Bestnet Partner ToughStuff Wins Global Award at Rio+20 Earth Summit

KOLDING, Denmark, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bestnet A/S announced today that their partner ToughStuff is one of eleven winners at the 2012 World Business and Development Awards (WBDA) for their efforts to improve living standards in some of the world's most disadvantaged communities. ToughStuff will be recognized at a ceremony concluding the Business Action for Sustainable Development Day taking place during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), where world leaders along with thousands of participants from governments, the private sector, NGOs and other groups are convened.

The Awards recognize the role of private companies in reaching the Millennium Development Goals, rewarding businesses who expand goods and services for low-income people through sustainable, commercially viable business models.

ToughStuff was one of only 11 companies worldwide to receive an Award.

ToughStuff was recognized for its innovative business model which has seen the company reach over a million people with affordable solar energy.

ToughStuff works in 11 countries across Africa to provide affordable, durable and high-performance solar energy to the 1.3 billion people without access to electricity.

The eminent international panel of judges for the WBDA (World Business Development Awards) includes members of the International Business Leaders Forum, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the United Nations Development Programme.

The Awards seek to promote innovate and productive business practices within sustainable development which help make the societies where they operate better places to live and work.

ToughStuff CEO Andrew Tanswell will be attending the ceremony, the culminating event of the Summit's Business Day, to collect the award. He said, "I'm honoured ToughStuff has received a World Business Development Award. Our business was set up to help lift people out of poverty and protect the environment.  When we lift people out of 'energy poverty,' we provide a vital ingredient towards the Millennium Development Goals. Having reached over a million people already, our social enterprise plans to keep growing to increase our impact."

"As progress towards the Millennium Development Goals comes under threat in the current economic climate, the Awards highlight the critical role of the private sector in stimulating sustainable economic growth and development," said Jean-Guy Carrier, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce.

About Bestnet A/S

Bestnet A/S has an established leadership role in the Aid & Relief market as the manufacturer and supplier of Netprotect® long lasting insecticide incorporated mosquito nets (LLINs). Netprotect® LLINs are the world's third largest brand of World Health Organization (WHOPES) recommended LLINs. Bestnet supports the many ministries of health and relief organizations worldwide that are working toward improving the lives of others.  

Bestnet is thoroughly immersed in working toward the goal of eventually eliminating malaria, a disease of poverty. Each year, over 1 million people die from malaria even though the disease is completely preventable and treatable. Sadly, most of these deaths occur in pregnant woman and in children under the age of 5 in the most impoverished areas of the world.

The Bestnet philosophy is ... a network of life; and it is evident in their ever-expanding product line designed specifically to provide affordable and well-designed solutions, which improve the lives of others.

More information about Bestnet A/S and Sunlife® is available at: www.bestneteurope.com or by contacting Bestnet Managing Director, Trine Angeline Sig, at [email protected], mob.: +45 2826 2600.

About ToughStuff

ToughStuff's mission is to help lift millions of people out of poverty through solar-powered energy. Communities without access to grid electricity struggle to light their homes, charge their phones and power their radios. ToughStuff has developed a modular range of solar products, which provide durable, affordable and high-performance replacements for expensive and damaging energy sources, such as kerosene and batteries.

Users experience a significant improvement in their standard of living, saving around $100 each year. They can be more productive, with more time for work and study. Health, safety and security concerns are reduced, as they are exposed to fewer open flames and less harmful fumes. ToughStuff products also impact positively on the environment, by lessening the need for fossil fuels and batteries.

For more information, please go to www.ToughStuffOnline.com; email at: [email protected] ; or call: or +44 (0)207261 0983.

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SOURCE Bestnet A/S