RP firm recycles inkjet cartridges

Buyers in the international market find some relief in recycled or remanufactured inkjet cartridges that cost much less than the original.

Another trend favoring this option is the growing environmental consciousness. According to Tricia Judge of Recharger Magazine, the Europeans, in particular, are environment-conscious. For instance, Germany’s environmental legislation on take-back requirements "has created a greater understanding and demand for remanufactured and recycled products."

Judge wrote that recycled products which "can prove their value are generally held in greater demand than their new brethren," referring to the new products of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

She quoted Gary Clancy of Recycled Business Systems as saying, "There is an opportunity for the remanufacturers, provided they understand the commitment they must undertake for service and support and the required technical training that is necessary to succeed in this market."

In the Philippines, Printing Image CtC. Inc. is the only known certified quality inkjet remanufacturer. Based at the Subic Bay Freeport (047-252-6012, 0916-3053244) with an office in Makati (895-4994), the company is a member of the International Imaging Technology Council.

Its remanufactured inkjet cartridges are marketed in Europe, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia.

While it has yet to find a viable local market, the company has been helping many people and offices by buying their empty cartridges at a good price. At present, it collects an average of used 50,000 cartridges monthly.

The business, says company president Norbert Grimm, is both financially profitable and psychologically rewarding for them and for those who sell their used inkjet cartridges. The company is able to keep some 3,500 kilograms of toxic plastic and metal away from the dumpsites.