The SJM Flex Environmental award, which is given to an ISO 14001-accredited exporter who pursues excellence in environmental management, was awarded to VWGA for the 11^th time. This is also the fifth consecutive year that VWGA has been honoured with this accolade.

Additionally, the company received a merit award in the Best Exporter: OEM category.

Through an array of initiatives focusing on water, waste management, energy, carbon emissions and volatile organic compounds, the company has succeeded in reducing its environmental impact by 57.7% since 2010.

“We have been exporting Volkswagens from Kariega to the world for 32 years, and as a company, we are extremely proud to not only be delivering quality products to customers globally, but to be manufacturing these vehicles in an environmentally responsible way,” says Ulrich Schwabe, VWGA Production Director.

“To receive this award is an honour because it acknowledges the work of our entire team at Volkswagen Group Africa and reinforces the importance of what we are doing for the environment and future generations.”

Exporters Eastern Cape has been operating in the Eastern Cape for 44 years and is aimed at organisations involved in exporting, either directly or indirectly, and for organisations with an interest in exporting. These organisations represent industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, agriculture and services. The judges for the Exporters Eastern Cape Awards come from varying backgrounds and sectors.