transport Award 2014 - 8 October 2014

Blendwell Chemicals has won the prestigious Eco-Logic Transport Award 2014, awarded for a product or service that reduces environmental impact in Transport.

Blendwell has created a value chain of opportunity and empowerment and reduced their carbon footprint. As a scientific company they realize cause and effect and thus recognize that everything in nature is part of an interconnected whole.

Blendwell is able to reduce the number of trucks on the road by removing water from their product, thus reducing carbon emissions. Water is only added at the destination and one truck of concentrate is equal to up to 10 trucks of regular product, depending on the product. Using Blendwell's mixing unit, adding back the water is simple and safe.

People in rural communities can now participate in the manufacturing process, create viable business opportunities and supply product to local homes and businesses. Blendwell have streamlined all their processes from using sustainable, ethically produced raw materials to advising clients on how best to dispose of used containers, waste material and effluent and in a responsible manner.

Blendwell have created opportunities for rural communities while at the same time solving logistical issues. They have reduced their carbon footprint by reducing the number of delivery trucks by 90%.

JUDGES COMMEND BLENDWELL FOR 'ELEGANT SIMPLICITY' 

The Judges said this of their entry:

"Blendwell is a chemical company with environmentally responsible products which has significant transport challenges, risks and costs. Their answer to the problem was elegant in its simplicity. By changing their product composition from water-based to a super-concentrate, they dramatically reduced the transport requirement, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. They also reduced the risk of chemical spills. They further innovated by creating business opportunities for communities in the form of localized production facilities."

The idea was to create pockets of opportunity for entrepreneurs to set up manufacturing plants in rural areas close to settlements again reducing the need for unnecessary travel.

The basic concept is a mixing tank, a stand, high enough to be able to fill a 25L drum and a variable speed mixer. The apparatus can fit into a single garage or small room, standard ceiling height. It runs off single phase electricity and in fact should there be no electricity a paddle and manual labor can also work.

Blendwell has developed a concentrated range of commonly used products in a controlled factory environment that can be safely and easily handled by anybody. Furthermore the whole idea was that once started the concept would grow as demand grew. The output of the plant can increase very easily at minimal cost.

MANUAL FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS 

They have also designed a manual to accompany the project to guide the novice remembering that most new business owners have no practical business skills only a desire to change their lives. Currently, Blendwell are working on extending the range into the hospitality and industrial sector where audits demand a SABS certification. They are looking at ways to certify these satellite plants so they can manufacture a product carrying a SABS label.

 Blendwell was among the winners of the 2014 Eco-Logic Awards that were announced on 17 September at The Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng.

Celebrities, senior government officials, representatives from municipalities and the private sector, environmental NGOs and NPOs as well as finalists and Certificate of Merit recipients attended the Glamorously Green Awards Ceremony.

Hosted by The Enviropaedia, in association with SABC3, the glittering Award Ceremony focuses on Eco-Logic – a mind-set and value system that goes beyond products and manufacturing to include how we run our businesses; how we live in society and our communities and the application of natural law to our politics and economy.