Clean technology transfer: a case study from the South African metal finishing industry, 2000–2005

The article describes the uptake of cleaner technology to the metal finishing sector in South Africa. Cultural determinants in uptake process are emphasized and strategies to foster uptake are presented: regulatory instruments, communication, training, cleaner technology assessments and subsidy. Results from the period 2000–2005 comprise: more than 12 full-scale demonstration plants were built with best available cleaner technology (BAT) with a pay back time of 1.8 years; design and testing of a cleaner production apprentice education programme; set-up of 3 industrial associations, which have merged into a commercial sustainable nationwide association. A regional environmental authority has developed capabilities for stimulating cleaner technology diffusion and sharpened its regulatory instruments meeting international level.