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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda. This comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 193 UN member states therefore made a commitment to a plan of action the goal of which is nothing less than to achieve a positive transformation of the world.

It is primarily the UN member states, but also other stakeholders, who are expected to implement steps to achieve these Sustainable Development Goals, which comprise 169 targets. Sustainability has been an integral part of ALPLA’s approach and identity ever since the company was founded. And as the company has become increasingly global, this issue has also increased in importance in terms of ALPLA’s strategic focus and operational management. As such, we have given a great deal of consideration to the SDGs. Together with our external partner, we performed an SDG relevance analysis to determine which of the 17 SDGs we can have a direct influence on and which goals we can indirectly influence.

ALPLA is focusing in particular on the following six SDGs:

We have identified six SDGs that ALPLA will focus on above all others. This takes into account the influence not only of our production facilities, but also and in particular the impact of our products as well as our indirect influence as a member of advocacy organisations such as Ellen MacArthur and the German Association for Plastics Packaging and Films (IK).

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SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

  • Active potential analysis regarding the use of photovoltaic systems on ALPLA roofs and car parks
  • Active potential analysis regarding operating ALPLA plants using renewable energy
  • Active use of renewable energy
  • Energy efficiency measures to lower energy consumption
  • Compliance with ISO 50001 re energy management systems

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

  • Fair pay so that people can at least cover their basic needs
  • Focus on a safe and healthy work environment
  • Creating a work environment in which everyone can learn and develop
  • Substantial training opportunities through our own Academy
  • Ensuring there is no forced or child labour
  • Compliance with OHSAS 18001 (occupational health and safety management system)

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

  • Cutting-edge technologies for the resource-efficient manufacture of our products
  • Design for recycling
  • Ongoing packaging optimisation, e.g. weight reduction, minimises material consumption
  • Beverage bottles made entirely of recycled PET
  • Development and use of alternative, bio-based materials
  • In-house operations create local infrastructure and jobs, and minimise transport journeys
  • Close collaboration with customers and suppliers

SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

  • Many years of experience in plastics recycling
  • The company’s own recycling plants and partnerships result in high-quality regrind material
  • The PET Recycling Team plants in Austria and Poland produced rPET which cut carbon emissions by 90 per cent in comparison to new PET
  • The recycling plants in Austria; Spain and Poland are run entirely on renewable energy
  • Audits performed by independent organisations, including in line with ISO 14000, ISO 50001 and SMETA
  • Championing a functioning circular economy, signatory to the Ellen MacArthur/New Plastics Economy’s Global Commitment (2025 goals)

SDG 13: Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

  • High production plant energy efficiency reduces emissions
  • In-house operations eliminate transport journeys and outer packaging
  • Use of recycled PET reduces carbon emissions
  • Use of renewable energy sources
  • Reduction in absolute carbon emissions

SDG 14: Life below water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

  • Expansion of recycling activities: correct disposal, sorting and processing prevent littering
  • Design for recycling means more products can be recycled
  • Recycling gives plastic value and allows the infrastructure needed for functioning waste management to be created. What’s needed is collaboration with governments, NGOs, businesses and civil society
  • Supporting global NGOs (such as Helioz, Plastic Collective, The Great Bubble Barrier and Plastic Bank) which are committed to combating marine pollution
  • Staff training
  • Raising awareness among customers and end consumers

FACT BOX


Useful Links:

 

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs

https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/entwicklungsziele-agenda-2030

https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/nachhaltige-entwicklung-agenda-2030

HELIOZ | HELIOZ Future Economy

Plastic Collective – plastic waste recycling and sustainable development

The Great Bubble Barrier

https://www.plasticbank.com/

https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/

The SeaCleaners

 

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