WWF and rechargeable battery maker announce licensing partnership

22 Jun 2006, Paris, France – WWF and Uniross, the European leader in rechargeable batteries, have entered into a three-year licensing partnership, extending across 40 countries. The partnership will focus on the environmental importance of collecting and recycling old batteries, and the ecological advantage of rechargeable Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries and chargers.

As part of the licensing agreement, Uniross will launch a range of rechargeable batteries and chargers endorsed by WWF. The rechargeable battery maker has also committed to fund several WWF environmental initiatives, particularly around the theme of sustainable consumption.

"We are very proud of our association with WWF in promoting the use of rechargeable batteries and their recycling,” said Carole Courtin, Uniross Communications Manager.

“This partnership is connected with the policies that we already implement daily in our company, in the development of our ’green’ products and with our European associations trying to increase the level of recycling.”

The use of rechargeable batteries considerably reduces the impact on the environment compared to single use, disposable batteries. In fact, the use of one rechargeable battery in some applications can replace the use of up to 1,000 disposable batteries. Using rechargeable batteries significantly reduces the consumption of raw materials, and the quantity of batteries to collect and recycle.

Another important advantage of rechargeable batteries is the amount of reusable material they contain, which is superior to that of a disposable, single use battery — 75 per cent in a rechargeable battery compared to 60 per cent in a disposable battery.

“There are real environmental advantages in using and recycling rechargeable batteries,” said Graham Minton" said Graham Minton, WWF International’s Head of Corporate Marketing.

“Our partnership with Uniross will not only provide conservation benefits, but also gives us the opportunity to work together with a company that is committed to sustainable development and environmentally sound business practices.”

END NOTES:

• Established in 1968, Uniross has become the European leader in rechargeable batteries and battery chargers destined for the mass market (photo, video, telephony, etc.) The company also offers portable energy solutions dedicated to the industrial market. Based in Lognes, France, Uniross generates 75% of its sales on the international markets via its subsidiaries (UK, Italy, Germany, China, USA, Hong Kong and South Africa) and its partner network. Uniross products are distributed in more than 70 countries world-wide.

Contact Information

Claire Blenkinsop

Corporate Marketing Manager

WWF International

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