Water is life – and in South Africa, where communities and industries alike face mounting challenges around water quality and sustainability, innovation is not a luxury, but a necessity. Eco Tabs, a bioremediation product designed to treat water contamination, has emerged as a powerful solution with a proven track record across sectors.

The story of Eco Tabs in South Africa began in 2010, when Shaun O’Regan imported the product and approached Lowveld resident Rodney Genricks. At the time, Genricks was successfully removing invasive water hyacinth from the Benoni Lakes, and his hands-on experience with aquatic ecosystems made him an ideal candidate to research and apply the Eco Tabs technology. Over the next 14 years, Genricks dedicated himself to refining the product’s application through his company, Eco Tabs Gauteng.

He developed the Parachute System – a targeted deployment method that allows Eco Tabs to address a wide spectrum of water-related issues. The product works by removing odours, digesting organic material, and rehabilitating dams and wastewater treatment plants. It has also been used to treat hydrocarbon contamination at Eskom facilities and mining operations, showcasing its versatility and industrial relevance.

Eco Tabs has earned the trust of major institutions, including the Department of Sanitation, Unicef, the City of Johannesburg, the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company and Eskom. Several projects have been verified by the Department of Science and Technology, reinforcing the product’s credibility and scientific merit.

Despite early challenges in pricing and supply, the Eco Tabs legacy has evolved. Today, Eco Tabs (PTY) Ltd is proudly registered in South Africa and manufactures its products locally. This shift has resulted in a dramatic price reduction – approximately fivefold – making the solution accessible to municipalities, industries and households alike. The move to local production not only supports the South African economy, but also ensures consistent availability and quality control.

Eco Tabs’ impact has been widely documented. The product has been featured on the environmental television programme 50/50, in independent documentaries, and across digital platforms. Projects showcased include koi ponds, hydrocarbon spills, Eskom power stations, sewage spills, septic tanks, pit toilets and full-scale wastewater treatment conversions.

These real-world applications demonstrate the product’s ability to restore ecosystems, improve sanitation and support sustainable development. For those interested in seeing Eco Tabs in action, a library of videos and case studies is available at ecotabsglobal.com. Whether you’re a municipal planner, environmental consultant or simply a concerned resident, Eco Tabs offers a scalable, science-backed solution to some of South Africa’s most pressing water challenges.

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