|
MUMBAI:
Henkel India Ltd. today announced it's much coveted, `Henkel Eco-petition',
a national level paper presentation competition for schools on environmental
issues. The annual contest, spear-headed by Henkel India since 2005
has received wide acclaim. This year "Henkel Eco-petition"
will address Water Conservation, which is the need of the hour.
Aptly themed "Hold your Blue Gold - My Innovative Strategy
to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Water", the competition is open
to school students. With participation covering over 500 schools
across Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata
school students of class X, XI and XII will stretch their minds
and wield their pens to rescript the future of water . The children
can voice out their concerns about environmental issues pertaining
to the consumption, reuse and recycling of water.
"Water
is a scarce resource worldwide. Four billion people do not have
adequate access to drinking water supplies. Henkel's research and
development teams worldwide are continuously working towards developing
advanced technologies for resource-conserving use of water through
constantly improved processes and product performance. By creating
a heightened awareness and focusing young minds on this critical
resource Henkel will be contributing towards sustainability in yet
another innovative way," says Mr. Sam Chandar, Vice President
- HR & Corporate Communication, Henkel India Limited.
In production, Henkel's mandate is to use as little water as possible,
while cleaning and re-using existing supplies. In application, Henkel
aims for its products to require as little water as possible, at
the same time limiting their environmental impact. Henkel's detergents,
household cleaners, cosmetics and toiletries, which end up in wastewater,
are designed to have a minimal impact on surface waters. Also, in
its detergents Henkel uses zeolites which makes possible the formulation
of high-performance, low-cost, environmentally friendly detergents
that are phosphate-free. In Karaikal, Henkel produces dishwashing
detergents, glass cleaners and laundry detergents. Wastewater from
production processes is treated using a new filtration system. Instead
of simply discharging it, the reclaimed water is fed back into the
production process. The wastewater from sanitation facilities is
also treated and re-used. A specially developed treatment plant
reduces the organic load in this wastewater, so that it can be used
for cooling towers and to water the greenery, thus eliminating the
need to use precious well water for this purpose. These treatment
systems save at least eight percent water every year.
Participants
in Henkel Eco-Petition 2008 will need to write a paper in not more
than 2,500 words on the topic. The award carries a gift prize of
Rs. 10,000/- for the first place, Rs. 7,500/- for the second place
and Rs. 5,000/- for the third place along with attractive gift hampers
too. In addition, the Principal or a nominated teacher from the
winning school will be empanelled on "Henkel Eco-learn"
a unique education project initiative.
According
to Mr. A. Satish Kumar, MD, Henkel India Limited, "At Henkel
our commitment to ecology and the environment is very high. Every
step is taken by our company to reduce the amount of water used
to produce our products, recycling water used for manufacturing
processes so it can be returned safely to the environment, and replenishing
water in communities and nature through locally relevant projects."
"Henkel
Eco-petition" is aimed at educating, creating social awareness
and enhancing sensitivity on environmental care in children from
an early age. The over-whelming response and the enthusiasm shown
by children keep us motivated to conduct this competition every
year", adds Chandar.
The
last date for the submission of entries is 2 August, 2008 and the
entries will have to be sent to Henkel.Ecopetition@in.henkel.com.
|
