ADVERTORIAL
GREEN THINKING
SPECIAL
Sustainability 2020 G erman manufacturer edding takes its responsibility towards the environment extremely seriously and has developed a comprehensive sustainability action plan. Areas covered by the programme include refilling, recycling, carbon-neutral production and the conservation of resources.
www.opi.net
REFILLING EXTENDS PRODUCT LIFE The various types of refillable markers and writing instruments offered by edding play an important part in saving resources. In fact, refill inks are available in an array of colours for around 70% of the company’s range. One bottle of ink holds enough for up to 15 refills, thereby considerably extending the lifespan of a marker. Refilling not only avoids waste, but also reduces the amount of plastic needed to produce new markers. Thanks to the user-friendly refilling process using either a drop dispenser or capillary system, ink can be topped up cleanly and with ease. Many edding products also have replaceable nibs.
34
RETURNS BOXES FOR EMPTY MARKERS It’s such a waste to throw old pens away as they contain valuable materials that could be recycled. But the question is: what to do with used and depleted markers and writing instruments? edding provides the answer with a returns box service for all empty disposable pens or refillable markers that are completely worn out – whatever the brand. Initially implemented in Germany, there are plans to extend the scheme across Europe. In
collaboration with a company that specialises in plastic recycling, edding has created a recycling loop, whereby over 70% of the plastic recovered is fed back into the manufacture of new products. CARBON-NEUTRAL ECOLINE Generally, the best way to be sustainable is to minimise the consumption of resources wherever possible. Thanks to edding’s considerable investments in research and development, up to 90% of the plastic parts used in permanent, whiteboard and flipchart markers are made of recycled material. Most (83%) of it is post-consumer recycled material recovered from various types of plastic waste like old yoghurt pots, enabling edding to avoid up to 83 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. The edding 24 EcoLine highlighter offers excellent environmental credentials and was the first marker awarded the Blue Angel ecolabel. Its cap and barrel are made predominantly from renewable raw material sugar cane resources. The EcoLine is also certified as carbon neutral, and any residual, unavoidable carbon emissions are offset by edding through investment in climate protection projects such as the reforestation of rainforest in Brazil. SUPERB QUALITY Based on its outstanding sustainable properties, EcoLine has been honoured with the GREEN BRANDS Germany Quality Seal on three occasions. Another great source of pride for edding is the nomination of EcoLine for the German Federal Ecodesign Award 2020, the country’s highest state accolade for ecological design. Out of 147 projects, only 28 submissions made it through to the final round. This prestigious award is presented by the Federal Ministry for the Environment and the German Environment Agency in partnership with the International Design Center Berlin.
