Sustainability report

RNS Number:6930W
Alcan Inc
31 May 2002

Press Release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


           SUSTAINABILITY AN Integral Part of Alcan's Business Model

                   1st Global Sustainability Report Launched

                   and Company Commits to Bi-Annual Follow-up


Montreal, Canada - May 30, 2002 - Alcan Inc. has issued its first Corporate
Sustainability Report. Alcan is determined to continue to be a successful
company in its second century and this key report, entitled Alcan's Journey
Towards Sustainability, outlines the requirements necessary for long-term
business success. It builds on the Company's long-standing corporate values of
integrity, accountability, trust and transparency, and teamwork.

The comprehensive report charts Alcan's progress in measuring and managing its
economic, environmental and social impacts and draws a definitive link between
Alcan's business success and its actions both inside and outside its operations.

"Alcan is a company that was built on basic and simple values. As an extension
of these values, this report is a tangible example of our commitment to doing
the right thing and sets a benchmark for future improvement," said Travis Engen,
president and CEO of Alcan Inc. "We have demonstrated that sustainability
positions us for long-term growth and is a prerequisite to ensure that we are a
thriving business for the years to come."

Being a successful and growing business is a pre-condition for increasing the
resources needed for doing more on both the environmental as well as the social
front which adds to the benefits for our employees, our communities and other
stakeholders. Sustainability at Alcan goes beyond environment, health and safety
achievements.

Alcan's sustainability efforts are company-wide and are structured on a
straightforward interpretation of this concept. At Alcan, sustainability
involves seven elements:

  • Integrating economic, environmental and social considerations into our
    business planning in order to be better prepared to manage the risks and
    capture the opportunities that the future will bring.

  • Improving the social and economic benefits and reducing the environmental
    impacts of our activities.

  • Outlining the challenges we face as we continually improve our
    understanding and our performance through best practice, improved and new
    technologies and the efforts of our employees in managing industrial and
    manufacturing processes.

  • Demonstrating the benefits of various products in enhancing the quality of
    life.

  • Ensuring Alcan continues to meet the expectations of its customers for
    high standards and leadership as we move forward to grow our business and
    secure the future.

  • Strengthening relationships and partnership with our communities, our
    employees, our shareholders and other stakeholders.

  • Demonstrating integrity and commitment by maintaining the high standards
    we value as a company in our day-to-day operations.


"I believe we have developed a business framework that supports the current
goals of our employees, shareholders, society and other stakeholders without
compromising the needs of future generations," added Mr. Engen.

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum
and specialty packaging with 2001 revenues of US$12.6 billion. With world-class
operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and
specialty packaging, Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers'
needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs 48,000 people and has
operating facilities in 38 countries.


                                      -30-

Media Contact:         Marc Osborne
                       [phone]

Investor Contact:      Jo-Ann Longworth
                       [phone]

To obtain a copy of the report, call us at [phone], write to us at
[e-mail] or visit our Web site at www.alcan.com.



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