LLDA extols bottling company's green facility with its highest rating
MANILA, Philippines - Priding itself on its outstanding efforts with regard to sustainable development, it seems there is no stopping Asiawide Refreshments Corporation (ARC) in offering programs and solutions that create a positive impact on the environment.
ARC, the licensed manufacturer and distributor of RC Cola in the country, was bestowed the prestigious “Lakan ng Lawa” Green rating recently by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), the highest award given to manufacturing firms with effluent going to tributaries of the Laguna Lake higher than 20 percent of the standard. ARC, a back-to-back Blue rating recipient, is the only firm from the carbonated soft drink industry ever to have received this recognition to date.
The Lakan ng Lawa awards recognize the innovation of organizations from across a multitude of disciplines (local government units, industrial and commercial) on safeguarding natural resources, particularly air and water pollution. Recipient organizations are committed to develop innovative, efficient and scalable solutions that reduce the environmental footprint. Ratings are color-coded, with blue and green referring to good environmental performances, while black and red pertain to inadequate or none at all.
The ARC plant in Antipolo has continuously been consistent in meeting the environmental regulations of wastewater disposal and services. As ARC’s vice president of manufacturing/technical services Butch Aves says, the bottling firm’s commitment to explore opportunities is embedded in the company’s blueprint since its inception in 2003.
“Improving the environmental profile is our obligation. While we are proud of this recognition, we strive to continue serving the green cause, to engage the community and the environment in a sustainable way.”
Green stewardship is something that the company aims to pursue. Continuous innovations in the company’s services are likewise implemented to ensure that the firm adheres not only to local but international environmental standards as well.
ARC’s firm sense of environmental responsibility is affirmed by ARC chairman Alfredo M. Yao.
“We have to step up. Implementation of sustainable practices is our responsibility, not only as businessmen but as citizens. The world is changing and with the effects of global warming starting to trickle down, we must all promote innovate thinking and push our efforts in taking care of our planet. It starts with a mindset to be conscious of our actions,” he concludes.
