The 4Rs: case studies

A vinyl recycling company that collects waste vinyl and generates revenue by selling it on as a raw material. Recycled vinyl can replace, or be blended with, virgin material in many applications, including the automotive industry.

A furniture manufacturer which took part in a project to develop a range of 'sustainable' office furniture. A life cycle assessment was used to optimize materials, designs and manufacturing processes.

The UK's public service broadcaster, which in 2001 made its first foray into environmental reporting across its wide spectrum of activities

A firm of solicitors that achieved substantial cost savings by curbing its consumption of paper

An international manufacturer of chemicals, hardware, fibres and electronics, whose commitment to sustainable growth is already delivering some reductions in the company's ecological footprint