Kawerau business scoops top award

Kawerau's SCA Hygiene Australasia has taken out the top award at the Sustainable Business Network's annual regional awards.

The tissue, packaging, publication papers, hygiene product and solid-wood product manufacturer picked up the Sustainable Business of the Year title at the Bay of Plenty awards dinner in Tauranga last night as well as the Trailblazer Large and Corporate category.

SCA Hygience is now a national finalist in this category.

Sustainability manager Dave Cronshaw said sustainability was a cornerstone of the company's values.

"It sits well with the personal values of everyone who works at SCA. It is something that will be demanded more and more by customers and consumers, and it is just the right thing to do."

Judges commended the company for demonstrating real leadership in embedding sustainability in its business practices, adopting a long-term sustainability focus clearly connected to the financial bottom line. This is enhanced by strong community and staff engagement, social responsibility and a "commendable openness" about its practices.

They were impressed by reductions in waste, carbon dioxide emissions and water use, chain of supply consistency and third party endorsements.

Most winners were from Tauranga but Taupo's New Zealand Clean Energy Centre also picked up a highly commended in the Trailblazer Not for Profit division. Trailblazers are businesses that have been working with sustainability for at least two years.

Sustainable Business Network regional manager Jo Wills said the calibre of entrants in 2011 was extremely high and she was impressed with the great initiatives those organisations had in place. "They've once again reinforced the business case for sustainability."