BRANCH-LEVEL AGREEMENT : OUR COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Through a branch-level agreement via Essenscia (the belgian federation for chemical industries), Ajinomoto OmniChem committed to reduce specific greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to improve the energy efficiency.

With this agreement, the company commits - by 2012 - to lower the energy efficiency index (EEI) to 81.5% compared to the reference of 100% for the year 2006, which will be an improvement of 18.5%!

In order to reach this ambitious target, Ajinomoto OmniChem is rolling out a plan which comprises important investments, an in-depth study of operational methods and awareness campaigns for the personnel.

Each year, a detailed report will be redacted after evaluation by a certified auditor. As regards the year 2007, an improvement of 4.3% of the index was achieved, which is better than the planned target.

• Balen
• Louvain-la-Neuve
• Wetteren

OPEN DOORS DAY AT BALEN SITE

For the occasion of the anniversary of 125 years of industrial operations at the site of Ajinomoto OmniChem Balen, an open doors day was organized in September 2007 for family, friends, neighbours, colleagues etc … The majority of our installations were opened for the 756 visitors.   A guided tour took them through the various synthesis departments, the Tensiofix department, the warehouses and the waste water treatment facility. The purpose was to provide the guests an insight  in the various activities of our company.

CLEAN WATER

With removal efficiency of more than 95 % for Nitrogen and more than 98 % for Phosphorus, the waste water treatment facility of Ajinomoto OmniChem Balen is capable of handling a large variety and high entrance loads of waste water. The waste water treatment facility manager supervises the operation closely and continuously, so the slightest fluctuation of incoming waste can be handled in the most effective way. Every new waste is tested beforehand on biodegradability. If the bioburden of the waste water is to sever for our own installation, the waste water is treated by specialised external waste treatment companies. Thanks to our search for new technology, the waste water treatment is continuously optimized.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: ISO14001 CERTIFIED

Our environmental management system, based on ISO14001, is part of the daily management and focuses on controlling and improving the environmental performances of our company. Through the environmental management system structurally attention is paid to the environment in our operations. Our environmental policy focuses on two key principals: Comply with the laws and regulations and management of environmental risks Strive for continuous improvement in environmental performance of our organization The environmental standard ISO14001 is an internationally accepted standard that determines the criteria for a sound environmental management system.

ECONOMICALLY WITH ENERGY

Ajinomoto OmniChem Balen has joined the Energy Audit covenant of the Flemish government. Therefore, we belong to the group of companies who carefully and efficiently manage our energy consumption. The Energy Audit covenant is derived from the engagement of Flanders to emit 5,2% less greenhouse gases by 2008-2012, in comparison with the reference year 1990. This is the so-called “Kyoto target”. Our company has established a plan including various energy-saving measures, which are already implemented or will be implemented in the near future.

CO-OPERATE IN SAFETY

Again this year a major emergency intervention exercise was held at Ajinomoto OmniChem Balen. This exercise is part of the requirements that are imposed on “Seveso” companies These kind of exercises allows us to evaluate and improve the co-operation between the various surrounding fire brigades and Ajinomoto OmniChem’s own emergency intervention team. By means of injury simulations, our own employees trained in first-aid were also involved in the exercise. The readiness our staff is evaluated by means of a complete evacuation exercise. Pictures of the emergency intervention exercise held on 18-June-2008: fire engine Balen and intervention leaders of the various fire brigades.

 Ajinomoto OmniChem has put its trainers on, in order to fight disease!

On the initiative of  ELA, the European Association against Leucodystrophy, our company participated in the 3rd jogging Enterprises / University LLN Science Park, which took place on Friday 12th September 2008 in the Bois de Lauzelle in Louvain-la-Neuve.

Each week in Europe 30 to 40 children are born with this incurable disease, which touches the central nervous system and destroys little by little all the vital functions.  Ajinomoto OmniChem cannot remain insensitive to the action led by this association and wished to join, this year again, in the sponsoring of members of its personnel who wished to devote themselves to this cause.

So it was that 9 members of our personnel chose enthusiastically to take part in either the 5km jogging or the 2.5km walk, refreshed by the gentle rain that showered them along the way ... a way which brought some difficulties but which they overcame with courage and determination.

This event was supported by Yannick, aged 10 who suffers from leucodystrophy, also this year by Louise Deldicque, Belgian semi-marathon champion, 10,000m vice-champion and 3rd in the latest 20km of Brussels.

Also participating in the race were the brothers Borlée, Kevin and Jonathan, who represented Belgium in the semi-finals of the 400m in the Beijing Olympic Games.