Water

At Vetropack, the material topic of water comprises water withdrawal, water consumption and water discharge. We make use of water in compliance with the legal regulations, and we aim to use it both sparingly and responsibly. By adopting this approach, we protect this natural resource and reduce costs.

Using water in closed loops

Vetropack believes that it is crucially important to implement the principles of the circular economy not only in the production of glass packaging, but also as regards water consumption. In glass production, water is mainly used as a coolant for the machines; it circulates in closed loops and is only exchanged at infrequent intervals. When replacing our cooling systems, we are also careful to ensure closed loops whenever possible.

Impurities can occur in the cooling water if oil adheres to the shears that cut the molten glass.

Environmental policy

Responsibilities for the material topic of water are assigned as follows: the Group Sustainability Manager is responsible for strategy and goal-setting, while two departments – Engineering and Production, and Integrated Management Systems – share responsibility for implementing the legal requirements regarding water usage.

Our Group-wide Health, Safety and Environmental Policy calls for a responsible approach to the environment. As well as ensuring that legal requirements are met, our Environmental Policy sets our own standards: for example, the Health, Safety and Environmental Policy requires us to reduce the negative impacts of our business activities on water. Regular analyses assist us with quality control.

Compliance with applicable regulations

Vetropack obtains most of its water from the groundwater, with about one quarter taken from municipal water supplies. We undertake to comply with the regulations on wastewater discharge that are in force at our production locations. If a deviation is detected, we initiate actions in collaboration with the responsible authorities.

Future ambitions

Thus far, we have focused on regular monitoring of water sourcing, water consumption, wastewater discharge and analysis of wastewater.

We are mindful that the availability of water may present an increasing risk due to the effects associated with climate change, and we are aware that business continuity may be impaired as a result. For this reason, we have set ourselves the goals of determining our plants’ exposure to water stress by 2025, and of implementing appropriate measures based on these findings. We will also set reduction targets for our water consumption in 2024.

Guidelines, policies, supervisory and control instruments

• Health, Safety and Environmental Policy
• Systematic monitoring and analysis of water withdrawal, water discharge and water consumption

Progress and events in the reporting year

Contribution to achieving the SDGs

Vetropack is committed to making careful use of water resources. We use water in closed loops for our cooling processes, and we take account of the relevant environmental protection regulations for wastewater treatment and discharge.

Performance indicators

Water consumption

*glass produced that satisfies all quality and safety requirements thus qualifying for sale