The Japanese OEM stated that 3,900 metric tons of ink and toner cartridges were collected in 33 countries around the world in 2009, with Europe and the US being leading collection regions.
The report states that a “worldwide move toward tougher laws on the collection and recycling of products” such as the WEEE Directive has prompted the company to put a global initiative.
The company reiterates its policy of completely recycling collected cartridges for use outside the imaging industry. Building materials and supplemental fuels are listed as some of the uses.
Epson also reports a high level of success in its goal of increasing the recyclable material in its products. 97.8 percent of all products can have 85 percent of their weight recycled.
The report also addresses initiatives relating to preventing global warming, chemical substance management, and environmental accounting. The full report can be found online here.