GreenBiz.com, 1 June 2005 - Aluminum products manufacturer Alcan Inc. has been awarded the 2005 Globe Award for Corporate Competitiveness by the GLOBE Foundation. The company was recognized for its efforts in integrating sustainability principles in its approach to business, thereby contributing to its economic competitiveness, environmental leadership, and community involvement.

Upon accepting the award, Daniel Gagnier, senior vice president of corporate and external affairs for Alcan, said: "It is our firm belief that by working in collaboration with our stakeholders, Alcan increases its understanding of the economic, environmental and social dimensions of its business decisions. We are better able to develop strategies that create value for all those affected by Alcan's choices."

Alcan is translating its sustainability commitments into concrete actions and applications through the company's Integrated Management System (AIMS) and its three key components: value-based management, EHS FIRST and Continuous Improvement. AIMS links these initiatives and reinforces the focus of managing for value for the entire Company. In addition, sustainability is an integral part of managing for value - it's a fundamental way of thinking about Alcan's role in the world and it helps to guide Alcan's decision-making throughout its operations.

This approach has a direct link to Alcan's economic and commercial success. For example, the company launched its annual $1 million Alcan Prize for Sustainability in 2003, to recognize the contributions of the not-for-profit sector to global sustainability, and to underline the belief that all sectors of society must work together to achieve sustainable development.

Speaking at the awards ceremony at the EECO 2005 Environment and Energy Conference in Toronto, Canada, John Wiebe, president and CEO of the GLOBE Foundation, said: "This award recognizes Alcan's vision, leadership, and track record in demonstrating that environmental leadership, social responsibility, and economic performance are interdependent for business success. Alcan continues to raise the bar for industry, while demonstrating that sustainability makes good business sense."