O-I wins sustainability Gold

Glass manufacturer O-I has been commended by the NSW Government for its outstanding productivity and efficiency savings made through the Sustainability Advantage Program.

O-I was recognised with the Sustainability Advantage Gold Partner status at a ceremony at the Museum of Contemporary Art yesterday, along with TAFE NSW Northern Sydney Institute. In addition, 11 Silver and 21 Bronze Partners were also recognised.

“O-I Sydney has reduced its energy use by 25%, saving $3 million annually, and manages to keep 80,000 tonnes of waste glass out of landfill each year,” said NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker.

“It also betters world’s best practices for water use in glass manufacture and recently invested $20 million in plant upgrades and new recycling infrastructure, creating 10 new jobs,” Parker said.

O-I Australia General Manager Brian Slingsby said the Sustainability Advantage Program had helped the company decrease water and energy use, reduce emissions and increase its use of recycled glass.

“Statewide, 630 organisations are saving $97 million through the program; their savings include more than 157,000 megawatt hours of electricity, almost 793,000 gigajoules of gas, 5400 megalitres of water and more than 120,000 tonnes of waste a year,” Parker said.

“Achievements like these show that the NSW Government is helping business to be more resilient and profitable, while benefiting our environment.”

More than 86% of the funding available through AusIndustry Clean Technology Investment Grants has been claimed. There are 630 organisations participating in the Sustainability Advantage Program. Of these, 120 have achieved Bronze, Silver or Gold Partner status.