Heineken's policy with respect to the primary (product-)packaging materials requires
a reduction in the weight of the containers, but without detriment to their strength.
The reduction in weight is beneficial to both the use of materials and to transport. The
reductions to be achieved in the period 1999-2001 will result in a decrease of approx
imately 10 percent in the weight of all non-returnable bottles. However, this is not
new. The weight of the non-returnable 25 cl Heineken bottle has been reduced
several times, from 200 grams to 150 grams. Considerable reductions in the weight of
beverage cans have also been achieved during the past 10-year period.
A great detail of attention is devoted to the reduction of the weight and the reuse of
materials during the development of new models of secondary packaging such as
crates and boxes.
The decision to use a specific type of packaging greatly depends on the mar
ket and the demands made by consumers. Refillable packaging is an ecologically and
economically worthwhile option in markets with short transport distances and a clo
sely-knit distribution network. Nevertheless some consumers in a market of this natu
re will also have a need for non-refillable packaging. Whenever we opt for the use of
non-refillable packaging, we strive to close material recycling loops, usually in co
operation with other members of the packaging and food industry who are confron
ted with the same problems.
5.6 Noise and odour nuisance at the European production units
Noise is primarily caused by trucks, internal transportation, construction work and
- occasionally - malfunctioning installations. This noise can constitute an nuisance to
others, especially when the brewery is in the immediate vicinity of a residential neigh
bourhood. Odours are released during the wort-boiling process, as well as from was
tewater treatment installations. Odours can cause annoyance in densely populated
areas, although they usually have a minimal environmental impact.
The number of complaints has increased since 1997. Because there is often no
clear explanation within our breweries, the primary reason for this increase seems to
be the development of closer contacts between the breweries and their neighbours.
As a result of these improved contacts the Company now becomes more rapidly awa
re of any instances of nuisance caused by the brewery - and is consequently able to
respond more quickly by implementing the measures needed to address the specific
problem. In 1999 Heineken received 103 complaints about nuisance, of which 70
concerned noise and 33 were about odours. A large number of the complaints about
noise were caused by construction work on the premises. Heineken endeavours
to reduce the nuisance caused by activities of this kind to a minimum by relocating
the work to areas where the noise will be less annoying. The Company also informs
its neighbours when any work of this nature is due to take place.