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Saint-Gobain Containers Inc., as part of its continued commitment to environmental improvement, today announced its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Climate Leaders program. By participating in Climate Leaders, Saint-Gobain Containers has pledged to reduce its corporate-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Climate Leaders is an EPA industry-government partnership that works with companies to develop comprehensive climate change strategies. Partner companies commit to reducing their impact on the global environment by completing a corporate-wide inventory of their GHG emissions based on a quality management system, setting aggressive reduction goals, and annually reporting their progress to EPA. Through program participation, companies create a credible record of their accomplishments and receive EPA recognition as corporate environmental leaders.
"We are pleased to join other Climate Leaders in helping do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Brian Jaggernauth, Vice President, Energy and Sustainability of Saint-Gobain Containers.
Saint-Gobain has established world-wide environmental objectives for its businesses, including the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption and waste, as well as the completion of a Life Cycle Analysis for each product line. In line with these objectives, Saint-Gobain Containers has made a substantial commitment to increase the use of recycled glass, called cullet, in its process. Using cullet in the manufacturing process saves raw materials and reduces the demand for energy. Saint-Gobain Containers, as a member of the Glass Packaging Institute, has agreed upon an aggressive goal of using 50 percent recycled content in its manufacturing process by 2013.
In 2008, Saint-Gobain Containers utilized enough recycled material to save nearly 10 million cubic feet of landfill space. These containers laid end-to-end would circle the earth 11 times – or enough to reach the moon and start a return trip.
"Voluntarily joining Climate Leaders is a natural progression that compliments our company vision to operate in an environmentally responsible manner," said Joseph R. Grewe, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain Containers. "Additionally, we are excited about the structure and best practice sharing that Climate Leaders offers to further support the importance of and priority for sustainable operations."
In addition to the Climate Leaders program, Saint-Gobain Containers is active in other environmental stewardship programs. Earlier this year, Saint-Gobain Containers, along with its parent company Saint-Gobain was named as the 2009 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the EPA. The award recognizes outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Saint-Gobain Containers is the first glass manufacturer to receive the Partner of the Year award. Saint-Gobain is also among the Global 100 most sustainable corporations in the world based on effective environmental management, social and governance risks and opportunities, according to Innovest Strategic Value Advisors.
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About Saint-Gobain Containers Inc.
Saint-Gobain Containers Inc. (www.sgcontainers.com) is the second largest glass container manufacturer in the United States and serves the wine, beer, beverage, spirits and food container markets with 13 strategically located plants, supported by a state-of-the-art machine shop and distribution center. Saint-Gobain Containers is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, an international industrial group based in Paris, France, and the largest glass manufacturer in the world. Saint-Gobain Containers, along with its parent company Saint-Gobain, was named as the 2009 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for energy management.
About EPA Climate Leaders
As the country's largest greenhouse gas goal-setting program, Climate Leaders is an EPA industry-government partnership that works with companies to develop comprehensive climate change strategies. Launched in 2002, the program has expanded from 11 charter members to 284 companies that represent more than eight percent of total annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Program partners represent a broad range of industry sectors and companies with combined annual revenue equal to 12 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. More about the program: www.epa.gov/climateleaders.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Craig Koven
Manager, Communications, Saint-Gobain Containers
765-741-7092
craig.m.koven@saint-gobain.com
http://www.sgcontainers.com