Inkjet & Digital Printing
Recycled Multi-Functionals – do you know what you are buying?
Monday 08. June 2009 - Ricoh launches range of "second life" machines that are as good as new
As part of its commitment to reduce carbon emissions from the manufacture, operation, and recycling of its devices, Ricoh UK has launched its R series range of recycled MFDs (multifunctional devices). Over their entire lifecycle, these machines offer a reduced carbon footprint of up to 40 percent when compared to the manufacture of a new machine.
The company carefully selects devices that have reached the end of their current life with a customer, and puts them through a comprehensive rebuilding process at its Telford manufacturing plant. This includes: stripping each machine to its chassis, replacing all “lifetime” parts, fitting any modifications or firmware upgrades, and re-spraying all external panels. The devices are re-badged and re-branded to clearly identify them as Ricoh-approved recycled machines. All counters are reset before each device undergoes a series of stringent tests before deployment on a new customer site.
All parts removed from devices are recycled as part of the companys long-standing sustainability initiatives to reduce waste to landfill and decrease carbon emissions. Ricohs Office Solutions Marketing Manager, Helen Berentzen explains, “We believe that Ricoh is the only manufacturer that goes to these lengths to recycle its machines and put them back into service. Our R series machines are effectively as good as new when they are sold to customers and come with a full warranty. We are able to achieve this as we have access to full production and quality assurance facilities at our Telford manufacturing plant.
“We have already seen significant demand for our R series machines. Some customers have included a percentage of R series devices in invitations to tender, where environmental policies request the inclusion of a specified percentage of recycled products.”
The range covers mono MFDs from 22 (R222) to 75 (R175) ppm as well as colour products running at 8 to 10 ppm in colour and 24 (R024c) to 32 (R032c) ppm in mono. Prices for R series machines can be typically more than 25 per cent less than that of a new device. Customers should contact their Ricoh supplier for availability and current prices.