Environmental Policy Statement

A Corporate Responsibility

As a major manufacturing company, RPC Group Plc recognises its environmental responsibilities in local, national and global terms, covering the products the Company manufactures, the materials they use, the way in which the products are produced, and their impact during distribution. RPC`s aim is to prevent pollution wherever possible. The Company is committed to the introduction of accredited Environmental Management Systems, such as ISO 14001, at all factory sites, and to the continual improvement of its environmental performance. Each site within the Group is responsible for preparing and issuing its own local environmental policy statement and objectives to implement the requirements of the Group Policy.

Involvement

The Environmental Policy can only be effectively implemented with the support and efforts of every member of staff. Through its internal communications programme RPC keeps all employees informed of environmental matters and initiatives, encouraging active involvement at all levels.

Legislation

RPC is committed to complying with all current legislative requirements.

Objectives and Targets

The major elements of RPC`s Environmental Policy are clearly defined through a series of stated objectives and measurable targets which are reviewed periodically.

Management

There is a defined management responsibility for each element of the policy. Procedures to meet the objectives and targets are subsequently agreed and are reviewed periodically to ensure their on-going effectiveness. Procedures will be established to contain and minimise the effects of any significant environmental incident.

The Key Elements

In establishing its Environmental Policy, RPC Group Plc carried out a review of its environmental activities and effects. This exercise has enabled the Company to identify the areas of business where improvements in its environmental performance can be made. The key areas have been identified as:

Resources:

RPC is committed to improve resource efficiency including the minimisation of waste and the promotion of recycling and the use of recycled materials both internally and externally.

Education:

RPC supports through its membership of industry bodies the promotion and understanding of environmental impacts through education and training.

Product Design:

RPC designs products to meet customers needs, that optimise the weight of the container for given performance requirements.

Energy:

Through a programme of energy conservation measures, RPC seeks to minimise the overall direct and indirect impact from its use of energy.

Packaging:

RPC seeks to develop packaging methods, specifications, recycling and re-use to optimise the usage of packaging materials.

Emissions:

RPC will continue to monitor and implement, where practical, developments in technology, to reduce the volume and effect of any of its emissions to air, land, and water and of waste for disposal.

Transport:

RPC seeks to minimise the effect of the operation of company vehicles and delivery operations.

Suppliers:

Environmental performance is an important factor when assessing company suppliers, who will be encouraged to develop their own environmental policies and to gain approval to ISO 14001 or appropriate standard.

Water:

RPC will monitor water re-circulation and consumption periodically, and take active steps to control non-essential use.

Buildings:

Any new building will be designed to ensure high energy efficiency.

Neighbours:

RPC seeks to ensure that the effects of its operations on any neighbours are kept to a minimum.

Employees:

RPC endeavours to ensure a safe working environment for employees, provides all necessary protective equipment, and communicates all relevant data to them.

Development:

RPC supports and co-operates in the development of techniques, such as Life Cycle Assessment, which seek to evaluate the effect of its products on the environment, and to indicate ways that will minimise their impact.

Impacts:

RPC endeavours to inform internal and external groups, such as employees, neighbours, customers and shareholders of plans for its operations which impact on the environment.

Pack News:

Boxes from Recycled Vending Cups RPC is committed to establishing partnerships with its customers, suppliers and other external communities to address environmental issues.