The UCAN technology is said by the company to be a “break-through technology in monochrome laser printing”.
UCAN’s Anurag Kumar told The Recycler that the company has “researched, developed and patented technology in monochrome laser printing”, specifically related to “supporting HP and Canon laser printer[s]”, stating in turn that “in today’s world printer consumable industry [the] US alone was observed (2015) at $24.09 billion (€21.85 billion), and is expected to grow with a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 4.4 percent until 2024” to $37.75 billion (€34.25 billion).
He added that “likewise the global share has been increasing every year”, and that “with the growth comes the constraints – the biggest constraint is OEMs trying to monopolise the printer consumable industry – it’s where the money lies, thus resulting in many compatible cartridge brands and remanufacturers popping up almost everywhere offering cheaper than OEM cost cartridges”.
Kumar went on to note that “the whole alternative industry has been battling with bringing the cost of supplies down, whereas no-one has worked on any technology enhancements nor developed it”, which could “serve the purpose of bringing the cost down to end consumers while being ecologically benefitting to [the] environment”.
The UCAN continuous toner supply cartridge (CTSC) is, according to Kumar, an “alternate option to the industry to beat the conservative approach of [a] market ruled by OEMs of high printing cost per page and also very high regard for our environment and ecosystem”, with the technology said to offer “OEM-quality prints”.
In more detail, the technology is used in monochrome HP Inc and Canon laser printers, and can print over 12,000 pages, features the “easiest refilling with secure-fit refill design”, and offers the “cheapest printing cost per page based on ISO/IEC 19752:2004 standards”. Over 124 laser printers models are supported, with “more models under development”, with Kumar adding that “we are already serving Chinese and Indian markets with constant growing demands and now we are eyeing other markets across the globe. For this we are also constant[ly] scour[ing] for suitable partner overseas”.
The cost per page is said to work out at around $0.0050 (€0.005) per page, with benefits including a “globally-patented technology”, “consistent quality with highest yield”, no “waste toner dump”, a design featuring “over 25 less plastic used than OEM cartridges”, and a saving of “around two ounces of oil upon refill”, as well as keeping 12 pounds “of waste out of landfills”, which it says is “equivalent to six OEM cartridges at two pounds per cartridge”.
The company also believes another benefit is “greater cost-savings over OEM, compatible and refill laser printing cartridges”, as well as “longer durability and performance” and “lowest toner powder waste”, and there is “no refilling vendor or technical expertise required”. It also noted that cartridges can see a “performance gain of between 471 and 700 percent depending on the model, with “guaranteed quality performance”, “tailored components manufactured by Mitsubishi” and “continuous in-house R&D for more compatible laser printer models”.