The Union Brewery’s firm intention is to act as a responsible member of society and the broader community. As a result of this philosophy, it feels obliged to manage and minimise to the lowest possible degree every harmful impact that its operations may exert on the environment. The Brewery is committed to preserve the environment in order that it can continue to meet the needs and expectations of future generations. The company therefore invests its knowledge, expertise and money in order to reduce any activity-related environmental impact, as well as achieve the following objectives:
- to fulfil the pertinent legal provisions in the field of health, safety and environmental protection;
- to identify and monitor essential environmental indicators in order to fully meet its obligations and implement any necessary corrective measures;
- to study eventual negative environmental impacts prior to the implementation of any new technology or investment;
- to introduce the best available technologies in production process which are at the same time cost-efficient and environment-friendly;
- to promote employee awareness as to environmental concerns by way of educational programmes and the provision of pertinent information;
- to optimise the consumption of energy and water resources in production process;
- to reduce waste products, to collect and sort secondary raw materials for reprocessing, as well as reduce the amount of waste and other materials prior to their removal for processing;
- to introduce ISO 14001 environmental quality management standards.
Union Brewery has reduced solid waste emissions by 80% since 2000, while the consumption of water has been reduced by 35%.
The popular Sola, Zala and Za soft drink ranges welcome this summer in a new outfit. The elegantly shaped new plastic bottle is of a modern design, and follows the latest trends in the non-carbonated non-alcoholic drinks market.
Of course, appearance was not the only focus in the development of new packaging. Indeed, the plastic bottle features quite some characteristics illustrating Pivovarna Union’s increasing concern for the environment.
A lighter bottle
Further to its being the lightest of all those used by Slovenian soft drink manufacturers, the new plastic bottle is more convenient and user-friendly; it also means a reduction in the use of plastics, and consequently has a lower environmental impact.
Carbon (CO2) footprint reduced by 10%
Greenhouse gasses, of which CO2 accounts for 80%, play an important role in climate change. Today we are aware that a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to manufacturing and transport. As a consequence, environmentally conscious companies pay special attention to their overall emissions of greenhouse gasses, and thus determine the carbon footprint of every product or service they provide. In the development of its new plastic bottle, Pivovarna Union has been very conscious about this issue, and accordingly reduced carbon emissions by 10%.
Recycling
In collaboration with Slopak, Pivovarna Union has been collecting waste packaging in dedicated containers throughout for several years. Furthermore, the company organises special campaigns to raise consumer awareness as to the appropriate disposal of waste packaging in special recycling containers, so that it can be given a new life. Indeed, such waste is used in manufacture of various new products, including plastic bottles.
The new Sola, Zala and Za plastic bottle – pleasing to the eye and environment friendly.