The region's leading English language daily moves to 100% recycled paper

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 11 December, 2011: Abu Dhabi Media's award winning English language newspaper, The National, has switched to printing on 100 percent recycled paper today. The move reinforces the publication's ongoing commitment to sustainability, and will significantly reduce its impact on the environment by reducing energy consumption and waste sent to landfill.

The switch from conventional paper to fully recycled comes with the support and sponsorship of Masdar, regional leaders in sustainable thinking, and has come at a time when recycling is an important issue in the UAE.

The Emirates currently has one of the highest rates of waste per person in the world. Recycling a ton of paper can help save 17 trees as well as over 7,000 gallons of water, and is also more energy-efficient, requiring on average 60 percent less energy compared to producing virgin paper.

Hassan Fattah, Editor in Chief of The National, said: "In this industry, we aware of our impact on the environment, and how we can play our part to become more sustainable. We all have a responsibility to think long term and assess how we can reduce our carbon footprint while still delivering a high quality product. Moving to printing on 100% recycled paper is one small positive step we can make to reduce our impact on the planet, and fits with The National's continued commitment to raise awareness about environmental issues."

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: "We are pleased to partner with The National on this initiative and applaud Abu Dhabi Media on taking proactive steps to enhance their corporate sustainability.  This project serves as an example of Abu Dhabi's strong support and commitment to environmental stewardship."

The National kick-started its environmental commitment in 2010 with its inaugural 'Green Issue', a special eco-focused edition dedicated to sustainability. The issue was part of the paper's ongoing 'Earth Matters' initiative, which aims to draw attention to environmental issues in the region.  

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Abu Dhabi Media is a leading media organization in the Middle East, with businesses in free and pay television, radio, publishing, digital media, games, feature films, music, digital signage, outside broadcast/production and printing.

The company manages over 20 market-leading brands such as the TV channels Abu Dhabi Al Oula, Abu Dhabi Riyadiya/AD Sports; Emarat FM and Star FM radio stations; Al Ittihad and The National newspapers; Majid and Zahrat Al Khaleej magazines; the websites, anazahra.com and admcsport.com; and subsidiaries Image Nation, LIVE and United Printing Press. Abu Dhabi Media partners with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment on VEVO, the world's leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform, and with National Geographic on National Geographic Abu Dhabi, the Arabic language television channel and National Geographic Al Arabiya magazine.

About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted initiative advancing the development, commercialisation and eployment of renewable energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today's fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future - developing the "greenprint" for how we will live and work tomorrow. Backed by the stability and reputation of the Mubadala Development Company, the strategic investment company of the government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the emirate's long-term vision for the future of energy. 

For more information about the Masdar Initiative, please visit: www.masdar.ae

Stay connected: facebook.com/masdar.ae; twitter.com/masdar

For more information, please contact:
Georgia Thompson
Senior PR Executive, Communications- Abu Dhabi Media
Mob +971 50 641 2955
georgia.thompson@admedia.ae

© Press Release 2011