sustainability statement

The area of sustainability has attracted market attention and awareness more and more over the last few years.

We recognise that many of our processes, products and services have the potential to affect the surroundings in which we operate.

It is Autobar's policy to manage our activities in a responsible manner. To this end, Autobar Group will not just meet current environmental legislation, but will strive to exceed the relevant environmental regulations in each of the countries in which we operate. We recognise that the area of sustainability is constantly evolving, and as a result we review our practices and procedures regularly.

Autobar's first sustainability initiatives date back to 1989 when we started to work with Fairtrade coffee and in 1990 when we founded “Save a Cup,” the vending cup recycling scheme in the UK, with Dow Chemical Company Ltd.

Autobar continues to work on improving sustainability, making improvements where possible, while balancing the needs of customers, employees, the environment and our shareholders now and for the future.

Our focus lies in the areas where we can have the greatest impact: product development and sourcing; energy; packaging; waste and recycling; distribution and transport; communication and training.

Product Development and Sourcing

Autobar's production companies have been pro-active in sourcing and developing sustainable products. These initiatives include:

In 2003, launching the first Fairtrade Organic products specially developed for the vending market.

Manufacturing and supplying a full range of Fairtrade and Fairtrade Organic products.

Blending sustainable coffees within our mainstream blends since 1989.

In 2008, 43% of all coffee purchased was certified sustainable coffee.

In 2008, the Celsus drinks concept, a range of 100% sustainable and 100% traceable vending products packed in aluminium free packaging was launched.

Autobar in the UK purchased enough "thirsty planet" water in 2008 to fund 16 Elephant–Pumps in sub Saharan Africa.

We have developed healthy and nutritional products as part of the Autobar product range:

a low lactose product range was developed especially for the Nordic market where lactose intolerance is a major health issue;

a range of "light" drink products was developed for use in vending machines, in order to meet the increased demand for healthier products.

Group suppliers who can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, hold accreditation and comply or exceed legislation requirements in their field are strongly preferred when we consider our purchasing requirements.

Energy

ISO 14001 environmental accreditations are held by the following Group companies: Autobar Holland, Autobar Norte, Autobar Finland and ICS.

All of our business (operations and production) in Holland use 100% 'green energy.'

The electricity supplied to our depot in Dublin is generated exclusively by wind farms.

Autobar's main ingredient production factory ICS has reduced its relative energy consumption by 20% over the last 9 years. Furthermore, ICS participates in an active energy reduction plan called "MJA-3" (an energy reduction program initiated by the Dutch Government). ICS are currently investigating the possibility of further reduction within the whole supply chain together with SenterNovem, the Dutch Governmental partner for innovation and sustainable development.

Energy saving options for vending machines are highlighted and offered to our customers.

Packaging

Historically, aluminium has been used in ingredient packaging material to form a barrier against external factors i.e. oxygen, moisture, extreme temperatures and UV light. This barrier was required to prevent deterioration of the product. However, the whole process of extraction, refining and processing of aluminium has a considerable negative impact on the environment.

New synthetic materials are now available which can replace aluminium, reducing the impact on the environment while maintaining the historic benefits of aluminium packaging. In general the carbon footprint of synthetic material is 35% to 40% smaller (CO2 emissions / KG of finished material) compared to aluminium packaging. Aluminium free packaging was first launched by Autobar in our Swedish business in 2001. Currently 40% of all packaging at ICS is aluminium free. Our aim is to increase this percentage further.

Waste and Recycling

Autobar were a founding member of the UK vending cup recycling scheme 'Save a Cup' in 1990. Full details of the scheme can be found at www.save-a-cup.co.uk

Autobar in Ireland are members of the Repack group, who ensure that all waste packaging they place in the market is counteracted by a reciprocal amount of recycling.

By using bulk shipments of ingredients where ever possible packaging waste is reduced.

The Autobar Group complies with the European WEEE directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) in all the countries covered by this legislation. In Norway (which is not covered) we are members of the Government machine recycling scheme.

Distribution and Transport

We have increased the transportation of ingredients in bulk which in turn reduces the environmental impact of our distribution processes.

Route planning systems are used to increase the efficiency of operators and technical service across the Group. This is an ongoing process which is constantly reviewed and improved.

A new Group vehicle policy was introduced on 1st July 2008, focusing on the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emission.

Communication and Training

Clear and transparent communication is necessary to raise the awareness of both our employees and customers to our activities in this area. This is done through both Autobar Group internal communications and the ICS Product Competence Centre where all training courses include a section on sustainability.