A New Chapter in Environmental Testing
In March 2026, Talbot opened its new Industrial Water Security Hub at Dube TradePort, marking a significant step forward in the company’s ability to support clients with integrated industrial water security solutions.
A key milestone in this new chapter is the achievement of SANAS accreditation for Talbot’s new laboratory, strengthening its position as one of Africa’s leading commercial environmental testing laboratories.
SANAS accreditation provides independent recognition that Talbot’s laboratory meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. For clients, this provides confidence that testing is carried out using robust quality systems, competent processes and appropriate methods, with results they can rely on.
The new laboratory has been designed to deliver increased capacity, expanded testing capabilities and advanced technology, enabling Talbot to support a wider range of environmental testing requirements while maintaining the quality, accuracy and traceability clients have come to trust.
As Micole Martens, Director, explains: “We don’t only have a water scarcity problem, we have a water quality scarcity problem. The new lab is a big step change for Talbot. This lab positions us to be the biggest lab in Africa; it has so much potential and allows us to finally be the lab that matches our passion.”
Capabilities African Industries can Trust
While water remains at the heart of Talbot’s work, the laboratory’s capabilities extend across a broad range of environmental matrices. Talbot can analyse water, soil, sediment, sludge and waste streams, as well as offering specialised marine and estuarine testing. The laboratory is accredited for more than 250 tests across a range of matrices, supporting clients including environmental consultants, mining and FMCG companies, municipalities and water boards.
This provides clients with access to a comprehensive environmental testing service through a single partner, helping them meet compliance requirements, investigate environmental risks and make informed decisions based on reliable data.
The facility has also been built for scale. Its largely automated and traceable workflow allows for controlled, high-volume sample intake, while the new laboratory can handle up to four times the sample volume of Talbot’s previous facility, with space for future growth.
Contaminants of Emerging Concern
Environmental testing is increasingly moving beyond conventional parameters. Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are becoming more prevalent in our water and environment, with substances such as PFAS, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals presenting potential risks to human health and ecosystems. As these contaminants can occur at very low concentrations and may not be detected through conventional testing, the need for more advanced analytical capabilities is growing.
Talbot has invested in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology, providing advanced analytical capability for detecting CECs. For clients, this means the ability to detect potential risks that may otherwise go unnoticed, supporting earlier investigation, stronger environmental management and better-informed decision-making.
Adelle Abdoola, Associate – Laboratory Operations, shares: “One of the standout technologies that we have invested in is the LC-MS. This positions us at the forefront of testing in South Africa at very low concentrations.”
Strategically Positioned to Serve Africa
The laboratory’s location at Dube TradePort is another important advantage. Talbot’s story began in 1989, and since then, the company has grown from its South African roots to complete thousands of water security projects across more than 25 African countries. The new laboratory builds on this established African footprint, extending Talbot’s environmental testing capabilities across the continent.
Water risk does not stop at national borders. The ability to provide reliable environmental testing and comparable, trustworthy data across Africa is essential to helping companies understand and manage shared water resources.
Talbot CEO Carl Haycock explains that water availability and quality are increasingly linked to business continuity for industrial operations. The Industrial Water Security Hub strengthens Talbot’s ability to help clients understand water risk and implement sustainable supply solutions.
With direct access to regional and international airport terminals, the facility is strategically positioned to support the movement of environmental samples. Combined with Talbot’s established logistics network and national laboratory and depot footprint, this allows samples to be collected and transported from across South Africa and the wider African continent.
For clients, this means efficient sample logistics and access to specialised testing capabilities, even when projects extend beyond South Africa’s borders.
As Liane Henman, Contracts Liaison Manager, shares: “Our logistics network allows us to seamlessly collect samples throughout South Africa and Africa.”
Turning Testing Data to Insights
Ultimately, the value of environmental testing lies not only in producing a result, but in what that result enables a client to understand and do.
By integrating the data and results from testing into our TalbotAnalytics digital platform, Talbot helps clients to understand environmental conditions, identify trends and make informed decisions around compliance, risk and water security.
The new SANAS-accredited laboratory brings together advanced analytical technology, increased capacity, accredited quality systems and a strategically connected location – strengthening Talbot’s ability to deliver environmental testing services for the challenges facing industry and the environment today, and those still to come.
Step inside Talbot Laboratories’ new state-of-the-art laboratory at Dube TradePort, South Africa, and discover how we’re advancing environmental testing across Africa.
Facility Specifications:
Feature | Detail |
Facility size | 3,500 m² |
Accreditation | ISO/IEC 17025 SANAS |
Accredited tests | 250+ across water, wastewater, soil, sludge, sediment |
New capability | LC-MS testing for PFAS, dioxins, furans, pharmaceuticals |
Location | Dube TradePort, La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal |
Airport Access | King Shaka International Airport |
Countries served | 25+ across Africa |