Lexmark
Printers
Formed in 1991 as a spinoff from IBM. Manufacturer of laser printers and imaging products. Acquired in 2016 by a consortium of investors led by Ninestar (formerly Apex Technology) and PAG Asia Capital.

Overall

Owned CHN
Rating D
About the Ratings

Company Ownership

Lexmark International Inc
USA
Ninestar Corporation
owns 51% of Lexmark International Inc
CHN
Printing and imaging products
Formerly Apex Technology Co Ltd. Founded in 2004, Ninestar designs, manufactures, and markets inkjet and laser cartridge components for remanufacturers and distributors. Acquired a majority stake in Lexmark in 2016.
Zhuhai Seine Technology Co Ltd
owns 70% of Ninestar Corporation
CHN
Printing, including 3D
Parent company of printing companies Ninestar/Lexmark, Pantum and Seine 3D.
PAG
owns 43% of Lexmark International Inc
HKG
Investment firm
Founded as Pacific Alliance Group in 2002. Investment partner operating in Asia with US$50 billion of assets under management. Australian investments include Craveable Brands (Red Rooster and Oporto), Patties Foods, Vesco Foods, Cordina Farms, Australian Venue Co and Rex.

Company Assessment

(Last updated Aug 2024)
Lexmark International Inc
Praise
CDP Climate Change score of B
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of B.
Source: CDP (2023)
100% on Corporate Equality Index
This company is listed as having best practice on a report card on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in corporate America.
CDP Water Security score of B-
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of B-.
Source: CDP (2023)
Criticism
Workers rights in China
A 2023 report by China Labor Watch investigated labour conditions in China's consumer electronics sector using three stages of research: analysis of social media posts, case studies through online research, and in-person factory investigation. Labour abuses identified in factories supplying this company include excessive working hours, illegal use of student interns, wage theft and wage arrear, poor food and/or living conditions, high labour intensity, workplace bullying and verbal abuse, and mandatory overtime.
Information
US recycling report card
The Electronics TakeBack Coalition's Recycling Report Card evaluates takeback and recycling programs for computer, TV, printer and game console companies. The report card focuses on the programs available to consumers in the US, and relies on publicly available information, as of Sept 2010. This company received a grade of F for its recycling efforts in the USA.
Failure to stop users refilling cartridges
Lexmark has spent nearly 20 years trying to stop you from refilling your laser printer cartridges. In 2003, they attempted to use the DMCA and DRM to argue that it was an act of piracy (the courts didn't buy it) and then in 2015, they went all the way to the Supreme Court with the idea that you were violating their patent license terms if you treated the cartridges you purchased as though you owned them. In 2017 the Supreme Court told Lexmark it was wrong.
Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target.
Mum-friendly employer
This company was named in Seramount's 100 Best Companies 2022 for being a mum-friendly employer. Listed companies provide inclusive benefits for families, including paid gender-neutral parental leave, phase-back programs, bereavement leave after miscarriage, reimbursement for fertility expenses, and increased mental health benefits for employees.
Responsible Minerals Initiative member
This company is a member of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (formerly the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative), which helps companies address conflict minerals issues in their supply chains. The RMI provides information on conflict-free smelters and refiners, common tools to gather sourcing information, and forums for exchanging best practices on addressing conflict minerals. Membership is open to companies that use or transact in tantalum, tin, tungsten or gold (3TG). Founded in 2008 by members of the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative.
Source: RMI (2019)
Responsible Business Alliance member
This company is a member of the Responsible Business Alliance (formerly the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition), a non-profit coalition of electronics companies which supports the rights and wellbeing of workers and communities worldwide affected by the global electronics supply chain. RBA members commit and are held accountable to a common Code of Conduct and utilize a range of RBA training and assessment tools to support continuous improvement in the social, environmental and ethical responsibility of their supply chains.
Source: RBA (2022)
Sustainability claims
This company has extensive sustainability claims on its website.
Ninestar Corporation
Criticism
Forced labour in China
This company is on the U.S. Government's Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, which names companies suspected of using forced labor in Xinjiang, China. The Chinese government has facilitated the mass transfer of Uyghur and other ethnic minority citizens from the far west region of Xinjiang to factories across the country. Under conditions that strongly suggest forced labour, Uyghurs are working in factories that are in the supply chains of well-known global brands in the technology, clothing and automotive sectors.
Information
CSR claims
In its 2017 Annual Media Report this company has Corporate Social Responsibility claims. Their Ninestar Angel program supports kids with leukemia, plus they have partnered with a tree planting program and donated to earthquake victims.
Zhuhai Seine Technology Co Ltd
Criticism
Forced labour in China
This company is on the U.S. Government's Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, which names companies suspected of using forced labor in Xinjiang, China. The Chinese government has facilitated the mass transfer of Uyghur and other ethnic minority citizens from the far west region of Xinjiang to factories across the country. Under conditions that strongly suggest forced labour, Uyghurs are working in factories that are in the supply chains of well-known global brands in the technology, clothing and automotive sectors.
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Company Details

Type:
Private company
Revenue:
3.7 billion USD (2014)
Employees:
9000 (2018)
Subsidiaries:
Lexmark International (Aust) Pty Ltd
Printers
Provides printers & multi-function devices and ink/toner and supplies.

Contact Details

Address:
Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Website:
www.lexmark.com

Products / Brands

Lexmark Australia
Lexmark Printers