Axfood contributing to solar clean water project in Uganda
Axfood is investing part of the money earned from the Company's climate compensation in a solar-powered clean water project in Uganda. Some 1,000 families have gained access to clean water with the help of the Swedish invention Solvatten ("Solar water"). The project is also helping to reduce deforestation while improving the families' health and economies.
Solvatten is a Swedish invention that uses the power of the sun to conveniently clean and heat water. It is an innovative and environment-friendly product for households in developing countries developed by Petra Wadström.
"By combining several methods of water purification, a single Solvatten unit can provide 11 to 44 litres of drinkable water per day as well as hot water for use in cooking, personal hygiene and other purposes," says Åsa Domeij, Head of Environment and Social Responsibility at Axfood.
The use of Solvatten units reduces the need for wood and charcoal by about 50% among those who use them. The units need only sunshine, require no spare parts, and have a useful life of at least seven years.
The investment in Solvatten water systems is part of the climate compensation that Axfood accomplishes by reducing business travel by air and through the eco-friendly Garant Såklart product line, covering household cleaning, laundry and body care products.
Åsa Domeij is participating today (22 March) at a seminar arranged by the World Child & Youth Forum at the Royal Swedish Palace. There, she will talk about Axfood's initiatives under the banner "Business impact on children’s access to clean water".
For further information, please contact:
Åsa Domeij, Head of Environment and Social Responsibility, Axfood AB, +46-73-077 43 07
Ingmar Kroon, Director Press Relations, Axfood AB, +46-702-89 89 83
Axfood AB conducts food retail and wholesale business in Sweden. Retail business is conducted through the wholly owned store chains Willys, Hemköp and PrisXtra, comprising 246 stores in all. In addition, Axfood collaborates with a number of proprietor-run stores that are tied to Axfood through agreements. These include stores within the Hemköp and Willys chains as well as stores run under the Handlar’n and Tempo profiles. In all, Axfood collaborates with approximately 820 proprietor-run stores. Wholesaling is conducted through Dagab and Axfood Närlivs. Axfood is listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm AB's Large Cap list. Axel Johnson AB is the principal owner, with 50,1% of the shares.