CIRCULAR ECONOMY
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life technology, recyclable components and improved end-of-life solutions to meet these demands. “For example, Kyocera has developed an industry-first upcycling process that turns waste PET film, a byproduct from Kyocera’s multilayer ceramic chip capacitors production, into structural parts for new printers,” he says. “Previously this material was incinerated; now it’s reused, with expected annual CO2 savings of 5,500 tonnes; Kyocera is also working to increase the proportion of recycled plastic in each device – practical examples of how eco-conscious design principles and life-cycle assessments inform a range of environmental considerations to support a circular approach. “Focus areas for Kyocera are durability factors to reduce parts replacement and disposal; 3R factors to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’, plus energy efficiency factors to minimize GHG – all of which have reduce negative impact on the environment and deliver significant energy savings or cost benefits for our customers.” Gillian Nuttall, people and culture ESG partner at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd, adds that 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,” she says. “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. “We are constantly looking at ways we can improve and drive towards a circular and regenerative economy through partnerships, new programmes, our products and solutions. An excellent example of this is our collaboration with Agilico. At its national MFD refurbishment centre in Leicester they are giving a new lease of life to our ex-showroom and low- utilisation devices, extending their life for many more years.” Reseller role Resellers can play an important role in helping customers to partake in the circular economy too. “By championing products that are designed to last, use fewer consumables, and support end-of- life recycling, resellers help businesses make responsible, sustainable choices that encourage devices like printers to contribute to the circular economy,” says Dan. “Resellers can also advise on return schemes, offer access to remanufactured and refurbished devices, and provide maintenance support that helps extend product life and reduce unnecessary upgrades.” Steve adds that resellers play an important role in helping businesses make more sustainable choices, not just at the point of purchase, but throughout the entire product lifecycle. “That could mean advising customers on how to recycle devices responsibly or pointing them towards take-back schemes,” he says. “With Kyocera, we have Device Recycling and Toner Take Back Services, which offer a free and easy way to recycle our products. Resellers who know about and promote these sorts of schemes can make life easier for customers and help them meet their sustainability goals at the same time.”
Resellers play an important role in helping
businesses make more sustainable choices, not just at the point of purchase, but throughout the entire product lifecycle.
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Steve Pearce head of marketing
kyoceradocument solutions.co.uk
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