Rigesa Receives American Chamber of Commerce's Eco Award - Jun 11, 2006 - 9:07:00 AM

Rigesa, MeadWestvaco's Brazilian subsidiary, was recently awarded the American Chamber of Commerce's Eco Award. The Eco Award recognizes companies that exemplify a commitment to the principles and practices of good corporate citizenship and sustainable development.
"We are very proud to receive the Eco Award, which is a positive reflection on this very important social and educational work Rigesa has been conducting over the years. The award is especially important because less than one month ago, we were awarded the Valor 1000 Award for excellence in the management and financial side of our operations, and the Eco Award completes the circle and shows our commitment to the triple bottom line of sustainability: financial, environmental and social," said Paulo Tilkian, president, Rigesa.
Rigesa earned top honors in the award¿s Environmental category for its innovative Environmental Education Seminar. This seminar provides training so educators in public and private schools can develop curriculum and discuss environmental topics with their students. Since its implementation in 2001:
More than 1,800 teachers in about 500 schools have attended the seminar
500,000 books have been distributed to children, schools and municipal libraries
The company also distributes, on a monthly basis, 30,000 editions of an environmental education journal called "Rigevida" to the schools that participated in the seminars.
The awards ceremony, held October 17 in São Paulo, featured former Vice President Al Gore as the keynote speaker. Mr. Gore spoke about climate change and its impact over the world economic system. Companies considered for the prestigious award are judged on two criteria: social responsibility and business sustainability. Other companies considered for the award include Dell Computers, Du Pont do Brasil, IBM, Intel, Nestlé, Tetra Pak, Unilever, Visteon, Volkswagen and Whirlpool.