E-waste partnership between WorldLoop & Umicore finalist in the European Business Awards for the Environment 2014 – 2015
Lyon, December 2 2014: The partnership between WorldLoop and Umicore was a finalist in the the prestigious European Business Awards for the Environment 2014 -15 in the International Business Cooperation category. The announcement was made yesterday by EU Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella at a ceremony during the 17th European Forum on Eco-innovation in Lyon, France.
Commissioner Vella said: “To strengthen the European economy businesses should strive to put eco-innovation at the heart of their business model… These businesses, both large and small, prove that environmental and business performance can go hand in hand.”
The European Business Awards for the Environment recognize and promote today’s pioneers in green innovation. The Awards were established by the European Commission Environment Directorate-General in 1987. They are presented every two years and aim to recognise and reward European companies that set an example by successfully bringing together innovation, economic viability and environmental concerns. The scheme consists of five awards, rewarding companies for management practices, products, processes, international business cooperation and biodiversity activities that contribute to economic and social development without detriment to the environment
EBAE activities take place at both national and European levels, with participation open to companies from all EU Member States and candidate countries. Companies must first succeed in their national competition, before they can participate in the bi-annual European Business Awards for the Environment. WorldLoop and Umicore’s participation in the 2013 Belgian Business Awards for the Environment, organized by Business & Society qualified the partnership to compete at the European level.
Luc Gellens, Senior VP Recycling commented: ”We are very pleased with this recognition as our partnership with WorldLoop is putting into practice our vision on sustainability and contribution to society. This recognition is also an extra support for the local entrepreneurs that are included in the partnership.”
Olivier Vanden Eynde, managing director of WorldLoop stated: “WorldLoop empowers local entrepreneurs and communities in developling countries to cultivate their own societal solutions. We are very honored with this recognition as our partnership with Umicore enables us to support local entrepreneurs to turn the potential environmental risk at end of life into a social, economic and environmental opportunity.”