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With 6 large companies already committed to the Charter and another 46 companies having confirmed strong interest in this scheme, the new voluntary programme being launched by A.I.S.E., the European Federation of the soap, detergent and maintenance industry, is attracting widespread interest.
Companies joining the scheme commit to continual improvement in their sustainability profiles as measured against ten key economic, social and environmental indicators. They must be independently verified on a wide range of management practices designed to ensure sustainability becomes a way of thinking at company level.
A.I.S.E estimates that by the end of 2005, 30 (tbc) million packs will be sold daily with the Charter logo, indicating that the packs were made by companies committed to the Charter’s aims.
Each year from 2006, the A.I.S.E will publish a full report on 10 key performance measures, including greenhouse gas emissions, waste and water use. These measures will demonstrate the contribution being made by the European detergents and cleaning industry towards international targets for safeguarding the environment
Charles Laroche, A.I.S.E. President said: “As an industry we want to demonstrate responsibility to society and our environment. The Charter scheme is unique in aiming to bring standards of sustainability practice in our industry up to a common level of excellence right across Europe. We are confident of achieving real improvement because it is good for business. Companies can save money at the same time as benefiting society and the environment by simply adopting our Charter sustainability procedures. I am delighted with the early uptake of the scheme by our members and, as more join, hope that together we can really walk the talk when it comes to sustainability.” An industry such as ours whose products are so widely used by both consumers and professional users has an obligation to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development. It is critical for the long-term survival of our industr
This new European voluntary scheme builds on successful previous initiatives for sustainability (see Code of good environmental practice and washright campaign, Human & Environmental Risk Assessment initiative) and is being coordinated via A.I.S.E.’s network of National Associations. Regular update will be provided by A.I.S.E. on the implementation of this scheme.
For more information, please consult:
www.sustainable-cleaning.com or www.aise-net.org
Or contact: Valérie Séjourné, Tel + 32 2 238 97 89, E-mail : valerie.sejourne@aise-net.org
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NOTES :
- A.I.S.E. , A.I.S.E. , the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products, is the official representative body of this industry in Europe. Its membership totals 33 National Associations in 30 countries, covering more than 900 companies ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises to large multinationals, active in the industrial and institutional (I&I) and/or the consumer goods markets.