Green is the new black, as someone in the fashion industry might say.  Being green usually refers to reducing energy consumption and eliminating materials and processes that are harmful to the air, water, soil and living things.  Reducing operating costs and cleanup or disposal costs is good for the planet and also good for your bottom line.

So what exactly is a green or eco-friendly MFP? I would consider a product that minimizes its energy use, minimizes use of hazardous materials during production, and minimizes the disposal of hazardous materials to be green.

Minimize Energy Use
Energy Star is an international standard for energy efficient products.  It originated in the United States in the 1990s, but Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and the European Union (EU) have also adopted the program.  Devices carrying the Energy Star logo must meet specific requirements for total power consumption.

Using the Typical Electricity Consumption (TEC) approach, a typical 40 page per minute, monochrome MFP must meet TEC 3 specs and not exceed 14.8 kWh per week.  Providing duplexing, sleep and standby modes all contribute to lowering the energy consumption.  Toshiba MFPs are Energy Star compliant and meet these standards.

Minimize Use of Hazardous Materials
Producing electronic equipment can use lead, mercury and numerous other hazardous materials in circuit boards and other components.  In 2003, the EU adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) to restrict the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of electronic and electrical equipment.  Using lead-free solder is one of the outcomes of this legislation.

Eliminating toxic electronic waste (e-waste) is the other issue here.  The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) is another EU law that sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for electrical goods.  It imposes the responsibility for the disposal of waste on the equipment manufacturers.  It directs companies to develop an infrastructure for collecting and properly recycling or reusing the waste.  This includes MFP cartridges, drum units and toner bottles.  If a company disposes of it, it must be eco-friendly.  Other countries in Asia, the Pacific Rim and North America have similar intentions or laws to reduce or eliminate toxic materials from manufacturing processes and products.

Having a green MFP is not only better for the business using it, but also for the manufacturer.  Reducing the number of models to produce and support simplifies things rather than worrying about different legislation for each country.  If a Toshiba or other manufacturer’s MFP meets Energy Star, RoHS and WEEE standards, it will most likely comply with any legislation.  For the end user, it ensures that you can reduce operating costs and your carbon footprint.  That makes a lot of sense….not just because it feels good, but because it’s a smart business decision.

Call MCC’s Document Solutions Division today to learn more about Toshiba and effective ways to Go Green!