FRIENDS of the Earth Scotland has launched a ''green office'' action plan aimed at encouraging environmental savings.

It calls on companies to reduce the amount of materials they use, re-use materials wherever possible and maximise the amount they recycle.

Friends of the Earth has issued a guide to companies outlining the steps they can take to protect the environment. Among those adopting the suggested Green Office Charter is Ribbon Revival Central Scotland. Adrian O'dell, managing director of the Grangemouth-based company, explained that his staff of 12 are putting the plan into action.

All of the company's cardboard is now collected by the Scottish Conservation Project in Stirling.

Paper used in testing re-manufactured printer cartridges is used on both sides. Once fully used the paper is collected for recycling with the white paper separated from the remainder.

Soft drink cans are also recycled as is the glass containers used in the office.

And long-life energy-efficient bulbs are used to light the office while the walls of the building the firm occupies have been insulated to save energy.

''Our own business, re-manufacturing laser, ink and ribbons for computer printer cartridges, is environmentally friendly as these materials would have previously gone to landfill sites,'' explained O'dell. ''But what we are doing within the office any company could do.''

He believes the 10 tonnes of cardboard it has recycled per year would otherwise have gone to landfill sites.

''Our insulation means that our heating bills are reduced, and the long-life bulbs means that our lighting is also cost-effective,'' he added.

O'dell has seen an increased environmental awareness among the business community.

''Our annual turnover is now approaching #500,000 and within the next two or three years we expect this to increase to #1m.''

His franchise, which he started in 1993, covers Edinburgh and the Borders, and now re-manufactures around 8000 cartridges a year which not only saves the use of landfill sites but also represents a saving in energy costs as much less energy is used in the re-manufacturing process than in making new cartridges.

A further benefit, he said, is that the process also reduces the country's import bill as 90% of the cartridges used in this country come from the Far East.

Friends of the Earth has developed closer links with with Government since Labour came to power, and Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths recently involved the group in the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment.