Brother steps up sustainability support for partners

The Amazon rainforests are burning and records for the hottest Bank Holiday Monday in late August have tumbled keeping the issue of climate change and sustainability firmly in the headlines.

For the channel the green approach is becoming increasingly important as users from all sectors come under more pressure to demonstrate that they are taking steps to become more supportive of the environment.

Those selling printers are all too aware of the need to have a strong argument to deal with those concerned about paper stocks and throwing spent cartridges in the bin. To arm resellers with information and support Brother has appointed a sustainable development coordinator.

Gemmer Crozier moves into the role after successfully completing an apprenticeship with the vendor and has been briefed to work closely with channel partners.

“It’s fast becoming a necessary requirement for our channel partners’ common success too. We’ve supported some resellers on tenders where up to 40% of the total score was owed to responsible business practices," she said.

In the 12 months to March 2019 Brother UK managed to get 145,000 toner cartridges sent back free of charge by customers keen to recycle them, a 3% improvement on the previous year.

Crozier will also be working with the vendor's recycling facility in Wales and encouraging partners to underline the recycling options for spent cartridges.

“It will be incredibly rewarding to be helping organisations and individuals to recycle more, reduce waste and become more energy efficient – each of which are imperative to modern businesses," she said.

The appointment not only underlines the importance of sharing the sustainability message with partners but also emphasised the commitment Brother has to those who go through its apprenticeship programme.

“It’s fantastic to see one of former apprentices now spearheading this important work which benefits our channel partners and end users, whilst contributing to high level sustainable development goals," said Brother managing director Phil Jones.