MULTIFUNCTIONAL PRINTER REFRESH TRENDS
CONTINUED
flexible working models and enable organisations to scale services up or down without investing heavily in on- premises infrastructure.” Cinzia agrees that the market is moving beyond standalone hardware replacement towards smarter, more connected workplace solutions. “Customers want to simplify operations while also controlling costs and improving visibility across print and document workflows,” she says. “Security and support for hybrid working are also key priorities. Above all, businesses are looking for flexible, integrated solutions that can evolve with their needs and deliver lasting value.” Stuart Miller, partner channel director at Canon UK & Ireland, says that security is a particular priority. “In fact, 67% of organisations experienced at least one print-related data loss in the past year, highlighting the need for stronger protection across print environments,” he adds. “This is driving interest in more intelligent devices, such as Canon's imageFORCE C1700 series, which uses machine learning to recommend and apply appropriate security settings, helping organisations manage print security more effectively.” New or refurbished? Another developing trend in the market is that customers are giving more consideration to remanufactured or refurbished options, as well as new devices. “Sustainability has become an important consideration in many fleet refresh discussions, creating increased interest in remanufactured and refurbished devices where appropriate,” says Ian. “However, the decision is often influenced as much by technology capability as by mechanical condition. Older devices may not support modern cybersecurity requirements, encryption standards or cloud-based services, which can limit their suitability in some
environments. “Programmes such as Xerox Certified Pre-Owned help address this challenge by refurbishing devices to rigorous quality and environmental standards while updating them with current system software and security enhancements. This provides customers with an alternative to purchasing new hardware while supporting circular economy objectives and reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new devices.” Kerry agrees that refurbished devices are growing in popularity. “Especially where cost and sustainability are priorities,” she notes. “There are trade- offs, though. Refurbished devices may not have the latest security features or connectivity, and they miss out on newer environmental improvements such as recycled content, lower TEC (typical electricity consumption) values and more sustainable packaging.” Stuart notes that while new devices remain an important part of fleet refresh strategies, remanufactured and refurbished MFPs are becoming more popular as businesses look to manage costs and reduce the life cycle environmental impact of their devices. “In fact, worldwide shipments of manufacturer-refurbished printers and MFPs grew by 14.5% in the first half of 2026,” he adds. “Remanufactured and refurbished devices offer an alternative to purchasing new equipment, helping organisations extend the life of existing technology and make more efficient use of resources without compromising on quality.” Stuart adds that demand for new devices remains strong across Canon’s partners' markets. “Security and operational efficiency continue to be key drivers in customer conversations, which our latest portfolio addresses through its industry-leading technology, intelligent features and innovative design,” he says.
Contributors
Ian Fox
www.xerox.co.uk/en-gb
Cinzia Gandini
katun.com
Kerry Rush
sharp.co.uk
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