Dubai, 23 April, 2015

Plants 300 trees around its factories in addition to 10,000 existing trees in support of Earth Day

RAK Ceramics, a global hi-tech manufacturer of lifestyle ceramics solutions, today announced that it has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA-RAK) and the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RAKCCI) for its successful efforts to implement environmental best practices throughout 2014. The prestigious award was presented to RAK Ceramics during a recent ceremony at the RAKCCI.

Earlier this year, RAK Ceramics signed a partnership with EPDA-RAK to collaborate on various services and technical environmental training to support the development of its environmentally responsible approach towards its stakeholders and the communities where it operates.

Additionally, RAK Ceramics will be planting 300 trees today as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, in observance of Earth Day 2015. Since the company was established, RAK Ceramics has planted a total of 10,000 trees around its Ras Al Khaimah Headquarters.

Abdallah Massaad, RAK Ceramics CEO, commented on this award, by saying: “RAK Ceramics is delighted to be recognised by EDPA-RAK for its recent environmental sustainability initiatives in the community. As a world-class leader in our industry, employing thousands of employees and operating 15 factories around the world, we continuously face the challenges that accompany growing concerns about sustainability.”

“As we expand and modernise core businesses and continue our growth momentum into lucrative new markets, we remain committed to implementing good governance and pursuing sustainability practices across all areas of our business that contribute towards a healthy environment,” he added.

RAK Ceramics has consistently received recognition for its eco-friendly initiatives and sustainability best practices. In 2014, the company was the first ceramics manufacturer in the region to produce a Sustainability Report following the Global Reporting Initiative GRI-G4 framework.

In 2013, RAK Ceramics received certifications from the EPDA for the categories of “Best Environmental Practices in Ras Al Khaimah” and “Applying all the Environmental Systems for a Healthy Environmental Management and Ideal Usage of Raw Materials”.

RAK Ceramics previously received the Environmental Performance Certificate (EPC) by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) for its successful efforts to comply with UAE environmental protection standards and regulations, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) for its active participation in waste recycling campaigns.