September 16, 2010 - LiDestri Receives Environmental Recognition for Recycling Glass Containers

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2010

Contact: Kristen Taylor
Kristen@Lindberggrp.com
(703) 778 - 7644

LiDestri Receives Environmental Recognition for Recycling Glass Containers
GPI provides “Friends of Glass” Recognition as part of 2010 Recycle Glass Week

Alexandria, Virginia, September 16, 2010 - The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is proud to recognize LiDestri Food & Beverage as a model company for its achievements in making significant efforts to recycle glass containers. LiDestri is among the six “Friends of Glass” recognized by GPI during its second-annual Recycle Glass Week, September 12 - 18, 2010. Find out more about the 2010 Friends of Glass: /learn-about-glass/recycle-glass-week/2010-friends-of-glass-honorees.html

Since 1979, LiDestri has used glass jars to package its pasta sauces, which includes 70 product lines that fill more than 400 million glass containers annually. Currently, LiDestri recycles up to 90 percent of excess cardboard material, glass packaging, metal straps and any other materials that can be recycled. The company has set aggressive sustainability goals that include a 25 percent decrease in paper use by 2013, decreasing water usage by at least 50 percent across all facilities by 2014, and achieving 95 percent raw material waste reuse and recycling by 2013.

“Glass is what the generations before us had used; there’s a comfort in that. Consumers have a confidence in glass and with our production volumes we’re able to offer premium and accessible products - the best of both worlds,” comments Stefani LiDestri, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. “Glass is also 100 percent recyclable and pure, providing added benefits to our customers.”

As an organization, LiDestri prides itself on the quality products it brings consumers, being environmentally responsible and the care for all employees. The company introduced the LiDestri Wellness Program to provide employees with the help and encouragement they need to lead healthy lifestyles. O-I is proud to partner with LiDestri who continues to use glass packaging as a primary packaging material for its products.

“It is great to have LiDestri acknowledged for using glass packaging to promote and distinguish their brands,” said Carl Rooth, O-I vice president, marketing. “LiDestri recognizes the benefits glass packaging can bring their products as well as the value of recycling glass containers, which can be made into new glass containers infinitely.”

This year, GPI recognizes six “Friends of Glass” in four categories: Container Recycling Institute (website); MGM Resorts International (hospitality industry); We CAN Recycle Inc. (organization); and Best Friends of Glass, including Boulevard Brewing Company; Dr Pepper Snapple Group; and LiDestri. Friends of Glass honorees in 2009 included Earth911.com; the Hyatt Regency Atlanta; Rep. Jay Inslee; the City of Fort Collins, Colorado; Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.; Heaven Hill Distilleries; and McIlhenny Company for TABASCO® Brand.

“Consumers need to understand the impact they can have when they recycle glass bottles and jars. Glass is endlessly recyclable and there are big energy savings when recovered glass is used to make new bottles,” says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “We thank LiDestri for creating glass container recycling awareness and hope this recognition will call attention to the value of glass container recycling and ultimately help us reach the goal of using 50 percent recycled glass in the manufacture of new containers by the end of 2013.”

Recycle Glass Week is an awareness event aimed to educate consumers about the environmental benefits of glass bottle recycling and encourage participation in recycling glass to help save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the industry’s nationwide goal of using 50 percent recycled content in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by the end of 2013. Visit www.gpi.org for more information on Recycle Glass Week activities and events.

LiDestri Food & Beverage is a premier private label and contract manufacturer, packing over 40 million cases of consumer goods each year. LiDestri’s core competencies include manufacturing hot filled, cold filled and retorted products in glass and plastic containers for both retail and food service customers. Established 35 years ago, as a cheese manufacturer, the company now specializes in sauces, dips, salsas, oils, vinegars, cooking wines and spirits. LiDestri now operates multiple state-of-the-art facilities represented on both coasts of the United States. Visit http://www.LiDestriFoods.com and http://www.LiDestriSpirits.com for more information on the LiDestri family of businesses. www.lidestrifoods.com

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals. www.gpi.org

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