Corporate Express promotes recycling purchases through the following mechanisms:
- Corporate Express' Office and Computer Products Sourcebook contains a special recycled paper section for easier customer reference.
- Most recycled products in Corporate Express' Office and Computer Products Sourcebook and electronic catalog, E-Way (www.eway.com), are clearly identified with our EarthSaver® recycled symbol.
- Our systems are designed to allow customers to track their environmentally friendly purchases.
The 2004 Corporate Express Office and Computer Products Sourcebook is made from paper containing 80% recycled content. The recycled fiber is a blend of old newspapers and old magazines and the pulp produced from this fiber is totally chlorine free (TCF). Stationery products used for our business purposes are also printed on recycled paper, including business cards, letterhead, envelopes and memo pads.
Corporate Express conducts toner cartridge collection, refill and disposal programs for numerous contract clients. Recycled laser printer toner cartridges are available in our Sourcebook through EXP and GRC. In 2002, Corporate Express initiated a national inkjet-recycling program in collaboration with Special Olympics USA. Under the program, Corporate Express encourages customers to recycle inkjet cartridges through a pre-funded mailer or collection bin program and Special Olympics receives at least 50% of the proceeds, up to $1.25 or $2.00 per cartridge, depending on the method of collection. In 2002, this program influenced customers to recycle over 135,000 inkjet cartridges.
Corporate Express encourages employees to adopt positive environmental practices in all of their everyday tasks. Recycling programs exist in our office locations to facilitate recycling by segregating desk waste into recyclable containers. In our North American headquarters and distribution centers, we design the work space ergonomically with an emphasis on environmentally sensitive specifications for lighting, heating, carpeting, airflow and other design features.
Corporate Express office products shipping boxes are made from recycled materials (35% on average) and we recycle all of our used corrugated material at our distribution centers. Software in our distribution centers automatically selects the optimal size box or bag for every product shipment to eliminate waste. Whenever possible, factory cartons are used for full case shipments. Bags composed of 35% post consumer recycled materials and envelopes are used for small items. Use of bags in the shipping process increased over 5% in 2002 and we continue to emphasize using less corrugated boxes and more bags in field operations.
| Typically office waste paper is segregated and recycled through our general waste handlers. Our corrugated waste at our distribution facilities is segregated, compacted and sold to recyclers. We have installed special conveyors to handle corrugated waste at our facilities. |
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Commencing in January 2003, Corporate Express has again initiated formal inquiry of our suppliers regarding their sustainable forestry practices and the sourcing of wood products.
Corporate Express Document & Print Management printing plants are models in sound environmental practices. All waste paper is recycled at our Forms manufacturing plants. Used printing plates and inks are recycled whenever possible. Forms’ UV inks are alcohol-free and environmentally friendly, with no VOC’s emitted to the atmosphere. |
