Office supplies companies ‘branching out’

Environmental legislation and new technology have led companies within the office supplies industry to diversify and improve, it has been claimed.

A spokesperson for the British Office Supplies and Services Federation (BOSS) said that the BOSS Environmental Certificate – which was created in 1996 to recognise members who were fulfilling their environmental responsibilities – has improved standards in the sector.

Both new and established firms are encouraged to examine how they dispose of waste, use office equipment and recycle office supplies, he suggested.

"[The certificate] has improved the way members look at their waste, their contribution to the environment, recycling, etc and has also increased awareness of the responsibilities companies within the industry need to take one," the spokesperson said.

He also explained that new technologies "have increased the opportunities available to office supplies market".

Gel-filled mouse mats and wrist rests were two examples he gave to demonstrate this trend.

Businesses which want to cut down on their carbon footprint can make sure their office machines are switched off or on standby – particularly computer monitors, he added.

In 2002-03, industrial and commercial waste in England totalled 68 million tonnes, with 30 million attributable to commerce, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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