Şişecam Group launches its new sustainability pathway “Care for Next”

A leading actor in the global glass industry, Şişecam Group launched its new sustainability pathway, “Care for Next”, which is built on the “preserve”, “empower” and “progress” sustainability pillars, at the II. International Sustainability Workshop held in Istanbul.

At the workshop under the theme of the “From Information to Smart Society”, which was attended by about 300 people from 13 countries, the effects of topics such as technological developments in the world, digital transformation and the new dynamics of the global economy on the business world and models of doing business were discussed. 

Şişecam Group Vice President and CEO Prof. Ahmet Kırman, drew attention to the fact that companies, while keeping up with the change, should not only focus on matters such as profitability and finance but also act with a broader vision, and added:

“Operating in 13 countries with 22,000 employees, Şişecam Group has built its sustainability strategy on the pillars of ‘preserve’, ‘empower’ and ‘progress’. We carry on all of our operations and processes in our Group, from raw material to the final product, in line with the so-called ‘Care for Next’ sustainability approach. As Şişecam, we aim to leave the next generations a livable world”.

A global actor in all main areas of glass industry as well as soda and chrome compounds, Şişecam Group held the II. International Sustainability Workshop in Istanbul. At the workshop under the theme of “From Information to Smart Society”, which received a large interest and was attended by about 300 participants (40% women and 60% men) from 13 countries, the effects of technological developments and digital transformation business models were discussed. At the workshop, Şişecam Group’s new sustainability pathway, “Care for Next”, built on the pillars of “preserve”, “empower” and “progress” was launched. 

Şişecam Group Vice President and CEO Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kırman, in the opening speech, drew attention to the fact that companies, while keeping up with the change, should not only focus on profitability but also should act with a broader vision, and added: “With the influence of the fast momentum brought about by science and technology, humanity has increased their power to transform in numerous ways and at an unprecedented scale, and all the while, the requirement of protecting the environment is gaining more importance each passing day to ensure a sustainable development. Operating in 13 countries with 22,000 employees today, our Group has updated its sustainability strategy with the pillars of ‘preserve’, ‘empower’ and ‘progress’ in line with its goal of managing the economic, social and environmental sustainability by delivering long-term value for future generations to come. As a global actor, we named our corporate sustainability strategy built on these foundations as ‘Care for Next.’”

“We believe that a smart future is only possible by Industry 4.0”

Drawing attention to the fact that the entire supply chain and all processes in Şişecam Group's operations, from raw material to the final product, were carried in line with its sustainability strategy, Prof Dr. Kırman stated, “As Şişecam, we aim to leave the next generations a livable world. Several matters such as energy efficiency, waste management, use of renewable resources are at the heart of all our decision-making processes. We integrate Industry 4.0 into the entire supply chain under our sustainability efforts.  We believe that a smart future is only possible by Industry 4.0, and continue to invest in it while our global sustainability approach empowers our employees and stakeholders by advocating and engaging in practices that encourage diversity and inclusiveness, progresses through climate neutral, 360-degree circular model, and preserves natural resources that we rely on and our institutional heritage for resilient and sustainable generations to come.”

Şişecam Group Chief Strategy Officer Özlem Vergon, on the other hand, in her speech entitled “Sustainable Developments: Global Scale and Şişecam”, stated that Group goals fully aligned with the corporate sustainability approach focuses on the future as well as present in all geographic areas in which Şişecam  operates, and added: “Our sustainability strategy Care for Next reinforces Şişecam sustainable value creation for next generations. Being a global player, we mainstreamed sustainability principles in our business model and operations. Şişecam’s vision and values to pioneer in our areas of business, respect people and the environment, develop innovative solutions with a focus on technology, improve and develop together with an understanding of sustainability. We move forward and contribute in this direction.”