O-I's Harlow glass plant has been certified as reaching the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management, which also demonstrates how the company is "giving its customers containers supplied in a sustainable way." Tim Neal, O-I;s UK environment & energy manager said, "As users of energy, water, & raw materials, it is vital for the glass industry to keep improving our environmental performance. ISO 14001 acknowledges that we have systems in place to ensure best environmental practice &, more importantly, that we are following them." As part of its move towards certification, O-I trained all staff & long-term contractors working at Harlow in environmental affairs. Two particular projects are said to stand out. An improved waste-management strategy means that the company recycles virtually all its waste board, polyethylene sheeting, & scrap metal; and concerning the local environment, O-I has developed new oil-storage processes & facilities that "greatly reduce the possibility of leakage." Other investments are underway to improve furnace performance.
