From Cartridges to Conservation
Brother stands proudly at our side to help rainforest communities fight deforestation and tackle the climate crisis.
The Power of Long-term Commitment
For over 15 years, Brother International Europe (BIE) and Cool Earth have joined forces to back rainforest communities and protect millions of trees. This long-standing partnership demonstrates how businesses can create meaningful environmental impact when they commit to authentic, long-term collaboration.
Brother’s innovative recycling initiative has become a cornerstone of their sustainability efforts, connecting customers directly to rainforest protection through everyday actions. What began as a practical solution for recycling printer consumables has evolved into a powerful partnership that delivers real-world impact for both people and planet.
Key Achievements
40M
Cartridges
Returned and recycled.
7
Communities
In Peru and Papua New Guinea backed.
32M
Trees
Protected by communities.
““We are proud to have worked with Cool Earth for such a long time. Our ‘At your side’ vision is always to provide our customers with exceptional products and service, whilst also doing what we can to limit our impact on the planet.””
Strategic Approach
Free Return & Recycle Scheme
Brother runs a free return and recycle scheme for ink and toner, active for 20+ years and recycling 40M+ cartridges supporting rainforest protection through printing.
In-Kind Support
Beyond financial support, Brother donates equipment like sewing machines in Papua New Guinea, creating income streams that ease pressure on rainforests.
Internal Sustainability Targets
Brother aims to cut direct and energy-related emissions by 65% by 2030 and boost circularity through recycling and product take-back schemes in Europe.
Results
Over £750,000 raised to back nearly 4,000 people across seven communities, protecting 33 million tropical rainforest trees is worthy of celebration – what gets us more excited, however, is our future potential together.
Environmental Impact
Processing over 40 million ink and toner cartridges to protect 32 million trees and support seven rainforest communities in Peru and Papua New Guinea through community partnerships.
Business Results
Strengthened brand reputation and customer loyalty – Enhanced employee engagement through meaningful environmental initiatives – Progress toward corporate sustainability targets
Community Impact
Supporting nearly 4,000 people across seven rainforest communities by providing equipment like sewing machines to create sustainable livelihoods and alternative income streams that reduce pressure on rainforest resources.
Partnership Growth
Evolving from a transactional relationship to a 15-year strategic partnership, expanding the recycling scheme across European markets, and creating additional engagement opportunities for customers and employees.
Partner Insights
For companies considering environmental partnerships, Brother offers these insights:
- Integrate Sustainability Into Your Core Business
Brother’s recycling program demonstrates how environmental action can be woven into day-to-day operations, creating value for customers while delivering positive impact. - Take a Long-Term View
The 15-year partnership shows the power of commitment over time. Lasting relationships allow for deeper understanding, greater trust, and more meaningful outcomes. - Focus on People
Brother recognises that addressing the climate crisis requires backing people – both their customers who want to make a difference and the communities on the frontlines of protecting rainforest. - Measure What Matters
Brother tracks tangible metrics like cartridges recycled and trees protected, providing clear evidence of the partnership’s impact to stakeholders.
A plan that protects rainforest
Brother’s recycling initiative has run for over 20 years processing over 40 million ink and toner cartridges to date.
