Diamond Packaging Commits to 100% Wind Energy

November 29, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
Rochester, NY – Diamond Packaging today announced a commitment to purchase clean, renewable wind energy for 100% of its electrical energy requirements through RG&E and wind energy marketer and developer Community Energy. The purchase illustrates the company's continued commitment to the environment and the community.

“We’re proud to be a leader in our industry and to do our part for the environment. Our customers recognize and value the commitment we’ve made to a safe and secure energy future. We hope others will follow our lead and make the choice as well,” said Karla Fichter, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Packaging.

Diamond will purchase approximately 6,723,600 kilowatt hours (kWhs) of renewable energy credits over a one-year period. Compared to the average generation mix in the regional electric grid, the environmental benefit from this purchase is equal to offsetting approximately 4,156 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, the impact of which is equivalent to planting more than 3,744 acres of trees each year or not driving 10.4 million miles.

“Diamond Packaging has stepped up as a leader in New York State. Their renewable energy purchase puts their energy dollars to work to benefit our economy, our environment, and our energy security. As more customers choose to follow their lead and purchase clean, homegrown energy, we can build more clean power to meet that demand,” said Brent Alderfer, President of Community Energy.

“Diamond Packaging has made a strong commitment to wind energy, and for that the company deserves our congratulations,” said Jim Laurito, President and Chief Executive Officer of RG&E. “The company’s purchase of clean, renewable wind energy will help protect the environment and help foster the development of more ‘green’ energy sources.”

The wind energy purchase is part of Diamond’s greenbox initiative, the company’s commitment to research, design, and implement packaging solutions that are innovative and sustainable. The initiative balances business with environmental considerations by promoting sustainability in all aspects of package production.

The core of Diamond’s greenbox initiative – designs, materials, and methods – represents a comprehensive approach to packaging that minimizes environmental impact throughout the supply chain.

Diamond also addresses sustainability throughout the manufacturing process. This includes incorporating best practices at the plant level, such as recycling, process improvements, energy efficiency, and resource recovery and waste management. The wind power purchase is an extension of this objective.

The Diamond greenbox initiative is one more way to surpass customers’ expectations today, tomorrow, and into a greener future.

Since 1911, Diamond Packaging has dedicated itself to providing the highest standard of quality, innovation and cost effective packaging for companies including Bausch & Lomb, Beiersdorf, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Coty, Godiva Chocolatier, Procter & Gamble, and L’Oreal USA. As part of the Global Packaging Alliance® (GPA), Diamond and its alliance members offer packaging solutions to companies operating on an international scale. Customers receive responsive, localized service, award-winning creative designs, identical product specifications and consistent brand recognition, resulting in unparalleled worldwide packaging support.

For more information about Diamond Packaging, contact Dennis Bacchetta at (585) 334-8030 x229 or visit the website at www.diamondpackaging.com. For more information about Diamond’s greenbox initiative, visit the new sustainability microsite at www.diamondpackaging.com/green.

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