Rexel supported the EpE-MetroNews 2016 Prize
The circular economy is a key lever to advancing more sustainable economic development.
As a Group committed to the environment and climate, Rexel supported the EpE-MetroNews 2016 Prize, which recognizes and rewards project leaders aged under 30, who aim to “reduce, reuse, recycle and / or upcycle” resources.
Following a rigorous selection process, four finalists were chosen, from among 31 projects, to present their project live on June 13 at the Water Pavilion in Paris on the following themes: reducing plastic waste, reducing the number of intermediaries in the meat industry to improve animal welfare and transparency, offering quality meals by working more closely with society, and using waste as raw material.
Bertrand de Clermont Tonnerre, Rexel Group’s Director of Sustainable Development, awarded a prize worth 3000 euros to CleanCup, an initiative that seeks to reduce the 4 billion plastic cups that are thrown away every year in France.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Bertrand de Clermont Tonnerre said: “The four candidates captivated the jury with their creativity and ambition. On behalf of Rexel, I am delighted to lend our support to CleanCup. For sustainable innovations to take root and benefit the largest number of people possible, we need more than ever an approach based on openness and collaboration. Through the work of our Foundation, which supports social entrepreneurs, but also through our internal employee engagement campaign EcoDays, which encourages employees to contribute their own innovative ideas and community-based projects, we aim to contribute to building a better energy future for the benefit of all.”
Created in October 2015, CleanCup seeks to eliminate the use of 4 billion plastic cups that are thrown away every year in France. Eleanor Blondeau, a young graduate of EM Lyon Business School, initiated this innovative and technically challenging project with the creation of the CleanCup fountain, a water fountain offering reusable glasses and an automatic washing-up system. Both economical and environmentally-friendly, CleanCup offers an alternative to plastic cups whose use will be prohibited in France by 2020. CleanCup is aimed at university campuses, businesses and local authorities.
Photos © Annabelle Prin-Cojan / EpE
