Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has reinforced its commitment to the ISUZU global sustainability targets set out in Isuzu Motors Limited Environmental Vision 2050, a long-term strategy set out to address global environmental challenges. This vision seeks to contribute to a prosperous and sustainable society through low-carbon, resource-efficient and environmentally responsible manufacturing and business practices.
The Environmental Vision 2050, developed by Isuzu Motors Limited, serves as the company’s blueprint for achieving net zero, zero landfill, elimination of environmental risks, and biodiversity conservation across it’s global operations by 2050. In South Africa, these global ambitions are being translated into measurable local impact through the ISUZU Group’s 2030 Environmental Roadmap. This roadmap translates the vision into clear goals which include a 50% reduction of CO2 emissions from operations, the introduction of a carbon-neutral vehicle line-up that meets diverse needs, advancement in circular economy, strengthened environmental management and supplier engagement and the promotion of native local biodiversity conservation.
“As a proud subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, we have fully embraced the bold aspirations set out in the Environmental Vision 2050. Our operations in South Africa are not only aligned with these global ambitions, but are actively driving measurable progress through local innovation, accountability, and strong environmental governance,” says Celestin Ndhlovu, Executive Vice President for Corporate Services at Isuzu Motors South Africa. “We are deeply committed to ensuring that our journey towards zero landfill, reduced emissions, and responsible resource use is both credible and impactful, not just for compliance, but for the legacy we leave behind.”
In addition, IMSAf has identified the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and working towards a net zero as one its key priorities. This is in line with our global strategy which seeks to mitigate the impact of Climate Change. Whilst achieving net zero is a huge challenge in South Africa, IMSAf is well on its way to make huge strides in achieving its 2030 objective through various optimisation initiatives.
“The impact of Climate Change has long shifted from being purely an environmental concern, to being a business risk issue. For this reason, we are working extremely hard in tracking our carbon footprint in order to craft a clear and purpose driven mitigation plan,” Ndhlovu adds.
As part of realising the ambitious goals, IMSAf has embarked on a determined path to maintain its zero waste to landfill status, aligning with the 2050 target of advancing resource circulation and reducing the strain on local landfill sites.
Through strict waste segregation processes, recycling, and continuous staff engagement, IMSAf’s operations are minimising waste across all levels, from production to packaging and logistics. These efforts not only reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability but also contribute to regional waste reduction targets and environmental preservation.
“Our path to zero landfill is both a corporate responsibility and a commitment to our communities,” Ndhlovu says. “This is about more than compliance — it’s about leading by example in the transition to a more sustainable industrial economy.”
As part of the drive to eliminate environmental risks and reduce resource consumption, IMSAf has adopted a model of reusable container system for shipping and receiving automotive components. “This closed-loop logistics model drastically reduces reliance on single-use plastics and cardboard, cutting down on packaging waste and supporting circular economy principles”, Ndhlovu says.
These containers move between ISUZU’s South African operations and global suppliers, reinforcing the organisations commitment to sustainable manufacturing across the full value chain.
A key enabler of this transformation is IMSAf’s ISO 14001-certified Environmental Management System (EMS), which governs environmental performance across the plant. The EMS ensures systematic tracking, auditing, and continuous improvement of environmental processes — in line with both local legislation and ISUZU’s global environmental governance standards.
In addition to internal systems, IMSAf is committed to raising environmental awareness among its workforce and surrounding communities. The company supports local conservation initiatives, coastal clean-ups, and promotes employee participation in sustainability programmes that strengthen environmental responsibility at every level of the business.
“As a coastal manufacturer with a long-standing presence in the Eastern Cape, we understand the importance of protecting the environment for future generations,” adds Ndhlovu. “Our alignment with ISUZU Environmental Vision 2050 is not only strategy, it’s deeply personal.”
