Date: 5 August 2011
San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, Mexico, August 1, 2011- Vitro S.A.B. de C.V., Mexico’s leading glass manufacturer, published its 2010 Sustainable Development Report, which provides information on the Company’s contribution to achieve a viable environment, supported by sound human attitude and responsible corporate management. The aforementioned sustainability memoir reflects the consolidated activities of subsidiaries operating in the Americas and Europe.
Among the key results presented in the report are those relating to Vitro’s Glass Recycling Program, one of the most important in the continent.
Just for 2010, the Company collected 181,438 tons of which 107,466 tons corresponded to glass containers while flat glass reported 73,972 tons. This means that 362,866 cubic meters of landfill space destined for final disposal were liberated.
In addition to the environmental gains, Vitro’s recycling efforts also translate into support for social causes. The compensation for collected material goes as in-kind donations that benefit 24,000 students, 54 civil associations and 21 municipalities. This is a result of the strategic social partnerships Vitro has established for the collection of such glass.
"These numbers exceed the objectives set for 2010, resulting from years of dedicated work and effort from very committed teams; yet we know we can do more! Glass recycling projects help us improve our cost structure as well as reduce the impact of our activity on the environment," says Hugo A. Lara García, CEO of Vitro.
The report also highlights that in 2010 the Company carried out 26 different projects for product redesign focused on reducing the weight of glass containers to achieve an estimated cutback of 2,905 tons of molten glass. This translates into direct energy savings and a consequent reduction of indirect emissions into the atmosphere.
According to Roberto Riva Palacio, Manager of Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility for Vitro, the report also stresses that the contribution to sustainability and preservation of the environment are reflected in the products supplied by the Company, due to the benefits they provide for the environment.
"An example of it, Neutralux Zero is a product released last year in Europe by Vitro Cristalglass. It presents a double-glazed low-emissivity glass which significantly increases thermal isolation. This allows for great savings in the use of cooling and heating systems that protect houses from the cold of winter as well as the heat of summer," he explains.
Regarding industrial safety and the fact of having an increasingly safe and conducive work environment, Vitro’s low accident rate stands out with a factor (corresponding to the relationship between the frequency and severity of accidents) of 214 points, a level that is comparable with the standards observed only in the business services sector. "In the case of the manufacturing industry, the Mexican Social Security Institute sets a standard of 1,360 points for our sector; so the ratings achieved by Vitro reflect a strict adherence to the culture of prevention and control of risks and accidents", says Riva Palacio.
In the subject of linkage with the community, during 2010 the Company implemented 172 social campaigns for family and occupational health; benefiting more than 29,300 people in the cities where Vitro has a presence were implemented. To develop these programs Vitro engaged more than 290 people of its staff in the different stages for planning, implementation and monitoring.
"At Vitro we are aware of our corporate responsibility to society, therefore we work to multiply the benefits of the glass manufacturing process through our sustainable development model ", he indicates.
The Company has annually reported on issues about its sustainability performance since 2007 to respond to the needs of its stakeholders. On this occasion, and for the second consecutive year, the report reached an A+ application rating under the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 Guidelines.
"The document was verified by Redes Sociales, which specializes in the review, audit, and evaluation of such reports. Vitro is one of the 24 Mexican companies displaying the international GRI methodology, and one of the nine with the top application level in the country; this reflects the commitment of the company with its communities and to the environment," he points out.
The presentation of the report comes only a few months after the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (CEMEFI) granted the CSR Seal to the Vitro business units for Containers and Flat Glass, as well as Clínica Vitro and Corporate Offices, for successfully achieving the standards set out in the strategic areas of corporate social responsibility.
"Our long-term strategy is based on the constant renewal of our business model by aligning it with current market trends, so Vitro becomes one of the most profitable glass- producing companies globally through the efficient use of resources, the successful implementation of programs for comprehensive quality and, of course, our sustainability program. To achieve it, we diligently work to keep Vitro as an ethical, purposeful and, above all, united company," concludes Hugo A. García Lara.
More information on Vitro’s corporate performance is available in the full document for the 2010 Report Sustainable Development at: http://www.vitro.com/responsabilidad_social/ingles/swf_pdf/presentacion.html. Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: VITROA;) NYSE: VTO), is one of the leading manufacturers of glass in the world which has the backing of 100 years of experience. Through our subsidiaries we offer quality products and reliable services to satisfy the needs of two different types of business: glass and flat glass containers. Our companies produce, processed, distributed and marketed a wide range of glass articles which are part of the daily life of thousands of people, providing solutions for multiple markets including those of wines, liquors, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food and beverages as well as the architectural and automotive. We also supply raw materials, machinery and equipment for industrial use. We contribute to improving the quality of life of our staff and the communities where we operate generating jobs and economic prosperity, thanks to our ongoing focus on quality and continuous improvement, as well as in our constant efforts to promote sustainable development. Monterrey, Mexico-based and founded in 1909, Vitro currently facilities and an extensive distribution network in 10 countries in America and Europe. In addition, our company's products are marketed around the world.
For more information, the company Internet site address is: http://www.vitro.com
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