Over the ages, the Wood Manufacturing industry has come under fire for various reasons. Some include, water consumption, fire hazard, deforestation, exploitation of labor, and more. However, Sabie Poles have geared all their resources and influence in Southern Africa to start the process of sowing accountability within the Wood Manufacturing industry here and internationally. We see ourselves as a leader in wood manufacturing and exporting.

As believers of practicing what you preach and make it visible in our efforts. We do this by implementing effective ethical business practices in tandem with educating the wider community on why it is important to focus on the bigger picture and not just short-term profits.

We are committed to revolutionizing the Wood Manufacturing sector by incorporating sustainable practices at every stage of the production process. As a pioneer in Wood Manufacturing, we strive to set an example for other companies to follow. We emphasize the significance of responsible resource management, fair treatment of laborers, and mitigating the environmental impact.

Our ethical business practices in the wood manufacturing industry.

We posses the necessary certification.

Timber Export / Wood Export

We have all the necessary compliance certificates for the effortless exportation of CCA Treated wood/timber products. This includes a SADC Certificate for export.

SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) Approved since 1996

For the last 25 years, we have never compromised on quality. As a result of this, we have been accredited by SABS since 1996. Our products meet all necessary requirements for CCA-treated timber. This includes local sales as well as exporting to other countries in the world.

We are in the possession of the following certificates:

• SANS 457 (Wooden poles, droppers, guardrail posts and spacer blocks )
• SANS 1288 (Preservative, Treated Timber)
• SANS 0255 (Health, Safety & Environmental)

South African Wood Preservatives Association (SAWPA) Certificate

Sabie Poles were the first to receive the SA Wood Preservers Associations’ environmental competence certificate in August 1996. This is something that we are constantly striving to uphold. We improve ourselves in terms of being environmentally friendly wherever possible.

Eucalyptus farming for the wood manufacturing process

As a timber treatment facility, we know that quality starts from the seedling. Therefore, we have invested a lot of capital into growing our very own Eucalyptus plantations to ensure the highest quality from start to finish. This ensures full accountability for our timber products. We have stringent criteria in which we plant, harvest, and treat our products to ensure that the end product is always of the highest quality. As a result, Sabie Poles can give accurate turnaround times and predictions on timber quality for local or exporting purchases. 

Intentional quality, every time.

Selective Eucalyptus species

Sabie Poles have been active in the timber industry for 25 years. However, even before that, the owner was well acquainted with the timber industry. Therefore, Marina Daniel knew the ramifications that plantations can have on the environment.

As a result, she and her team at Sabie Poles made the decision to only plant selected Eucalyptus species that will yield the highest quality timber while still being environmentally friendly.

Factors that were taken into consideration include:

• Amount of water the specific specie needs from seedling to tree.
• The speed at which the tree grows plays a huge role in the quality of your timber.
• Amount of oxygen a specific specie produces per hectare

While these are not all the factors that were considered, it is some of the most important factors. We looked at a combination of these factors to ensure that we are kind to the earth while still producing high-quality timber products.

Cooperation with the government and “Working for Water”

It is a known fact that artificial plantations can have a drastic impact on water levels wherever they are planted.  Sabie Poles have always cooperated with governmental programs such as working for water to address social, economic, and environmental problems simultaneously. We make sure our water licenses and levies are up to date.

Optimal plantation locations

With cooperation from environmentalists, Sabie Poles always ensure to plant plantations in the optimal areas where the trees will not disturb any other micro biodiversity systems and will not interfere with water systems (topical water like rivers and dams or underground water levels). We ensure that all trees are planted 60 meters away from the ravines.

Furthermore, the plantations are strategically planted on land that is not suitable for agriculture.  Our plantations are on steep slopes allowing effortless water to flow into nearby rivers and dams instead of pooling in the plantations and being used exclusively for trees.  Our trees are also planted in a mist belt which ensures strong, healthy gum trees. None of our plantations require additional watering, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals and practices to flourish. Seedlings are planted by adding stock absorb to ensure that the right amount of water is absorbed and released as the plant needs it.  This ensures that no water is wasted.

In fact, Eucalyptus trees have been found to be beneficial to oxygen levels and attract a diverse network of insects and birds which promotes and improves the biodiversity of the surrounding areas by bringing more pollinators to the area.

Focus on education and sustainability 

We are passionate about our industry. That is why we strive to educate locally and internationally about the effects of deforestation, environmental impact, water availability, quality of products, and more. Our website has an abundance of information regarding all these topics. We do our best to educate the public on the most important aspects of what to look for when they are purchasing raw materials or treated timber products.

Daniel has recently been nominated by women in forestry to serve on a governmental task team which promotes entrepreneurship in the forestry industry more specifically to uplift the girl child.

This is how we take accountability within our industry and we hope that it inspires other companies to do the same. Change starts with us. We want to create a transparent, reliable, and information-rich industry for all.