RAK Ceramics releases Corporate Social Responsibility Report

RAK Ceramics, the world's largest ceramic tiles & sanitaryware manufacturing company, has announced that it has recently released its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report 2010 as part of a continuing thrust to further enhance the company's CSR initiatives. The report has noted that RAK Ceramics has actively pursued CSR-related activities throughout 2010, covering areas such as the environment, concerns of social groups, product development, facilities, processes, environmental accreditation, and employee health, safety and benefits. 

RAK Ceramics revealed that the report will serve as a benchmark for CSR programs in 2011 and future CSR activities of the company. Through the CSR Report, RAK Ceramics also aims to provide a blueprint for other business entities, particularly those operating in Ras Al Khaimah, to pursue various CSR activities. 

Abdulla Mahmood, Head- Marketing and Corporate Communication RAK Ceramics, said: "We constantly seek to improve our corporate social responsibility programs as part of efforts to help enhance the quality of life and be of service to various causes and social groups in Ras Al Khaimah and the rest of the UAE. RAK Ceramics has produced the Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2010 to underline our strong commitment to make CSR an integral part of our business strategy. We are confident that the report will help establish benchmarks in volunteerism and other environment and civic-oriented initiatives in the UAE and hopefully inspire other members of the society to contribute in the social and economic development of the country through a variety of innovative means and practices." 

RAK Ceramics' environment-related activities in 2010 included an ambitious initiative to plant over 5,000 trees around its manufacturing facility throughout the year. Some 500 trees were initially planted to mark the Earth Day celebrations and to launch the campaign. Senior managers and employees of RAK Ceramics also participated in the UAE Clean-up Campaign in December, cleaning a section of the Ras Al Khaimah. 

Civic-oriented activities were also organised by RAK Ceramics such as a blood donation campaign, relief operations for victims of floods in Pakistan, providing financial assistance to NGOs, donations to the Dubai Autism Center and Dubai Rehabilitation Center, and sponsorships of various educational institutions. 

RAK Ceramics' CSR program also encompasses product development and maintenance of facilities. The company has invested aggressively to introduce products that are friendly to the environment, while it has also implemented energy-efficient technologies and techniques and has adopted recycling, reuse and waste management systems to further enhance the sustainable upkeep of its facilities. In addition, RAK Ceramics has recently received the Environmental Performance Certificate (EPC) from the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) and the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation from Australia, further confirming the company's commitment to environmental conservation. 

Protecting the welfare of its employees has been another important commitment of RAK Ceramics under its CSR program. The company holds regular workshops as part of a continuing education program, while RAK Ceramics' HSE Department has been awarded the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), recognizing the success of the company in promoting optimum health and safety in the workplace. In addition, RAK Ceramics also provides medical, life and welfare benefits to employees.