April 21, 2010

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
ABA Press Office
(202) 463-6770

ON EARTH DAY, AMERICA'S BEVERAGE INDUSTRY MARKS ITS YEAR-ROUND COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Earth Day approaches, American Beverage Association members are demonstrating their year-round commitment to the environment. America's beverage industry has been a leader in the development of innovative environmental programs and promoting a more sustainable future.

"When it comes to America's beverage companies, every day is Earth Day because improving our environment is a year-round effort," said Susan Neely, ABA president and CEO. "Through innovative recycling efforts, lightweighting our packaging, using hybrid vehicles, and constructing energy efficient buildings, our industry is leading the way on environmental stewardship."

America's beverage companies rely on containers that are 100 percent recyclable, and support a broad array of initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint. Through its Full Circle Plan, the beverage industry is working to reinvigorate recycling in communities throughout the country. Last fall, the American Beverage Association commissioned a national survey that looked at ways to improve Americans' access to curbside recycling. The survey found that 74 percent of Americans have access to some form of curbside recycling, but that the infrastructure is already in place to expand curbside recycling programs to include millions more.

In addition, the beverage industry has also led in creating ‘green jobs' for Americans. ABA member companies are building new recycling centers and LEED-certified buildings. The beverage industry is also expanding its delivery fleets to include more hybrid vehicles, and introducing new manufacturing processes to save energy.

"The beverage industry is committed to strong environmental leadership," Neely said. "We will continue pushing forward to engage more consumers in our efforts to recycle and keep our environment clean."

For more information on the beverage industry's recycling and environmental efforts, visit www.ameribev.org.

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States. For more information on ABA, please visit the association's Web site at www.ameribev.org or call the ABA communications team at (202) 463-6770.