Upstream:
Ink cartridges can be reused.
Prefer recyclable or biodegradable material, use plant-based ink, opt for refurbished / remanufactured cartridges.
Dowstream:
Work with a suitable contractor for e-waste. As of July 1st 2021, they are managed under the EPR e-waste scheme.
1 million
cartridges are thrown away each day.
(Cartridge World)
1,000 years
needed for a printer cartridge to fully decompose in a landfill.
(The Recycling factory)
Since 2008, Green Cartridge has been taking part in the conservation and preservation of the environment through waste reduction and recycling of waste materials, particularly printer cartridges.
Green Cartridge claims to allow its customers to save as much as 60% of their printing cost compared to using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cartridges.
Besides remanufactured cartridges, they provide printers repair, printers loan, and a buy back scheme for your empties, event in small quantity.
The Lyreco Group is a leading European distributor and third largest global distributor of workplace solutions for businesses. The group is present in 25 countries and operates via partnerships in 42 countries. With a turnover of more than 2.2 billion Euros, its results can be attributed to its close partnerships with its customers, outstanding logistics and the ambition that it shares with its 9,000 employees: "Always at your side to make your work life easier". In Asia, Lyreco has been operating in 5 countries for the past 20 years: Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
They provide Green office products such as paper, pen, notebook, remanufactured ink cartridges & toners etc. that are falling under their own green tree certification (see their green tree logo).
Lyreco - Ink Cartridges & Toners Green Products
SingInk provides inks bottles to refill cartridges and toners instead of buying new ones. They cover most of the popular brands.