CHEP has made a second significant donation to the International Tree Foundation (ITF), as a result of many of its customers switching to receive electronic, rather than paper invoices.

In February 2007, CHEP launched an initiative in cooperation with the ITF, designed to reduce paper waste and increase the amount of trees planted across Europe. CHEP committed to make a donation to the International Tree Foundation, for every customer who signed up to receive electronic invoice documentation. The ITF uses the money to protect and plant new trees across Europe.

In September CHEP announced that it was donating €9,483 to ITF, €1 for every customer who had agreed to switch to receive electronic invoicing. Since then 3,920 customers have converted and CHEP has committed to increase its donation to €2 for each of these accounts. As a result, CHEP has donated an additional €7,840.

CHEP's e-invoicing process has already had a positive environmental impact, by reducing the quantity of paper documents by 81%. With some of CHEP's larger customers making several hundred thousand movements per month, the amount of paper is significant.  The aim now is to improve on this figure through the introduction of a Digital Signature later this year. This will remove the need for a paper invoice completely, making all invoices electronic and digitally signed as standard.

Peter Mackie, Senior Vice President, Customer Service, CHEP, commented "We are delighted that so many of our customers have opted to receive electronic invoices and very pleased to make a second donation to the International Tree Foundation. Protecting the environment is very important to CHEP and we are hopeful that the introduction of the Digital Signature will provide an additional incentive for those remaining customers to switch from using paper."  

CHEP decided to work with the International Tree Foundation because it is a well respected registered charity, committed to protecting the environment and improving living conditions in some of the most fragile environments around the world. CHEP funding is already assisting the development of farmer's orchards in Belarus, supporting tree planting in the Ukraine, with proposals being considered for Kosovo and Bulgaria. These new schemes will have a direct impact on the quality of the environment, sustainability of timber and livelihoods of local people.

Mr Andrew Hawkins, ITF Chairman commented "We are delighted to be part of CHEP's campaign and to receive a second donation. As an organisation we don't just want to plant trees, we want to plant trees where they are needed most, so that they benefit both the environment and local communities.  We continue to be very pleased with the campaign, which has already resulted in many more trees being planted." 

For companies that have elected to use the CHEP equipment pool, there is no longer the need to use disposable and single trip packaging and it is estimated that this eliminates more than 6 million tons of wood from being sent to landfill each year. Any damaged equipment is repaired, with nails being recycled and wooden pallet components that cannot be repaired are reused for fuel, chipboard, mulch and animal bedding.

About The International Tree Foundation
The International Tree Foundation is an international charity which has been planting and preserving trees all over the world for over 80 years. It is a member of the Tree Council and the oldest tree charity in Britain, and administers the Family Tree Scheme.

About CHEP
CHEP is the global leader in pallet and container pooling services serving many of the world's largest companies.  The company has morethan7,700 employees and operates in 44 countries. Combining superior technology and an asset base of more than 285 million pallets and containers, CHEP offers its customers exceptional value, a platform that enables reduction in customer product damage, and an environmentally sustainable logistical solution.  Supply chains served include consumer goods, produce, beverage, and the automotive industry.  With global partners that include Procter & Gamble, SYSCO, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestle, Ford and GM, CHEP is known for Handling the World's Most Important Products. Everyday.  For more information about CHEP, please visit: www.chep.com.