The ROSE (Recycling Oil Saves the Environment) Foundation was recently honoured by the Green Supply Chain  Awards 2013, as the Industry Leader for its role in promoting and encouraging environmentally responsible management of used lubricating oils and related waste in South Africa since 1994.  There were eight categories presented at the Green  Chain Supply Awards ceremony, held recently in Sandton. A range of industry leaders and organisations spearheading ‘green’ and sustainable environmental initiatives were honoured at the awards competition, which recognised excellence and innovation in the greening of supply chains. Commenting on the entries, Chief Judge Irvan Damon, former ambassador for the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa, and currently chief executive of CarbonTrack South Africa, said it was encouraging to see how organisations were “pushing boundaries” yet still being profitable. “It’s a mind-set, a company ethos - Companies are becoming more aware that being ‘green’ is a long-term commitment. Greening the bottom line must still be profitable – otherwise it’s corporate suicide,” said Damon.

“The choice between profit and the environment is a false one,” continued Damon.”Both can, and should be embraced, often resulting in ground breaking innovation. “Through ROSE the lubricants industry has invested over R100 million building used oil storage depots in four cities, supplying oil storage tanks, facilitating the collection and disposal of used lubricating oil totalling more than 1 billion litres. It is an extension of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) its members have put in place without having legislation force them to do so,” commented ROSE CEO Raj Lochan.
The Green Supply Chain Awards aims to recognise and reward those companies and organisations that are making genuine, measurable efforts to minimise the environmental impact of their supply chain processes and actively seek ways to improve efficiencies.
A joint collaboration between the CGCSA (Consumer Goods Council of SA), CILTSA (Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport SA) and ”Supply Chain Today”, the awards are a highlight on the supply chain calendar.