Abbott Expands Use of Sustainable Packaging as Part of Global Environment...( ABBOTT PARK Ill. Se...),Health

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott today reported further progress in meeting its goal of a 5 percent reduction in the amount of packaging used in its key products by 2013, part of a multi-faceted effort to minimize its impact on the environment. To achieve this goal, the company has launched, or is in the process of launching, more than 40 sustainable packaging initiatives across its nutrition, pharmaceutical and medical products businesses. The initiatives are driven by new standards and guidelines developed by Abbott that encourage increased use of lighter and sustainable materials in package design.

"Abbott's sustainable packaging initiatives will reduce our environmental footprint through less waste in landfills, more responsible forest management and fewer emissions. At the same time, it lowers cost, and, in some cases, reduces shelf space for our customers," said John Landgraf, senior vice president, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing and Supply, Abbott. "Throughout the world, consumers increasingly expect the companies they do business with to be environmentally responsible citizens and Abbott is rising to that challenge."

Abbott partners with a number of industry and independent groups in the area of sustainable packaging, such as the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Abbott also is working with suppliers who have achieved or are pursuing certification, with respected sustainability organizations, such as the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. In addition, Abbott recently announced sponsorship of the newly created Michigan State University's Center for Packaging Innovation and Sustainability, which provides a forum to bridge academic research with Abbott's real-world application expertise.

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