The emerging green economy: Exploring the influence of ISO 14001 on South African manufacturing sector

Johnson Lawton, Tracey J. M. McKay and Henry Bikwibili Tantoh

Development Southern Africa, 2025, vol. 42, issue 3, 363-382

Abstract: Although ISO 14001 offers benefits such as improved environmental performance and a business advantage, to date, the financial benefits associated with ISO 14001 in South Africa have not been quantified. Thus, this study sought to assess the financial benefits accruing to selected manufacturing enterprises, accredited as ISO 14001 compliant, located in three South African provinces. Data was collected through an e-survey and interviews with key decision-makers in the selected organisations. The results show that the benefits of ISO14001 certification include improved environmental awareness among employees; enhanced responsibility for employees’ environmental concerns, better data management; reduced operational and production costs; and new income streams linked to re-use and recycling initiatives. But savings are seemingly sector-specific, with auto manufacturers making the greatest return on investment. Overall, the long-term financial benefits justify the relatively high cost; time-intensive obligations and extensive human resource requirements of ISO14001 certification for most, but not all, the companies under study.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2025.2456247

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