Brother launches Eco-Rewards scheme

Released 08/07/2010

Office technology firm strengthens green credentials

Office technology specialist Brother has launched a new rainforest-saving initiative to reinforce its commitment to the environment and give end users peace of mind.

In conjunction with the forward thinking conservation charity, Cool Earth, Brother has launched a new Eco-Rewards scheme. Under the new scheme, the company will protect a tree in the Peruvian Amazon for every four drums or toner cartridges and every eight ink cartridges returned via its ‘ReNew' consumables recycling programme.

Cool Earth has been working to protect pristine, species-rich areas of the Amazon for over three years, with the backing of prominent conservationists like Sir David Attenborough and celebrities including Ricky Gervais. The charity works in partnership with tribes local to areas of conservation interest to ensure they can maintain a livelihood whilst conserving the forest.

Brother first teamed up with Cool Earth in 2009 and this project marks a new phase for the partnership. To support the initiative and encompass all its strategies to be a greener business, the company has also launched a new brand logo, Brother Earth, which will feature on all product packaging with the strapline "working with you for a better environment".

Phil Jones, sales and marketing director, Brother UK, commented: "The environment has been at the heart of what we do at Brother for some time now and Eco-Rewards and Brother Earth are both a clear reflection of this focus. The environmental impact of office technology is being placed under ever increasing scrutiny by purchase managers. The healthcare, education and public sectors have all made the environment more of a focus, causing decision makers in these fields to question the credentials of the manufacturers they choose.

"To continue to make sales in these markets, resellers need to ensure they're aware of the issues and are working with vendors that emphasise their importance. End-users will expect vendors to obtain accreditations such as Energy Star and Blue Angel badges as well as conform with WEEE regulations and provide consumables recycling as standard. In the interests of staying one step ahead, our Brother Earth logo is designed to reassure end users that not only are our products manufactured to the highest standards, but we take every care to minimise our environmental impacts, every step of the way.

"This is a Europe-wide initiative and we're counting on customers in the UK to show their support and help us protect a million trees by the end of the year."

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