Water is an integral resource within any manufacturing operation, used at various stages of production, from the stages of washing the cans to cooling towers and sanitation. Yet, the resource is also an integral element to our planet, making its preservation extremely critical.
One of our goals is to continuously support young people in Europe with opportunities that will raise their interest in choosing a career in the manufacturing sector. For example, our European Ambassador Initiative is aimed to engage the next generation to consider Crown as a viable and rewarding career option.
Today marks Global Recycling Day, which recognizes the importance recycling plays in protecting the planet and brings the world together to prioritize sustainability. Led by the Global Recycling Foundation, the annual milestone implores the public to see opportunity rather than waste and to be thoughtful about what we throw away.
As the manufacturing sector has continued to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our versatility and commitment to the next generation of canmakers has shone through in the continuation of our apprenticeship programs. One example is the Training Academy, which supports our Reprographics Studio capabilities and is based in the Braunstone, U.K. plant. The program is entering its fourth year.
Last October, we hosted a media event in Paris with our longstanding customer William Saurin to highlight the quality that canned gourmet ready meals can deliver to consumers. The event was held at Ferrandi Paris – the French School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, and featured renowned 2-star Michelin chef Olivier Bellin. The menu, designed and crafted by chef Bellin, combined the finest ingredients with high-quality taste for a truly outstanding result.
Packaging graphics create a first and lasting impression in the minds of consumers when making purchasing decisions. To help our customers maximize this important opportunity, we have amassed deep graphic design and printing expertise, commercialized a robust portfolio of innovative inks and finishes and opened multiple beverage can reprographics studios around the world to help our customers take designs from an initial concept to production-ready artwork.
Employees across all our European locations once again showed their support for the annual “Pink October” campaign and helped raise awareness for those affected by breast cancer.
This year, at our promotional packaging site in Chatillon, France, we partnered with the French Cancer League to hold a “Pink October” day towards the end of the month. League representatives arranged an educational workshop to teach participants about proper breast cancer screening techniques with the help of silicone chests.
Is packaging wasted? Well, certainly, some packaging is. But it depends upon your definition of waste. If a metal can is placed into the general waste stream, for example, then yes, it is wasted. If it enters into the recycling stream, then perhaps the consumer sees it as a waste product sent for recycling, but the item itself is far from wasted.
October was a busy month for our European Ambassador Program, which focuses on recruitment activities and initiatives across our regional operations. Our team engaged in several events to help us identify the workforce of tomorrow.