Dubai, UAE, 19 April 2010: Coca-Cola Middle East has announced its renewed partnership with the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and the Arabia CSR Network. In agreement with Coca-Cola's global sustainability plan, the partnership with EEG and Arabia CSR aims to strengthen its ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and raise the awareness level and participation of the greater community.

Coca-Cola has been working on a wide range of sustainability initiatives across the region to support the local community and their needs, by improving their quality of life through programs, partnerships and people. The company has embarked on sustainability packaging initiatives that add value not only to Coca-Cola products but also to the environment and society. Recently, Arwa Water was launched in a more sustainable bottle packaging with less ink to reduce carbon footprints and lighter weight for easy recycling. A number of water conservation steps have also been undertaken by the company to balance the water used throughout the production process.

Antoine Tayyar, Public Affairs and Communications Director Coca-Cola Middle East commented on the partnership, "Coca-Cola is looking forward to working with EEG and Arabia CSR in an effort to increase public awareness of local, regional, and global environmental issues.  At Coca-Cola we approach our business with an eye towards creating a self-sustaining circle and ensuring that every output is input for the next generation. Together with EEG we hope to expand the awareness of local and regional sustainability issues and be able, through our partnership, to create a workable solution for the next generation.  We want to encourage a conscious state of mind and active reduction of waste production, as well as an increase in recycling amongst consumers. We feel that this valuable friendship is a strong step in the right direction."

EEG is the first environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and is the only organization of its kind in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention to Combating Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP)'s Governing Council, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).  Coca-Cola's partnership with EEG will benchmark the Blue Chip Company to reduce its impact on the environment on a global scale.

Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, EEG said, "We are pleased to have Coca-Cola Middle East on board, proving their commitment and determination towards environmental sustainability. Giants such as Coca-Cola have a responsibility to help bring about environmental awareness and participation among the various segments of the society. We look forward to a long and fruitful association in the years to come!"

EEG's Arabia CSR is a network that aims to bring into greater focus the local and regional efforts undertaken at the corporate and civil society levels.  Recently becoming its own entity, Arabia CSR embodies the slogan "Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Future."  The network provides its members with a platform to share CSR experiences, offer tangible added value through workshops and seminars, and facilitate networking opportunities amongst regional CSR leaders.

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About Coca-Cola
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion-dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero. It is globally the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, The Coca-Cola Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.

About EEG
The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is a professional working group devoted to protecting the environment through means of education, action programs and community involvement.  Established in 1991, EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the first environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organization of its kind in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP)'s Governing Council. It is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and also a member of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) as well as a focal point for the UN Global Compact for the GCC States.
EEG is open to men and women of all nationalities, as well as to public and private organizations, academic establishments and international institutions.

For further information, please contact:
Miriam Farshoukh,
Memac Ogilvy
+971 4 3050305
miriam.farshoukh@ogilvy.com

Antoine Tayyar
Antayyar@Mena.ko.com

For more information, contact EEG:
Tel: 04-3448622,
Fax: 04-3448677,
eeg@emirates.net.ae,
www.eeg-uae.org

© Press Release 2010