ZAFCO – the UAE based, leading global distributor of automotive tyres, batteries and lubricants announced the launch of its CSR division by sponsoring seasoned mountaineer Malli Mastan Babu in his latest attempt to scale 13 peaks in South America to raise awareness about the environment. ZAFCO will not only cover the entire cost of the expedition but, along with contributions from its employees, will also donate funds to plant one tree for every 100 metres Malli climbs.

ZAFCO and its employees have been involved in several community activities, such as blood donation drives and fundraising activities for local NGO’s that the company supports. The launch of the CSR division will streamline these activities and future initiatives and will encompass all community, environment or safety awareness campaigns undertaken by the company.

Malli is the first Indian to conquer the seven summits, and the fastest person in the world to do so. Along with a long list of past accomplishments, his current goal will be to set a Guinness world record for climbing every summit in South America in the shortest time ever achieved.

Malli commenced his journey by scaling Mt. Adams at 3,743m and a strenuous hike in the Columbia Gorge Mountains near Portland followed by a snow and ice training session on Mt. Hood that rises to 3,429m. He is on his way to Lima, Peru where he will undergo acclimatisation training before attempting the 6,768m peak of Mt. Huascaran.

With an expanding presence in more than 85 countries, and an extensive distribution network of over 850 partners worldwide, ZAFCO is well on track with expansion plans to penetrate new markets. This initiative, in line with the company’s growth and expansion plans, reinforces ZAFCO’s dedication towards achieving a ‘greener’ future by planting over 500 trees.

Gopiraj KV, CEO of ZAFCO, commented, “Malli Mastan Babu’s motivational goals to continue to break records and conquer new peaks have been an inspiration to our organisation, and by sponsoring his efforts we hope that he will have the same effect on our employees, brands, partners and the community at large.”

Conquering new heights of their own within the industry, manufacturers are making significant investments in technology to ensure that customers do not have to choose between performance and what is better for the environment. ZAFCO is involved in continuous research and development under its own brand, ZEETEX with a comprehensive product range of tyres, batteries and lubricants that encompass over 600 differentiated items for the automotive industry. This is done in a continuous effort to present consumers with high performance that is simultaneously environmentally friendly.

Gopiraj added, “What we hope to achieve is inspiration; making positive changes and overcoming challenges through initiative, strength and endurance to become better as a whole. That is what we hope for our community and that is what we expect from our company.”