The General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd has won the Management Award for sustainable Development in the fifth edition of the Environment Award for Industry. The award ceremony was held recently at the Corinitha Palace Attard where managing director Brian Mizzi and operations manager Peter Kristensen were presented with the award by Martin Seychell, Mepa's environment director.
The award category presented to The General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd 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 their broader social responsibilities accordingly. This award has also given General Soft Drinks the possibility of competing in the European Environmental Award Programme organised by the EU during 2010.
The Environment Award for Industry is organised and administered by The Cleaner Technology Centre once every two years. It 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 which are 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 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 the 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 and then used for truck washing, toilet facilities, landscaping and road washing. The car parks are equipped with oil and solid interceptors to make sure that any 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.