Consistent with its objective of being a corporate leader in environmental efforts, Lexmark International Inc today introduced the Lexmark Environmental Programme (LEP), a multifaceted initiative that strengthens the company`s current environmental programmes and motivates its employees to strive for continued innovation in this essential discipline.
All of the company`s many environmental initiatives, including corporate programmes and those executed at the country level, are now organised under the auspices of the LEP to help the company make its environmental vision a reality.
"Many companies talk about dedication to the environment, but Lexmark validates its environmental commitment with a wide-ranging collection of `green` initiatives around the world," commented Paul Curlander, Lexmark`s chairman and CEO.
"Until now, many of those initiatives have been quietly making a difference in the regions where they are executed. With the new Lexmark Environmental Programme, we are raising the profile of our commitment and motivating all of our employees to continue pursuing industry-leading environmental practices. The Lexmark Environmental Programme is more than just a philosophy and more than just policies; it`s our vision and values in action."
Steering the LEP will be the newly formed Lexmark Environmental Committee, a permanent, cross-functional, cross-divisional body with representatives from around the world. Led by Pam Winner, director of technology and services, the Lexmark Environmental Committee will enhance the company`s environmental programmes and objectives by demanding high standards, encouraging greater innovation and advocating best-management practices that further position Lexmark as an environmentally proactive company.
The Lexmark Environmental Programme is focused on three key areas:
1. Resource management - This category spans product remanufacturing and recycling programs, energy conservation, waste prevention and minimisation, resource conservation and office recycling programmes.
On a worldwide basis, Lexmark continues to focus on minimising the waste produced at Lexmark locations. As an example, at the corporate headquarters, nearly 13 million pounds of cardboard, 2.6 million pounds of paper, 1.8 million pounds of scrap metal and 756 000 pounds of plastic were kept out of landfills in 2002 alone because of Lexmark`s focus on resource management. Similar programmes are in place at Lexmark`s other worldwide locations.
A critical component of the resource management discipline is the Lexmark Cartridge Collection Programme, a wide-ranging set of initiatives designed to get empty printer cartridges returned to Lexmark for remanufacturing or recycling. The Lexmark Cartridge Collection Programme consolidates all of the company`s worldwide cartridge return methods and partnerships.
Under the programme, Lexmark offers such customer conveniences as free product return (with the company paying for shipping and handling) and a new online service option to help customers return used cartridges.
The company also provides its customers the opportunity to share in its commitment to the environment through such products as the Lexmark Return Programme cartridge. This cartridge offers business customers a toner cartridge that comes with a discount in exchange for the customer`s agreement that it is returned only to Lexmark for remanufacturing or recycling. Regular cartridges at regular prices without this agreement are also available. This initiative has dramatically reduced the number of used toner cartridges entering the world`s landfills.
While all of Lexmark`s toner cartridges can be returned to Lexmark through the Lexmark Cartridge Collection Programme, the Lexmark Return Programme cartridges have been so successful at keeping cartridges out of landfills that the company is expanding the list of printers whose supplies are covered by the programme.
2. Product management - From drawing board to product sale, Lexmark strives to pursue environmental leadership in such categories as:
* Packaging initiatives: In packaging design, Lexmark strives for Design for Environment (DfE) attributes that include an efficient balance of minimum size and weight, maximum recyclability and recycle content, and avoidance of hazardous materials, to yield complete functional packaging systems.
* Product eco-labels: Many Lexmark products have achieved recognition of environmental attributes by the German Blue Angel Environmental label and Canadian EcoChoice programmes. In addition, the Nordic EcoDeclaration is used to communicate attributes in a standard format, allowing customers to select environmentally preferable products. Many products have earned the EPA Energy Star label, which is recognised worldwide to designate energy-saving products.
* Environmental management systems: Lexmark follows a corporate environmental policy. Lexmark was among the earliest companies to achieve ISO 14001 certification at its Orleans, France location. Other Lexmark locations are working toward certification.
3. Citizenship - As a company that strives to be an environmentally responsible neighbour and employer, Lexmark is committed to putting its values into action in the places where it conducts business. Consequently, the company continually pursues environmental partnerships with local communities that result in the prevention of air, water and land pollution. A safe and healthy work environment is also an essential outcome of the citizenship focus.
Where Lexmark is heading
Lexmark believes there is still more that can be done to protect and preserve our planet through voluntary sustainability initiatives and programmes that can shape its business.
In Europe, for example, Lexmark supported the objectives of the 2002 European Union legislation known as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and has established a European team to design and implement the optimal business model, beyond strict compliance. Equivalent legislation is already in place in five countries, and in those countries, Lexmark`s performance exceeds the reuse/recycling targets assigned by the WEEE directive for 2006.
Lexmark will enhance its efforts to ensure that toner and other cartridges are recovered and recycled with a voluntary cartridge collection programme for inkjet cartridges soon to be launched by Lexmark in Europe. Lexmark also recognises that customers need a means to keep printer hardware out of landfills and is currently evaluating programmes for printer collection so they can be recycled in the same manner as waste electronic equipment generated by Lexmark.
"In SA we have been encouraged by the incredibly proactive response received from the public and customers for our local recycling campaign, CRIB (Cotlands Recycling Initiative for Babies)," commented Hans Horn, MD of Lexmark SA. " We were able to recycle 6 tons of plastic in 2002 and in doing so were able to donate 5 000 'Baby Days` to the Cotlands Baby Sanctuary, and plan to improve on this substantially in 2003."
For further information, please contact Cathy Steyn at telephone (011) 329 0999; fax (011) 792 7449; e-mail cathryn.steyn@lexmark.co.za
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Lexmark International, Inc is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of printing solutions - including laser and inkjet printers, associated supplies and services - for offices and homes in more than 150 countries. Founded in 1991, Lexmark reported more than $4.4 billion of revenue in 2002, and can be found on the Internet at www.lexmark.com.
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