Safic and ESG: Driving Sustainable Growth in Cleaning & Hygiene Solutions

Introduction

Safic has built its reputation as a trusted partner in the industrial cleaning and hygiene sector by offering innovative, effective, and safe solutions. Today, as businesses worldwide move toward sustainable growth models, Safic is aligning its strategy with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles—ensuring that its products and practices contribute not only to business success but also to the well-being of society and the planet.

Environmental Commitment

Safic’s environmental efforts begin with product design. Many of its cleaning and hygiene products are SABS, Ecolabel, or Eco Choice certified, meaning they meet stringent environmental and safety standards.

A cornerstone of Safic’s environmental journey is its solar energy project, which powers the company’s main manufacturing site. By harnessing renewable energy, Safic has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, decreased reliance on fossil fuels, and ensured more resilient operations in a region where power security can be a challenge. This project is not only about energy savings but also about making a long-term investment in a cleaner future.

Other key initiatives include:

• Eco-conscious formulations: Prioritizing biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients that meet SANS 1828 and 1853 standards for cleaning chemicals.

• Resource efficiency: Developing concentrated products that minimize packaging and transport emissions.

• Innovation in water stewardship: Exploring advanced solutions like antifoam coatings in autoscrubber tanks to reduce water and chemical waste.

  
  

Social Responsibility

Safic recognizes that sustainability is about people as much as it is about products. The company invests heavily in training and development, equipping cleaning staff and customers with the knowledge to use products correctly and safely. This ensures effectiveness, reduces waste, and protects frontline workers.

Social contributions include:

• Capacity building: Offering training programs and method cards to ensure safe chemical use.

• Health & Safety leadership: Safic is ISO 45001 certified, a global standard for occupational health and safety, ensuring that staff, customers, and partners work in safe and well-managed environments.

• Community engagement: Supporting job creation and entrepreneurship in distribution, while maintaining a strong focus on diversity and transformation in line with South Africa’s socio-economic context.

  
  

Governance and Transparency

Safic’s governance approach is grounded in accountability, transparency, and long-term partnership building. As a member of Responsible Care, Safic undergoes independent third-party verification to ensure compliance with the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical conduct.

Highlights include:

• Certified management systems: ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.

• Ethical operations: Transparent supply chain practices and commitment to regulatory compliance.

• Customer trust: A track record of reliability, consistency, and problem-solving that gives clients peace of mind.

  
  

Looking Ahead

Safic’s ESG journey is not static—it’s about continuous improvement. Building on the success of its solar project, Safic plans to expand renewable energy use and integrate sustainability further across the value chain. The company is also actively exploring new product innovations such as green ranges, expanding recycling and refill initiatives, and strengthening partnerships in industries like mining and food processing, where sustainable cleaning practices are essential.

Conclusion

Safic’s commitment to ESG is embedded in how it manufactures, trains, governs, and innovates. By combining technical excellence with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability—including a landmark solar project and globally recognized ISO 45001 certification—Safic ensures that customers don’t just receive effective cleaning and hygiene solutions; they gain a partner dedicated to building a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable future.