OREANDA-NEWS. On 08 May 2009 was announced, that Ilim Group was a winner of the annual contest "Russia’s Top 100 Environment and Environmental Management Companies". During the Second All-Russian Environment and Production Conference that took place in Saint Petersburg we were awarded honorary diplomas and were represented by Andrei Andreev, the Head of Ecology and Occupation Safety Department, Ilim Group.

The Company’s strategy with regard to environmental safety is focused on introducing environmentally friendly technologies in all production cycles from wood harvesting to manufacturing of finished goods. For better coordination of ecology activities an Ecology and Occupation Safety Department was created at Ilim Group's Head Office, and at each branch of the company.

Ilim Group has established efficient environmental management system by introducing and maintaining the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 series international standards at all of its production locations. Each mill annually prepares a report on management systems efficiency, where all activities are described and recommendations on improve management systems are given.

Besides constant work on reducing deleterious effects on environment, modernization and new technologies implementation, the Company strives to improve environmental activity by supporting research and development work on ecology. The main projects are: internal control efforts to monitor compliance with the environmental regulations, creation of web-site dedicated to ecology topic, training for employees, issuing ecology reports, taking part in law-making as an expert.

The goal of the contest "Russia’s Top 100 Environment and Environmental Management Companies" is to promote a public image of environmental and social responsibility in nature protection and minimization of environmental impact.