Mike Johnston, country manager Canon New Zealand, says, “We are supporting eDay because we want to remind people that many components of used Canon products are recyclable. We are encouraging people to think in terms of sustainability by encouraging them to recycle electronics. Canon New Zealand is genuinely committed to ensuring our manufacturing and distribution practices are environmentally sound. By supporting eDay, we can ensure the entire life cycle of the product is managed in the most sustainable way possible.

Laurence Zwimpfer, organiser of the initiative, says, “Locations are set up around the country where people can deliver obsolete products for recycling. Equipment collected is transported to recycling plants overseas, where it is recycled according to world best practice under The Basel Convention.”

Canon New Zealand says it is developing rigorous sustainability practices internally and encouraging companies along its supply chain to do the same. It claims that, over the last two years, it has decreased its greenhouse gas emissions by 23 per cent by encouraging staff to use video conference facilities instead of air travel, turning off equipment when not in use and being aware of paper, electricity and water use.

Johnston adds, “Sending electronic products to landfill is an irresponsible practice when such a high proportion of the material in these products is recyclable. It is also invigorating to see how many Canon staff members are volunteering nationwide to give up their own time to participate in this worthy venture”