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Document solutions specialist Xerox, in partnership with Close the Loop, has launched a return and recycling program that simplifies the way customers return toner and supplies. Close the Loop, a recycler of imaging supplies that specializes in cartridge returns, will collect customers’ returns and manage the recycling on behalf of Xerox using a material separation process that recovers used materials for reuse in new printer cartridges and other products.
A Xerox release noted this new effort is an extension of the company’s Green World Alliance program, an initiative launched in 1999 to encourage waste reduction and environmental stewardship. “During the past 12 years, our collaboration with customers has kept more than 143 million pounds of cartridges, bottles and waste toner out of landfills,” said Patricia Calkins, Xerox vice president of sustainability, environment, health and safety. “As we continue to make it easier for customers to participate in our remanufacturing, reuse and recycling efforts, we get closer and closer to our ultimate goal of zero waste.”
Similar to Xerox’s Eco Box program in Europe, customers in the United States will place used supplies into a collection box. When the box is full, customers can print a free-of-charge shipping label and send the box to Close the Loop. Instructions are printed on the boxes, which are available in the United States starting today. Customers can order the boxes through the redesigned return and recycling Website. The site also includes instructions and provides several features designed to make choosing and using a returns process more convenient, including bundling returns together and other options.
“Close the Loop also is working toward zero waste,” said Jim Tocash, company president. The company returns cartridge component parts to the marketplace as usable raw materials so nothing goes to the landfill. “Xerox is on the forefront of zero waste initiatives-and was there long before it was popular,” Tocash said. “Our role at Close the Loop is to make the returns process that much simpler so more customers join in on the effort. Working together with Xerox, we push the goal of zero waste forward to minimize our impact on the environment.”
Close the Loop offers a system of collection containers that organizations can set up at a retail location, school or business, creating a receptacle for used ink and toner cartridges as well as other recyclable office consumables. A starter kit consists of a cartridge collection box, five collection bag liners, five prelabeled shipping bags, zip ties, an informational poster and recycling program instructions. Program partners include printer OEMs Lexmark, Ricoh and Toshiba.
In October, Xerox announced the release of its WorkCentre 7545 and WorkCentre 7556 color multifunction printers, which offer a variety of green features, including Earth Smart print driver defaults that can be set to include two-sided printing, sample print, no banners and 2-up printing; Xerox’s Emulsion Aggregate Ultra Low-Melt toner and induction heat fusing designed to reduce equipment energy use; an LED scanner the company said consumes one-third less power than traditional scanners; and the meeting of Energy Star qualifications.