Member Article

Brother’s Eco campaign protects 1.3 million trees

An eco-campaign developed by Brother’s European HQ in Manchester has protected over 1.3 million trees in the Peruvian rainforest - by engaging people across Europe to take part in its ink cartridge and toner return and recycle programme.

Brother launched its Eco Rewards initiative in partnership with pioneering rainforest sustainability charity - Cool Earth, back in 2010. In return for businesses and individuals getting involved in its free return and recycle scheme, Brother pledged to help protect endangered rainforests too.

Almost six million ink cartridges and toners have now been returned to Brother as part of the campaign - protecting more than 2270 acres of the Peruvian Amazon.

The office technology company is one of Cool Earth’s leading corporate partners and is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Eco Rewards pledge.

Geoff Lockton, Executive Director of Corporate Governance at Brother International Europe in Audenshaw, comments: “Rainforest destruction has a massive impact on climate change and the funding we’ve provided is helping to reduce carbon emissions caused by deforestation.

“Our customers have really embraced the return and recycle scheme – ensuring their used ink and toner cartridges and drums are disposed of and recycled responsibly, while at the same time playing an important part in our Cool Earth pledge to support the fantastic work the charity does.”

Matthew Owen, Director at Cool Earth said: “Brother was our first major corporate partner and its support has helped our charity really flourish over the past five years. Its funding has enabled our partners in the Peruvian Amazon to protect the rainforest around-the-clock and keep illegal loggers at bay. With our support, communities are building sustainable livelihoods through produce, such as coffee and cacao. We’ve also been able to strengthen villages with resources such as classroom equipment and solar powered internet.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to the charity, Brother has now also introduced an internal Eco Points scheme for employees. All 1280 Brother employees across Europe are encouraged to take part and by doing so, are set to increase the contribution made by Brother in Europe to Cool Earth.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Brother International Europe .