EU Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella announced the winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2014-15 at an evening ceremony last night. The awards recognise companies that combine competitiveness with respect for the environment in five categories: management, product and services, process innovation, business and biodiversity and international business cooperation. This year s winners include large corporations and SMEs:

-Eczacıbaşı Yapı Gereçleri (Turkey), a leading producer of ceramic bathroom products and tiles, for management
-EcoNation (Belgium), a company supplying lighting solutions, for product and services
-Daimler AG (Germany), a motor vehicle and engine manufacturer, for process innovation
-Interface Nederland BV (Netherlands), the world s largest designer and maker of carpet tiles, for international business cooperation
-Red Eléctrica de España (Spain), an electricity operator, for business and biodiversity

Commissioner Karmenu Vella said: â??Growing numbers of businesses realise that protecting the environment is vital for maintaining Europe s competitiveness. The Commission s European Business Awards for the Environment recognise the best of these pioneers, singling out leaders and companies at the forefront of eco-innovation. My warm congratulations to all these winners.â?

The environmental goods and services sector has continued to expand, even during the recent economic downturn. An expanding global market means eco-industries can expect to enjoy significant export potential, in addition to wider demand within the EU.

More information on:http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-2268_en.htm