Lexmark, the printing solutions provider, has published major steps forward in its goal to be a ‘zero waste’ company. Lexmark is committed to being a socially responsible company in the global community. In addition to complying with the laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which it operates, it will go further by continually evaluating its business practices using the principles of sustainability.
Lexmark’s sustainability report revealed the following environmental achievements:
- Between 1996 and 2007, the number of toner cartridges collected for remanufacturing or recycling by Lexmark multiplied by 18 times
- Lexmark has achieved 500% growth in its inkjet cartridge recycling programme since it was launched in 1996
- Since 1996, Lexmark has reused around 15 million pounds of recovered cartridge material.
Lexmark has also developed solutions to allow consumers to cut down on waste and energy, including:
- The Lexmark E series which uses only 12 watts in ready mode (a ninth of the energy used previously)
- The E250, E350, E450 and C530 series, which can cut power consumption by up to 28%
- Selected inkjet products, which use a patented Lexmark circuit to reduce the standby power level to 0.5 watts or less
- Wireless printers, which can reduce energy use by up to a third.
Lexmark has also progressed on packaging in an environmentally responsible manner:
- In the last ten years, the supplies packaging has been reduced by almost a quarter (24%)
- New cardboard outer cartons use 10-25% recycled materials
- PVC has been eliminated in inkjet cartridge twin packs sold in the US
- Toner cartridge boxes can now be used twice
- Printed guides – such as user manuals – are now available on CD or online to cut waste.
Francois Feuillet, General Manager of Lexmark Middle East commented: “We’re committed to helping the environment through eco designed products, promotion of responsible printing, and engaged people. We take our environmental responsibilities seriously, and the sustainability report shows we’re making huge strides towards our ambitious targets.”
“We have significantly reduced the environmental impact of our manufacturing and the energy consumption of our products, but our responsibilities don’t end there. Paper waste has a dramatic impact on the environment - and naturally. We want to help our customers take advantage of effective printing solutions while actually printing less and cutting down on waste. We continue to educate both our employees and users about how to print less and save more,” he concluded.
