Alcoa has released its 2005 China Sustainability Report, which provides detailed insight into the environmental, social and economic achievements and challenges of Alcoa in this Asian region.
"This is the first sustainability report prepared for Alcoa's businesses in China and is unique to multinationals who have manufacturing operations in the country. It complements Alcoa's corporate report. Alcoa has a long term commitment to China. Today, we have 14 locations employing nearly 3,000 people in the country," said Lloyd Jones, President Alcoa Asia. "Within our China operations, we steadfastly adhere to our Values, Principles and human rights statements, while acknowledging the country's unique regulatory environment and social-economic circumstances."
In 2005, Alcoa's significant China highlights include an upgrade to the wastewater treatment area at the Alcoa Closures Systems International plant in Tianjin and the implementation of an environmental management system at Alcoa (Shanghai) Aluminum Products.
The company also obtained full ownership of two Chinese joint ventures, one which produces plastic closures for the beverage industry, and the other foil products mainly for pharmaceutical applications.
Alcoa's report says it initiated or continued numerous health-related programs, including workplace hazard assessments, establishments of occupational medical health programs, ergonomic initiatives, and healthy workforce programs. The company also provided RMB2.6 million in grants to Chinese organizations, and employees volunteered more than 900 hours in their communities.
Alcoa's presence in China began in 1993 with the creation of the Alcoa Asia Ltd. representative office in Beijing. Since then, Alcoa has established 14 operating locations that provide innovative solutions for customers in all major markets.
Products produced include foil, fasteners, automotive components, construction products, plastic closures, and decorative sheet. One of Alcoa's facilities – the Bohai plant in Qinghuangdao – is the largest foil producer and exporter in China.
