UKCRA to meet with EU Policy makers

The EuP preparatory study on Imaging Equipment (Lot 4) and its final report (Task 8 – ‘Scenario, Policy, Impact & Sensitivity Analysis) had as its assumption that inkjets and toners were of “limited value” to the study.  This had been the extent of printer cartridges being addressed in this all too important Directive. 

UKCRA disagreed with the report that the impact of ink was “unable to be assessed due to missing data” and that “toner consumption was surprisingly low” and submitted facts and figures to the contrary.  The report also went on to mention that the “information on the environmental efficiency of cartridge reuse was contradictory”.

UKCRA responded to the lack of information within the report to such an extent that the policy officers of Ecodesign for the European commission, the DG Enterprise & Industry offered UKCRA a meeting in order to “understand fully the position of UK remanufacturers and the relation between toner and inkjet cartridges and imaging equipment”.  

Several years ago when UKCRA had approached the UK Environment Minister regarding printer cartridges and to have assurances for their unhindered ability to be reused he had stated at that time”

“I expect this issue to be addressed in the context of the proposed Energy using Products (EuP) Directive, which in its current form includes a provision that would cover anti reuse devices on printer cartridges”. 

Cartridge refurbishment has been proved as a means to improve overall environmental performance of imaging equipment.  Reducing the number of new build cartridges used through a printer’s lifecycle by reusing/refurbishing cartridges reduces greatly not only the life-cycle impact of the printer but also reduces its carbon footprint significantly.  The impact that printer cartridges have on the environment throughout the life of the printer have just as big an impact if not more on the environment than the printer itself.

With the opportunity to influence the development of EuP legislation, UKCRA are confident they can encourage the EU policy makers to understand the importance of the advantages of reuse and that it must continue unhindered in order for the European union to uphold its commitment to sustainable development. 

For further information about UKCRA and how to join contact Laura Heywood, General Secretary at info@ukcra.com.