The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai today granted the 2005 Corporate Social Responsibility Awards, recognizing three Shanghai-based companies with outstanding CSR programs. Awards winners are:
-
2005 Corporate Community Outreach Award: Mary Kay (China) Cosmetics
-
2005 Employee Health & Safety Award: TNT China Holdings
-
2005 Environmental Stewardship Award: Coca-Cola China
About the Winners
2005 Corporate Community Outreach Award: Mary Kay (China) Cosmetics
 Mary Kay China holds firmly the principles of enriching women’s lives and serving public interests, goals set by company founder Madame Mary Kay Ash. To fulfill this goal, Mary Kay China has worked extensively with a number of charities to promote women’s economic development and independence. Since 2001, the company has donated RMB3.6 million to the Mary Kay Women’s Small Business Fund, which offers a one year interest-free loan to unemployed and poverty-stricken women interested in starting their own small businesses. In addition to the fund, Mary Kay China has also (1) donated more than RMB4 million and volunteer time to promote elementary education in Yunnan and Shanxi, (2) granted over RMB1 million in scholarships to Peking University students, and (3) established a groundbreaking domestic violence hotline, first in Shanghai, then nationally. In choosing Mary Kay China, the AmCham Shanghai 2005 CSR Awards selection committee was impressed with scope of programs, the clear focus on assisting underserved populations in western China, and the commitment of volunteers to the company’s community outreach efforts.
2005 Employee Health & Safety Award: TNT China Holdings
 TNT China, a global logistics company, is committed to providing safe and secure working environments for all company employees as well as contractors and members of the public who may be affected by the company’s package handling and delivery activities. The AmCham Shanghai 2005 CSR Awards selection committee appreciated TNT China’s impressive worker safety programs, which include thorough training, detailed monthly reporting procedures, and strict accountability systems to ensure a safe workplace.
2005 Environmental Stewardship Award: Coca-Cola China
 Coca-Cola China has implemented a number of environmental policies in its operations throughout the country resulting in conserving water and reducing packaging. The majority of Coca-Cola plants in China implement water reuse and recovery projects to minimize water consumption. The company has invested more than RMB8 million in water recovery and purification facilities, saving more than 1 million cubic meters of fresh water in Coca-Cola plants across China in 2004. Concerning packaging reduction, the Coca-Cola Company has reduced significantly the amount of materials used without compromising the safety and the quality of its products. Around 40,000 tons of plastic and glue has been saved since 2000 by switching from a 2-piece to a 1-piece bottle package. In addition, the company has reduced the amount of aluminum used in its cans, resulting in savings of 25,000 tons of aluminum since 2000. Since 1998, the company has reduced its glass usage by its bottlers by 10 to 15 percent. The AmCham Shanghai 2005 CSR Awards selection committee noted Coca-Cola China’s continuing efforts to lead by setting an example in reducing waste.
About Corporate Social Responsibility in China
CSR refers to the concept that corporations should voluntarily commit to ethical and responsible business practices, reflecting the interests of all stakeholders in the company's policies and actions. While CSR is relatively new to China, the concept is taking root quickly and many companies are making valuable contributions.
About the AmCham Shanghai Annual CSR Awards
The AmCham Shanghai annual Corporate Social Responsibility Awards were launched in 2005 as a method for recognizing Shanghai-based companies operating exceptionally effective CSR programs.
The winning programs were selected via a rigorous review process conducted by AmCham Shanghai and the Chamber CSR Committee. By drawing attention to these organizations, the Chamber aims to acknowledge corporate CSR successes, and to provide a model for other organizations looking to expand their community outreach efforts.
|