Over 1000 tons of waste material recycled at Jotun Paints' Dubai facility in 2008

In line with aims to further its 'green' practices, the company has also announced a streamlined plan to increase its energy efficiency to 6% by 2010.

Further, Jotun Paints marked the 'World Environment Day'(WED) by involving employees and their families in a series of competitions - poster design, slogan writing and environment quiz.

Eng Naji Alradhi, Head of Waste Treatment Section, Waste Management Department, Dubai Municipality and Eng Rashed Mohammed Karkain, Head of Technical Support and Studies Section, Waste Management Department, Dubai Municipality graced the event held on Thursday (June 04, 2009) and presented prizes to the winners.

As a major part of the company's environmental initiatives, Jotun Paints' massive waste reduction programs have resulted in the processing of 8.22 tons of powder, 30.44 tons of solvent, and 975.25 tons of water wastes last year.

It has also assembled a designated team to lead its multiple 'green' initiatives, which are focused on conserving resources through the practice of reducing, reusing, recycling and responsible disposal within its manufacturing processes. In addition, the company has adopted a water-based production system, installed new energy-efficient compressors and replaced centralised A/C condenser coils - all in an effort to boost efficiency and reduce power consumption.

"We understand that achieving a sustainable environment is a daunting task, which is why in addition to taking significant steps in spreading awareness on this issue, we are also observing practical yet effective measures to increase our energy efficiency such as reducing the load on our air conditioning system during silent hours and regulating our office lightings,"

said Trine Finnevolden, General Manager, Jotun Paints UAE.

"One of our major achievements last year was receiving a third party certification for the low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels of our paints and coatings, and this, combined with our commitment to adopt leading-edge 'green' manufacturing technologies and the support of the Dubai Government, motivates us to pursue further eco-friendly initiatives in the future."

Jotun Paints offers a range of eco-friendly paints to the regional market including 'Jotashield Thermo', 'Jotashield SuperDurable, 'Jotashield Heritage High Build' and 'Fenomastic Emulsion'. All products are being manufactured through a unique recycling process of the cleaning water.

As the only paint manufacturer that is a member of the Emirates Green Building Council and a corporate member of Emirates Environment Group (EEG), Jotun has undertaken several environment-centric initiatives in the UAE, including a tree planting activity in Jebal Ali Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility, which was completed in collaboration with the Dubai Municipality.

"By actively involving our employees and their families and recognizing their efforts during the World Environment Day, we hope to strengthen our commitment to protecting the environment as well as set a trend among other firms to pursue ecological initiatives as a significant part of their corporate social responsibility. We are taking significant efforts in support of the conservation program of the Dubai Municipality, and we are proud to work with them in raising awareness for sustainable and equitable development," added Finnevolden.

"Jotun Paints has been a model of corporate responsibility in terms of eco-friendly practices and assertiveness in pushing for environmental reforms within its own operations. We recognize their commendable efforts in this regard, and we hope they will continue this exemplary work," concluded Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, EEG and Board Member, UN Global Compact.