SUSTAINABLE CONSUMABLES
CONTINUED
“Kyocera partners will emphasise our new UK-based Take Back Toner programme that enables customers to recycle used Kyocera cartridges via a free ‘zero waste to landfill’ collection service where plastics and polymers are turned into recyclate for reuse in the manufacturing of new products. “In the UK our Carbon Neutral programme extends CO2 offset to consumables of every product in our range. Registering customers receive a certificate of authentication but undermine that climate protection investment if they switch to compatibles.” Future trends It is anticipated that manufacturers will continue to improve the sustainability of consumables in the future. “They have to,” says Peter. “I am sure there are new technologies waiting in the wings which are not yet being marketed. The problem arises where the consumables, which have for so long been the manufacturer’s ‘cash cow’ (to support machine pricing), need to show massive technological development, while keeping running costs low and margins high – a tough formula!” Debbie adds that manufacturers will continue to design consumables with sustainability in mind, as doing so is good for the environment, corporate social responsibilities and customers’ goals. “Global regulations will continue to drive the development of more sustainable consumables, with eco-design criteria becoming mandatory rather than a nice to have,” she adds. “As customers become more focused on setting and working towards sustainability goals, there will be an increased demand for client-specific analytics on return and recycling rates of consumables sent back
for end-of-life processing.” Steve agrees that sustainable consumables will continue to be developed. “This will take two forms aligned to the reduce, reuse and recycle mantra that addresses the rising demand from consumers to balance affordability – why should anyone pay more for sustainable products?” he says. “Incremental improvements such as an increase in PCR plastics in product manufacture, and more energy efficient designs will sit alongside advances in technological packaging to reduce material use and shipping emissions. “Following on from this, I think OEMs will explore how to extend product life, incorporating longer-life image drums and high-yield toners. Perhaps we will see a typical standard rated life extend to 72 months, reducing transportation frequency and lowering running costs. “Customers will also find that their products and packaging will be far easier to recycle meeting zero waste to landfill goals, and more manufacturers will start to mainstream the recycling of old units into new products on a global basis as they seek to develop strategies that embrace the circular economy.” Stuart adds that consumers consider not only how sustainable the products are, but also how businesses are managing their wider supply chain. “Manufacturers have a responsibility to drive these conversations forward and help businesses to meet the expectations of consumers,” he says. “As manufacturers and resellers become more confident in their sustainability offering, the next challenge is to push beyond products, and provide customers with an end-to-end service of sustainability guidance and support.”
Steve Pearce head of marketing
kyoceradocument solutions.co.uk
“
Incremental improvements such as an increase in PCR plastics in product manufacture, and more energy efficient designs will sit alongside advances in
technological packaging to
reduce material use and shipping emissions.
”
printinthechannel.co.uk
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