Beverage Carton Body Reinforces Commitment to Environment with New Chief Executive Appointment

Having previously held two roles in the industry – that of Environment Manager for Tetra Pak UK & Ireland and Chair of ACE UK – Richard Hands now works full-time for the Alliance, representing leading beverage carton packaging manufacturers and driving industry-wide environmental initiatives.

25 Nov 2010 --- The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) UK has appointed Richard Hands as its first full-time Chief Executive, reinforcing the carton industry’s commitment to environmental best practice.

Having previously held two roles in the industry that of Environment Manager for Tetra Pak UK & Ireland and Chair of ACE UK Richard now works full-time for the Alliance, representing leading beverage carton packaging manufacturers and driving industry-wide environmental initiatives. 
 
Commenting on his new role, Richard said:  “This new position reflects the carton industry’s commitment to building on its considerable environmental achievements. These include heavy investment to increase recycling, with the result that 87% of the UK now has access to carton collection. The industry is also continuing to work with local authorities to make it easier for people to recycle their cartons, with 30% of UK households now benefiting from collection at the kerbside.
 
“Recycling will remain a core area, but the industry and its suppliers are also working hard to deliver further progress on independently-certified forest management and traceability.”
 
Christian Verschueren, Director General of ACE Europe, which is based in Brussels, said: “We are delighted to welcome Richard as Chief Executive of ACE UK. This new position strengthens our European network, as we seek to benchmark and profile beverage cartons as a renewable, recyclable, and low carbon packaging solution. And Richard not only brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, but also an excellent track record of positive engagement with stakeholders."