Staples Advantage strives to make it easy for our customers, associates and the communities we serve to join us in protecting the environment. We call this environmental commitment, Easy on the Planet.

We focus our efforts on areas where we can have the greatest positive impact:

• Sustainable products
• Recycling and other environmental services
• Sustainable operations, with a focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy and waste reduction
  
  

We help our customers to reduce their impact on the environment by providing an extensive assortment of environmentally preferable products – called Easy on the Planet products – that have undergone a rigorous evaluation process in partnership with our manufacturers. We will continue to update and validate our Easy on the Planet criteria to ensure that they are based on sound science, are credible, and reflect the current state of the industry. We recognise that people have different definitions of what constitutes an environmental product, and that is why we always seek to describe the underlying environmental features of the products we carry and transparently communicate to our customer base what Easy on the Planet means to us.

• Ink and Toner recycling
  Staples is committed to the highest level of eco-conscious responsibility by recycling or reusing 100% of a cartridge’s components. Not only do we recycle all of your ink and toner cartridges, our drivers will collect them from you the next time a delivery is made. It’s that easy.
  
  
• Waste Battery Collection
  From 1 February 2010, Staples introduced the take back of used batteries from end users free of charge to our contract customers. Battery collection boxes are provided at all our 137 retails stores nationwide, and we ensure that any waste batteries using these boxes are sent to an approved treatment facility for compliant disposal.

We strive to reduce waste, emissions, water use and energy consumption, and actively promote environmentally responsible behavior among our associates:

Minimising waste: We seek environmental excellence, by developing and sourcing environmental products, providing easy recycling services for our customers and associates, supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy, and educating stakeholders about environmental issues.

Packaging: Our boxes are made up of recycled materials and wherever possible, they are 95% filled to capacity. Biodegradable plastic bags are used for single items. What’s more, when we install furniture ordered from our primary suppliers, all of the packaging is back hauled to the supplier, where it is then recycled.

Energy: Staples are constantly seeking innovative ways to reduce our carbon emissions and reduce reliance on off-setting.
We have already:

• Invested heavily in alternative energy across our operations in Europe
• Implemented recycling programs in place in our warehouse, distribution and head office facilities for the sustainable disposal of pallets, plastics, paper, ink and toner, and technology items.
• Implemented lighting with motion sensors in an increasing number of our operational facilities to further reduce our energy consumption.

Water usage: Staples Advantage have implemented various water conservation initiatives in recent years including sensor flushing in men’s urinals and push top taps for sinks. We have also modified WC cisterns to reduce each flush by one litre of water.

Distribution: At Staples Advantage, it is our aim to make a difference by offering more sustainable products and services, and shaping and growing our business in an environmentally efficient way. We are committed to helping our customers take action to protect the environment for future generations. Our logistics partnership with TNT marks a significant step in bringing this commitment to life for Staples Advantage customers.

Through our partnership with TNT in the UK, we have enjoyed access to TNT’s electric fleet since November 2010. TNT has the world’s largest fleet of electric 7.5t vehicles, and 50 electric vehicles currently deliver to Staples Advantage customers in the UK’s major towns and cities.

In addition, we also have an electric vehicle which is exclusively dedicated to Staples deliveries in and London area.