New Sukano management leads company to achieve silver medal from EcoVadis for sustainability practices

Schindellegi, Switzerland, April 3, 2018 – Sukano has been awarded a silver medal for its sustainability practices by EcoVadis in its first-ever evaluation. In three out of four categories – Labor Practices, Fair Business Practices and Sustainable Procurement – Sukano ranked well above the average of its industry peers, scoring in the top 15%.

“We are extremely pleased with our initial score from EcoVadis, as it underscores our efforts to not only build a successful business, but also continuously behave responsibly by integrating social and environmental concerns into our daily business practices,” said Norman Egger, CEO of Sukano AG. “We look forward to further improving our business operations. Our aim is to go beyond regulatory compliance and achieve new market standard levels in an effort to provide our business partners and stakeholders outstanding performance in the years to come.”

EcoVadis analyzes and rates the corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of companies according to 21 indicators in the areas of the environment, fair labor and business practices, ethics and supply chain. The silver medal from EcoVadis confirms that Sukano addresses CSR-relevant matters proactively, and is actively engaged. In addition, Sukano’s scores and ratings are based on the operational structures it has put in place, and the tangible actions taken on major issues, including reporting key performance indicators.

“This achievement confirms that our CSR thought leadership and practices are well ahead of the market. We aim to build on them to help bring our expertise and innovative spirit to every level in each market where we operate,” concludes Mr. Egger.

Changes to the Management Committee
To reach this milestone and pave the way to further achievements, Sukano is also making two changes to its Management Committee, effective April 1, 2018. First, the Board of Directors has confirmed Norman Egger as Chief Executive Officer of Sukano AG. Mr. Egger has been acting as CEO ad interim since September 2017. Mr. Egger is also Managing Director and Chairman of Sukano Finance AG as well as a Board Member of all Sukano companies worldwide. He has been with Sukano since 1998.

Mr. Martin Schmutz, Chairman of the Sukano AG Board of Directors, commented, "By confirming Norman Egger as CEO, we are securing Sukano’s future. Mr. Egger has not only successfully led the company over the last six months, but he has also demonstrated that he has the right long-term strategic vision for the company, founded on solid business growth and underpinned by a relentless focus on innovation. Thanks to his efforts, Sukano is well positioned to continue its positive momentum. We are confident that he is the right person to lead us forward.”

In one of his first acts as CEO, Mr. Egger has appointed Alessandra Funcia as Head of Sales & Marketing for Sukano. The move is intended to ensure continued sales growth and drive enhanced focus on customer needs. Ms. Funcia was previously Head of Marketing at Sukano, where she was responsible for the planning, development and implementation of marketing strategies and communication activities. In her new role, she will become a member of the Management Committee.

Ms. Funcia has 20 years’ experience working in leading roles at multinational companies focused on the color and additives masterbatches business. “I am thrilled by this nomination, and I am confident that, thanks to the maturity of the company, its professionals and business practices, we will deliver our objectives and support the company’s innovative vision, focusing on our customer needs, always driven by expertise,” stated Ms. Funcia.

About Sukano
Sukano is a world leader in the development and production of additive and colour masterbatches and compounds for polyester and specialty resins. The company is driven by expertise – Sukano focuses its technical knowledge on developing innovative masterbatches for oil and bio-based polymers that can be used for applications such as thin and thick films, bottles and containers, fibers, filaments, and sheets.

Founded in 1988, Sukano developed the state-of-the-art, market reference slip/ antiblock additive masterbatch for PET applications. Headquartered in Switzerland, it is a family-owned business with a global distribution network and production facilities in Europe, the Middle-East & Africa, the Americas and Asia Pacific.

Providing unparalleled service, knowhow, and quality to its customers worldwide, Sukano is the global partner of choice for plastic converters and brand owners to develop their innovative products and highly specialized solutions.