Autobar Group and Sustainability
The area of sustainability has attracted
market attention and awareness more and more over the last few
years.
We recognise that many of our processes, products and services have
the potential to affect the surroundings in which we operate.
It is Autobar's policy to manage our activities in a responsible
manner. To this end, Autobar Group will not just meet current
environmental legislation, but will strive to exceed the relevant
environmental regulations in each of the countries in which we
operate. We recognise that the area of sustainability is constantly
evolving, and as a result we review our practices and procedures
regularly.
Autobar's first sustainability initiatives date back to 1989 when
we started to work with Fairtrade coffee and in 1990 when we
founded “Save a Cup,” the vending cup recycling scheme in the UK,
with Dow Chemical Company Ltd.
Autobar continues to work on improving sustainability, making
improvements where possible, while balancing the needs of
customers, employees, the environment and our shareholders now and
for the future.
Our focus lies in the areas where we can have the greatest impact:
product development and sourcing; energy; packaging; waste and
recycling; distribution and transport; communication and
training.
Product Development
and Sourcing
Autobar's production companies have been
pro-active in sourcing and developing sustainable products. These
initiatives include:
In 2003, launching the
first Fairtrade Organic products specially developed for the
vending market.
Manufacturing and
supplying a full range of Fairtrade and Fairtrade Organic
products.
Blending sustainable
coffees within our mainstream blends since 1989.
In 2008, 43% of all coffee
purchased was certified sustainable coffee.
In 2008, the Celsus drinks
concept, a range of 100% sustainable and 100% traceable vending
products packed in aluminium free packaging was launched.
Autobar in the UK purchased
enough "thirsty planet" water in 2008 to fund 16 Elephant–Pumps in
sub Saharan Africa.
We have developed healthy and nutritional products as part of the
Autobar product range:
a low lactose product range
was developed especially for the Nordic market where lactose
intolerance is a major health issue;
a range of "light" drink
products was developed for use in vending machines, in order to
meet the increased demand for healthier products.
Group suppliers who can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability,
hold accreditation and comply or exceed legislation requirements in
their field are strongly preferred when we consider our purchasing
requirements.
Energy
ISO 14001 environmental accreditations
are held by the following Group companies: Autobar Holland, Autobar
Norte, Autobar Finland and ICS.
All of our business (operations and production) in Holland use 100%
'green energy'.
The electricity supplied to our depot in Dublin is generated
exclusively by wind farms.
Autobar's main ingredient production factory ICS has reduced its
relative energy consumption by 20% over the last 9 years.
Furthermore, ICS participates in an active energy reduction plan
called "MJA-3" (an energy reduction program initiated by the Dutch
Government). ICS are currently investigating the possibility of
further reduction within the whole supply chain together with
SenterNovem, the Dutch Governmental partner for innovation and
sustainable development.
Energy saving options for vending machines are highlighted and
offered to our customers.
Packaging
Historically, aluminium has been used in
ingredient packaging material to form a barrier against external
factors i.e. oxygen, moisture, extreme temperatures and UV light.
This barrier was required to prevent deterioration of the product.
However, the whole process of extraction, refining and processing
of aluminium has a considerable negative impact on the
environment.
New synthetic materials are now available which can replace
aluminium, reducing the impact on the environment while maintaining
the historic benefits of aluminium packaging. In general the carbon
footprint of synthetic material is 35% to 40% smaller (CO2
emissions / KG of finished material) compared to aluminium
packaging. Aluminium free packaging was first launched by Autobar
in our Swedish business in 2001. Currently 40% of all packaging at
ICS is aluminium free. Our aim is to increase this percentage
further.
Waste and
Recycling
Autobar were a founding member of the UK
vending cup recycling scheme 'Save a Cup' in 1990. Full details of
the scheme can be found at www.save-a-cup.co.uk
Autobar in Ireland are members of the Repack group, who ensure that
all waste packaging they place in the market is counteracted by a
reciprocal amount of recycling.
By using bulk shipments of ingredients where ever possible
packaging waste is reduced.
The Autobar Group complies with the European WEEE directive (Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment) in all the countries covered
by this legislation. In Norway (which is not covered) we are
members of the Government machine recycling scheme.
Distribution and
Transport
We have increased the transportation of
ingredients in bulk which in turn reduces the environmental impact
of our distribution processes.
Route planning systems are used to increase the efficiency of
operators and technical service across the Group. This is an
ongoing process which is constantly reviewed and improved.
A new Group vehicle policy was introduced on 1st July 2008,
focusing on the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emission.
Communication and
Training
Clear and transparent communication is
necessary to raise the awareness of both our employees and
customers to our activities in this area. This is done through both
Autobar Group internal communications and the ICS Product
Competence Centre where all training courses include a section on
sustainability.