Print IT Reseller - issue 128

01732 759725 40 VOX POP away from soldering and using bolts or screws instead - so components can be removed, repaired or replaced with minimal disruption. Printers, in particular, are often made from high-value plastics and metals, which makes them well suited for both recyclability and reusability. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, but the design decisions we make today are grounded in meeting our circularity targets tomorrow. Rowan Jeffreys-Hoar, Director of Partner Sales, Ricoh UK: At Ricoh, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. In June 2023, we introduced the IM C range of A3 colour multifunction printers, constructed with at least 50% PCR materials – ten times more than previous models. These MFPs also feature a 45% reduction in panel power usage and a 50% reduction in plastic packaging, contributing to nearly a 20% reduction in the machines’ lifetime carbon footprint. The IM C range also has a 27% lower carbon footprint across its lifecycle, with 50% less energy consumption in eco mode. To cut waste, we’ve introduced a toner lock mechanism that prevents cartridges from being removed until they’re fully empty, and all toner bottles are now made from 100% PCR PET. Through our Comet Circle initiative, we promote part reuse and recycling across our supply chain. Our Carbon Balanced Service also helps companies offset emissions by providing a five-year carbon-balanced printing certificate to boost ESG credentials. With Ricoh’s circular manufacturing and sustainable innovation, we’re committed to helping the industry print more efficiently, reduce waste, and lower carbon footprints. Sarah Kochli, Head of Marketing, Toshiba Tec: Our manufacturing processes are designed with circularity in mind, ensuring that component parts are built to last longer, can be recycled, and re-used. We prioritise eco-friendly materials and ethical sourcing at every stage of the supply chain. For instance, our devices incorporate a significant percentage of post-consumer recycled plastic content, contributing to reduced environmental impact. Our commitment to sustainable procurement and circular economy initiatives helps us cut waste, lower our footprint, and run more efficiently. our commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Gillian Nuttall, People and Culture ESG Partner, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK): Konica Minolta is making significant strides in its contribution to the circular economy. Our manufacturing process recycles disposable plastics and in FY2023 the company used 4,000 tonnes of this material in production. This innovation in our manufacturing process has enabled us to build our production printing systems with up to 36% recycled materials and almost half of every new MFP is made of recycled material. However, we aim to go further with a target of 90% of production to be made from recycled and biomaterials by 2050. We want Konica Minolta products to be in use for as long as possible and this means designing products that place reuse, repair, and recycling, at the forefront. By embracing circularity, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint while creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. Nancy Powell, Sustainability Lead, HP UK+I: We’re on an ambitious path toward circularity across the business, with a goal of reaching 75% circularity by 2030. We’re currently at 40% and expect to share an updated figure in the coming months. This includes our print portfolio, where we’re redesigning products and processes to extend device lifespans and simplify repair. Most of our devices include recycled materials, though the exact percentage varies by product. In France, for example, we follow repairability scoring, which guides how hardware can be disassembled just as easily as it’s assembled. That means moving consumer recycled (PCR) plastic content in our devices once again. It now amounts to up to 73% by weight. Overall, in terms of PCR content, hardware, and consumables together, we are over 40% PCR content, which is industry-leading. Furthermore, we have achieved CO2 neutrality for half of our sites, including our headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. Lexmark has also just received the prestigious EcoVadis Platinum sustainability rating for the fourth consecutive year. With a score of 83/100, we are in the top 1% of all companies assessed. This achievement highlights continued... …continued Gillian Nuttall

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