Collaboratively written by KYOCERA and Nicola Upe
Not so long ago there was a time when CFCs, greenhouse gases, aerosols and the ozone layer were the talk of the town. Discussions about the damaging properties of ozone depleting substances were never far from the headlines as research revealed just how damaging those nasty chemicals were and still are. 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, a landmark international agreement signed by 191 countries that had the goal of phasing out the production and use of CFCs and other ozone depleting chemicals. While it worked with the likes of aerosols, there are still everyday activities emitting harmful ozone – including printing.
Ozone Free
The good news is that there is another way! Technology created by KYOCERA Document Solutions, as part of its wider commitment to be as environmentally-friendly as possible, has resulted in ozone free printing.
Essentially – and without getting too technical – by applying a positive electrical charge directly to the print rollers, KYOCERA has eliminated the production of ozone. Most printers still use negatively-charged rollers, which generates the harmful gas.
It’s well known that ozone is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, less well known but just as important in an office environment is the fact that ground level ozone is an air pollutant. In an enclosed space, ozone produced by laser printers can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory system, leading to breathing difficulties in some cases.
Further enhancements
The ozone free solution is just one part of KYOCERA’s drive to deliver printing that’s as sustainable as possible via its ‘ECOSYS – Sustainable by Design’ initiatives that include numerous technologies that reduce toner consumption and the use of disposable parts. Coincidentally, 2017 is also a special year for ECOSYS, as it marks 25 years since the first devices rolled off the production line, perfectly timed to coincide with the Rio Earth Summit that changed global thinking on climate change.
ECOSYS developments since 1982 have been far reaching. For example, most print devices usually need the complex toner cartridge, (containing the photoconductor drum and peripheral parts) to be replaced every few thousand pages. That’s wasteful, so KYOCERA has developed a toner only concept where the drum is so reliable it’s built into the device rather than being a disposable consumable part. ECOSYS devices are also free of waste toner box's by collecting the waste toner in the drum unit.That means the only items to be disposed of are an empty toner container and residue bottle, which again are made of plastic and identified for easy recycling.
The good news is that there is another way! Technology created by KYOCERA Document Solutions, as part of its wider commitment to be as environmentally-friendly as possible, has resulted in ozone free printing.
Essentially – and without getting too technical – by applying a positive electrical charge directly to the print rollers, KYOCERA has eliminated the production of ozone. Most printers still use negatively-charged rollers, which generates the harmful gas.
It’s well known that ozone is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, less well known but just as important in an office environment is the fact that ground level ozone is an air pollutant. In an enclosed space, ozone produced by laser printers can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory system, leading to breathing difficulties in some cases.
Further enhancements
The ozone free solution is just one part of KYOCERA’s drive to deliver printing that’s as sustainable as possible via its ‘ECOSYS – Sustainable by Design’ initiatives that include numerous technologies that reduce toner consumption and the use of disposable parts. Coincidentally, 2017 is also a special year for ECOSYS, as it marks 25 years since the first devices rolled off the production line, perfectly timed to coincide with the Rio Earth Summit that changed global thinking on climate change.
ECOSYS developments since 1982 have been far reaching. For example, most print devices usually need the complex toner cartridge, (containing the photoconductor drum and peripheral parts) to be replaced every few thousand pages. That’s wasteful, so KYOCERA has developed a toner only concept where the drum is so reliable it’s built into the device rather than being a disposable consumable part. ECOSYS devices are also free of waste toner box's by collecting the waste toner in the drum unit.That means the only items to be disposed of are an empty toner container and residue bottle, which again are made of plastic and identified for easy recycling.
Many of these advancements stem from KYOCERA’s ongoing Lifecycle Assessment, which analyses the negative environmental impact of each product at various stages of its life and prompts Research & Development to find ways to improve things. In a nutshell it’s about being environmentally innovative.
Rather than talk about the full gamut of KYOCERA’s ECOSYS initiatives here, more information can be found on their web page.
Sustainability equals workplace efficiency
There is a growing concern towards greener printing. Now Westcoast and our vendors are going that ‘extra mile’ towards the development of environmentally friendly products. It is not an option, it's an imperative. Initiatives are launched to reduce ecological footprint of printing – for customers, partners and stakeholders. The supplies industry of today, strives to achieve sustainable growth with lower levels of ecological impact; a which Westcoast actively promotes.
You can find out more about our commitment to greener business here. Ready to make a difference? Invest in greener supplies today. Buy them here now.
Rather than talk about the full gamut of KYOCERA’s ECOSYS initiatives here, more information can be found on their web page.
Sustainability equals workplace efficiency
There is a growing concern towards greener printing. Now Westcoast and our vendors are going that ‘extra mile’ towards the development of environmentally friendly products. It is not an option, it's an imperative. Initiatives are launched to reduce ecological footprint of printing – for customers, partners and stakeholders. The supplies industry of today, strives to achieve sustainable growth with lower levels of ecological impact; a which Westcoast actively promotes.
You can find out more about our commitment to greener business here. Ready to make a difference? Invest in greener supplies today. Buy them here now.
No comments:
Post a Comment