The involvement of the bank's clients and community members in both the recycling program and Real Friend has been critical.

After Brazil's Banco Real and ABN AMRO merged in 1998, they transformed their business model to have a more balanced relationship between people, profit and the planet. With this vision they initiated a project to integrate the use of recycled paper into all aspects of their business. Having disadvantaged members of the community gather the raw materials raised their incomes while keeping recycled paper costs affordable for wider use. Another initiative, Real Friend, raises money legally diverted from corporate and personal income tax payments to support child and adolescent welfare efforts.

Website:www.bancoreal.com.br

For project presentation click here