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Plastic Printer Cartridges & Toxic Ink

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Printer Ink: Isaac BowenHP announced they plan to use twice as much recycled plastic in their cartridges this year.

Last year they used 5 million pounds of recycled plastic to manufacture cartridges. They use both water bottles and old cartridges to manufacture new ones.

“By developing the technology to use recycled plastics in Original HP inkjet print cartridges, we have the opportunity to reduce the environmental impact HP products have on the planet,” said Michael Hoffmann, senior vice president, Supplies, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. “HP’s considerable investments in building a recycling infrastructure made this achievement possible, and this is just the beginning of what we hope to accomplish.”(Palo Alto, CA, Jan.30, 2008, World-Wire)

This is in line with their Design for Environment Program that is working on reducing the impact they are making with packaging and cartridges. Epson also uses recycled plastic in their printing cartridges and I’m sure there are others hopping on board.

Refilling Cartridges and Toxic Ink

What about the ink though? Refilling makes the cartridge last longer. Have you ever used one of those kits? What a mess! It’s definitely cheaper but it’s also most inconvenient.

Some cartridges are easier than others are but I happen to have a harder one right now. It requires a tool to pull the whole top off the thing, which is bad enough. Then you have to somehow keep the ink from spilling all over your fingers, cartridge and what you have underneath to catch spills.

There are companies that manage to refill gracefully. Maybe they don’t because they do it in secret but I’m sure they have better tools than I do. It’s a good way to recycle anyway and make your cartridges last longer.

Unfortunately the ink is usually toxic in most printers. A printer does exist that prints with non-toxic ink. Xerox offers a non- toxic solid ink printer. It uses solid sticks that are good for the environment and is less messy to boot. Another bonus is that it will print on just about any type of paper and of course does not use cartridges.


4 Responses to “Plastic Printer Cartridges & Toxic Ink”

  1. Greg Says:

    I commend HP for taking this step, they are the industry leader in printers and ink, lets hope all the smaller players follow suit on this like Xerox has.

  2. Ian Fleming Says:

    Great Blog! Really enjoyed some of the comments, found them useful, informative and even sometimes a little funny!

  3. Sandra Williams Says:

    Greg, thanks for stopping by. You seem to know your stuff and I’m sure I could learn more from you about the latest office supplies and printers.

  4. Rene Says:

    Guys you have to check this forums for Great printer toner and ink cartridge deals, discounts and coupons. Also, check out the latest printer reviews and technology news. http://blog.concordsupplies.com


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