Packs and Closures

Ball Corporation, the global parent of drinks can manufacturer Ball Packaging Europe, has published a report into its efforts to become more sustainable in light of mounting environmental pressures.

The 42-page document, entitled "Towards a Sustainable Future", outlines the company's sustainability achievements and objectives across its operations.

The paper said that Ball's ultimate objective is to become the "sustainable supplier of choice" and outlined five areas of focus: advance sustainable packaging; reduce its environmental footprint; care for its staff and the local communities in which it operates; create prosperity for itself and its clients; and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

The paper said that Ball's primary aim was to focus on producing lightweight, recyclable packaging using recycled materials where possible.

It stated that in 2007, the weight of its aluminium cans was 40% less than in 1969; that its steel drinks cans were 50% lighter than in 1970; and its half-litre PET water bottles were 35% lighter than in 1995.

The report also said that Ball was acting to increase recycling of its packaging in several countries.

To minimise its environmental impact, Ball's aim is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases it emits by 16% by 2012, mainly by making its operations more energy-efficient across areas such as lighting, heating, air conditioning and ventilation.

The group's global energy consumption actually increased by 1% during 2007. However, the firm stressed that its energy efficiency improved by 7% when its production growth of 13% was taken into account.

Ball also funded 60 energy-saving projects between 2005 and 2007, which resulted in a reduction of about 590,000 gigajoules, the equivalent of removing 18,000 cars from the roads annually.

R David Hoover, Ball's chairman and chief executive, said: "Ball's economic success allows us to fulfil our obligations as a responsible employer, manufacturer and neighbour. We are committed to doing our part in protecting the environment for future generation and to being a responsible member of our shared global community."

Ball said it would issue another report into its progress in 2010.