Vendors Stream to Greener Printing

Vendors are jumping over themselves to prove there are printer- and MFP-related ways to reduce energy use and be kind to the environment.

Samsung Electronics America announced March 12 at the spring Press and Reseller Summit the launch of its PrintCycle program as part of the company's newly redesigned PrintCentives campaign.

According to Samsung, PrintCycle is a printing and toner recycling program for a number of Samsung's professional CLP color and ML monochrome laser printers and CLX color MFPs.

To help reduce the consumption of natural resources, PrintCycle will also offer participating businesses a three-year product refresh, along with a toner purchase and recycle program. "Samsung is continually trying to find ways to be environment friendly," said Jay Allan Shears, director of Office Automation in Samsung's Information Technology Division. "The PrintCycle program is our commitment to the participating customer to ensure that our printers stay optimized for environmental efficiency."

Another relevant Samsung environmental initiative is its STAR (Samsung Takeback and Recycle) program, in conjunction with FedEx's facilitation of toner recycling.

"The laser and inkjet cartridge industry is doing a pretty good job of making sure that products are being recycled or reused," said John Shane, director of Communication Supplies Consulting Service for market research firm InfoTrends. "OEMs are introducing programs so users can send cartridges back for recycling. And the aftermarket is collecting and refurbishing toner empties for reuse."