Baxter Healthcare Corp. Highlights Sustainability Efforts Worldwide

The International Transport Forum (ITF), European Association for Forwarding Transport Logistics and Customs (CLECAT), and International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) chose Baxter as the overall winner of the joint ITF-CLECAT-FIATA Prize for Innovation in Transport and Logistics along the Global Supply Chain.

 

Baxter received the recognition for its use of inland waterways rather than ground freight to transport goods among Lessines, Belgium, Antwerp, Belgium, and Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Water transport saves 40% on freight costs and uses 80% less fuel given the fact that one ship can transport as much freight volume as 120 trucks, according to the company.

 

In addition, The Australian Business Awards recognized Baxter’s local efforts in waste management and segregation with an Australian Business Award for Environmental Sustainability. Also, The Federation of Industries of São Paulo State recently recognized Baxter’s energy conservation program in Brazil with an Environmental Award honorable mention for continued commitment to energy conservation practices.

 

In Australia, Baxter’s facilities have established processes to proactively manage waste and identify opportunities for elimination, reduction, and recycling, according to the company. These efforts during 2008 related to segregation and investigation of waste recycling opportunities led to a 9.7% reduction of overall waste and an increase in recycling of 4%, compared to 2007. The company states that overall, 58% of waste produced on site in Australia was recycled in 2008.

 

Among the initiatives in Brazil to conserve gas and electric energy is a rooftop water evaporation system to cool the facility’s roof. The system uses relatively clean process wastewater that would otherwise be discharged to the wastewater collection system. This saves a projected $25,000 per year in energy required for internal building cooling and reuses 5000 m³ of water annually, according to the company.

 

Another recognition comes from Sociéthica, an independent strategic sustainability consultancy, that recognized Baxter’s sustainability initiatives in France with the Environment Award and a second place ranking in All Categories of Sustainable Development.

 

The company also participated in the first Baxter World Environment Week to promote earth-friendly activities and sustainable living in its local communities.

The global event, held the first week of June, corresponded with the United Nations World Environment Day and was sponsored by Baxter employees at more than 70 facilities in 25 countries.

 

More than 200 employee activities occurred worldwide, including:

 

· Beijing  – distributed plant and flower seeds to employees and encouraged them to submit photos of growing plants.

· Cuernavaca, Mexico – organized a fair where employees learned about and could purchase household items that help save electricity, such as solar water heaters.

· Chicago – developed and planted a rain garden with students at a local elementary school.

· Mississauga, Canada – helped employees consider their environmental footprint and ways they could reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.

· Hoechstadt, Germany – created incentives for employees to use public transportation, bike, walk, or carpool.