Image: Thomas Loacker
At the meeting in the British Embassy in Vienna, the company boss and the world-famous researcher discussed the responsibility of companies, the good and bad sides of plastic and the commitment of young people to climate protection. It was clear to both discussion partners: Now is the time to act to stop global warming – but innovative solutions for a sustainable future cannot be developed and implemented overnight.
“What gives me hope is the commitment of the younger generation to climate protection. But it is also important that companies like Greiner work even more intensively on better recycling solutions in the future,” said Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace , clear words.
“We are fully aware that we, as a company in the plastics industry, bear a great deal of responsibility. That is why the exchange with NGOs is also important to us. After we had already been in contact via video messages, it was a great honor for me to be able to meet Jane Goodall in person “, says Axel Kühner, CEO of Greiner AG.
Embassy from Upper Austria
Greiner is an official partner of the Jane Goodall Institute Austria and so CEO Axel Kühner first contacted Jane Goodall over a year ago via video message, soon followed by a joint video interview. In addition, Greiner took over a chimpanzee sponsorship from the Jane Goodall Institute Austria in spring 2022 and has been supporting the “Roots & Shoots” initiative since September 2022, which deals with the education of schoolchildren. As part of the “Roots & Shoots” project “Wonder.World.Forest: Researching the Wood.Wide.Web”, children and young people are made aware of the importance of the forest as a place to live and relax, but also as a decisive factor for the global climate .
“I am deeply convinced that it is infinitely important to teach children in particular to be respectful of all life. In our ‘Roots & Shoots’ projects around the world we see the importance of empowering children and young people. A great power comes when young people decide to make a difference. They have power and the future of the planet in their hands,” Goodall said.
“As a family company, the promotion of young people is particularly important to us. We see investments in education and science not only as part of our social responsibility, but also as indispensable for the continued existence of our society,” says Kühner.
Longterm cooperation
Finally, both interlocutors confirmed that they would stay in touch. The aim is a cooperation that goes beyond short-term projects. After all, the major challenges for the future can only be mastered more easily in the long term and with united forces.
The Jane Goodall Institute Austria
The Jane Goodall Institute Austria (JGI-A) was founded in Vienna in 2003. The primary goal is the protection of chimpanzees and other primates through holistic species protection. Today, this can only be achieved in the context of social and economic aspects as well as through sustainable programs and help for self-help. Therefore, the JGI-A focuses on holistic conservation projects in those areas responsible for the decline of endangered primates and the destruction of their habitat, and works closely with research institutions and local communities. The basis of the work is the promotion of respectful, sustainable interaction with people, animals and nature. janegoodall.at
About Roots & Shoots
Roots & Shoots is a global action program founded in 1991 by Dr. Jane Goodall was founded. It aims to inspire, empower and encourage young people around the world to take action themselves. In 2002, Kofi Annan named Jane Goodall a UN Messenger of Peace for her Roots & Shoots program. To date, over 700,000 young people are active in 7,100 groups in 50 countries. The name Roots & Shoots is symbolic. Every great tree began life as a tiny seed, with tiny little roots penetrating the ground to reach water. Although this seed appears so small and faint at first, there is a magic and living power within it, so strong and so powerful that these tiny roots and shoots can break through dense soil and rock to reach water and sunlight.
About Greiner
Based in Kremsmünster (Austria), Greiner is a global leader in plastic and foam solutions. With the three operative divisions Greiner Packaging, NEVEON and Greiner Bio-One, the company is at home in a wide variety of industrial sectors. Founded in 1868, the group of companies is now one of the leading foam producers and plastics processors for the packaging, furniture, sports and automotive industries, for medical technology and the pharmaceutical sector. In the 2021 financial year, Greiner generated sales of EUR 2.27 billion and employed over 11,000 people at 129 locations in 33 countries. CEO is Axel Kühner, Chief Financial Officer is Hannes Moser. www.greiner.com
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