Akzo Nobel sets global reduction targets for emissions and waste.

ARNHEM, the Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 1995--Akzo Nobel presented its second corporate Environmental Report today.

Covering 250 sites globally, the report provides an overview of Akzo Nobel's worldwide environmental efforts in 1994. "While we are proud of our Corporate Environmental Report - which gives a fair indication of our consolidated environmental performance worldwide - real progress in this area can only be made if all employees, at every site where we operate, know their environmental responsibility and behave accordingly," said Cees van Lede, Chairman of the Board of Management, during the presentation of the report at Akzo Nobel's coatings site in Malmo, Sweden.

He emphasized that the corporate Environmental Annual Report was a demonstration of the company's commitment to environmental care. On top of specific targets per plant, Akzo Nobel has now set global reduction targets in a number of critical areas. "Specific targets have been set and require a reduction of releases of metals into water by 10%; a 15% reduction of organic compounds to air, and a total reduction of waste by 15%. These targets have to be met or exceeded by the year 2000," said van Lede.

Referring to energy and water usage, van Lede stated that these were areas of continuous concern for all Akzo Nobel operations. "But reduction is not enough; better, more efficient usage of energy is of major concern. Cogeneration is one of the more effective means to reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency. We are involved in a number of joint ventures that operate cogeneration installations, and these are a major factor in, for example, achieving the 20% energy usage reduction we have committed ourselves to in the Netherlands. Use of the cogeneration process also leads to substantial reductions in CO2 emissions," he said.

Following the changes in the composition of the company resulting from the merger of Akzo and Nobel Industries in 1994, Akzo Nobel will be able to present comparative figures as from next year onwards.

Akzo broke new ground in the industry in 1990 with the introduction of a worldwide Environmental Management System (EMS), which defines the environmental responsibilities for all its plants, down to the factory floor. "Today, as Akzo Nobel, we are continuing to break new ground, with the upgrading of our EMS to meet ISO standards, including product related aspects," said van Lede. The new system, which is being designed by in-house experts in both the Netherlands and the United States, will enable Akzo Nobel to fully integrate Quality and Environmental Management Systems according to ISO standards on a worldwide scale.

A new section covering safety has been added to the corporate Environmental Report, with a target set for the reduction of Lost Time Injuries (LTIs). According to van Lede, "Akzo Nobel's performance in this area is 'fair' at best and needs to be 'good'. Thus, a corporate target has been set, namely, to reduce LTIs from 1.55 per 100 employees to less than 1.0 by the year 2000."

Akzo Nobel, headquartered in the Netherlands, is one of the world's leading companies in selected areas of chemicals, coatings, healthcare products and fibers. More than 70,000 people in over 50 countries make up the Akzo Nobel work force.

CONTACT: Akzo Nobel

Nicholas Sommers, 312/906-7612