General Soft Drinks receives Environment Award

General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd was presented with the Management Award for Sustainable Development at the fifth Environment Award for Industry, held at the Corinthia Palace, Attard, earlier this month.

Martin Seychell, Mepa's environment director, presented the award trophy and certificate to Brian Mizzi, General Soft Drinks managing director, and Peter Kristensen, operations manager.

The award recognises the important role of a management systems approach in delivering continuous improvement in environmental performance. It also highlights the growing need for business to be accountable to a wide range of stakeholders, and to manage broader social responsibilities accordingly.

General Soft Drinks has successfully demonstrated that environmental and social issues are integrated into business management in a systematic way. This award has also given the company the possibility of competing in the European Environmental Award Programme, to be organised by the EU in 2010.

The Environment Award for Industry is organised and administered by the Cleaner Technology Centre once every two years.

The award recognises and promotes Maltese organisations that have made a significant contribution to sustainable development.

It highlights the policies, practices and processes of businesses and other organisations helping to achieve economic and social development while minimising the environmental impact of their operations. The adjudicating committee consisted of experts from various sectors.

The award also aims to encourage replication of such environmental good practice. The awards cover three categories: management, conservation and SME environment protection initiatives.

General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd is certified in ISO 14001 (environment management system certification), ISO 9001 (quality management systems certification), and OHSAS 18001 (occupational health and safety management system certification).

The facility's energy usage is monitored through a building management system which controls air-conditioning, ventilation and lighting. This system ensures that all utilities are used efficiently and effectively, reducing the company's environmental impact.

Rain water is collected in underground reservoirs, then used for truck washing, toilet facilities, landscaping and road washing. The car parks are equipped with oil/solid interceptors to make sure oil is trapped before being sent to the government waste water treatment plant.

Apart from operating a recycling system, the company also exports a number of materials for reuse, including perform cardboard boxes and wooden pallets.