Analyze printer and copier procurement
The preliminary questions are:
- Do you need the printer or copier at all? Can you reduce the number of printers?
- Are there any older ones inside the organization that can be refurbished?
- Can you buy printing and/or copying services instead of installing equipment?
Important:
- Always determine the necessary capacity and function of each device (How many people will use it? How many pages are printed or copied on average? Do they need color printing and copying? etc.)
- Use central printers and copiers wherever possible, instead of the principle of “a printer for every computer” and “a copier for every room”.
- Use multi-functional devices.
Production
Printers and copying machines are produced from many materials in a complex process. Important points are:
- The use of non-renewable natural resources (plastic parts)
- The use of harmful chemicals for flame retardants and other harmful substances
- The use of resources for packaging
Despite the relatively short life-cycle, the most important environmental effect emerges during the usage phase in the form of energy used, the use of inks and consumables, etc. Additionally, there are effects on the health of users, these are:
- Ozone, styrene and dust emissions
- Noise
The many different materials used cause a severe problem of wastage. Most of the materials can be recycled. A (free of charge) take-back system for recycling should be taken into account when purchasing computers and monitors. Printer consumables (toners and cartridges) also create waste throughout the life of the machine.
Cost aspects
Life cycle costs
- Savings in energy costs can be made by using energy management programs.
- The use of consumables: toners and cartridges for inks and paper. Here, savings can be made by, for example, printing draft versions of documents in the economy mode. A device for double-sided printing/copying also saves paper.
- A smaller part of the life-cycle cost relates to maintenance and disposal.
