Ricoh UK and Agilico Lead the Charge in Sustainable Printing

In a landmark partnership, Ricoh UK and Agilico are revolutionizing the print industry by focusing on sustainability, a crucial step in reducing the sector's environmental footprint. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of extending device lifecycles, embracing the circular economy, and ensuring that no parts end up in landfills. The initiative not only supports businesses in achieving their environmental goals but also contributes significantly to reducing electronic waste and carbon emissions.

The Agilico Zero Initiative: A Path to Net Zero

At the heart of this partnership is Agilico's pioneering Agilico Zero program. This initiative involves the meticulous refurbishment of ex-showroom or low-utilization Ricoh multifunctional devices (MFDs) at purpose-built local facilities. Each device is restored to "as-new" condition, ensuring peak performance while dramatically reducing the demand for newly manufactured products. By extending the life of these devices, the program prevents over 500kg of CO2 emissions per refurbished device, making a substantial impact on the environment.

Key Aspects of the Agilico Zero Program:

• Device Refurbishment: Carefully restoring used Ricoh MFDs to a like-new status, significantly extending their lifecycle.
• Environmental Impact: Reduces carbon emissions by avoiding the need for new device manufacturing and minimizing electronic waste.
• Circular Economy: Emphasizes recycling and reuse, aligning with global efforts to reduce waste and support sustainable development.

Addressing the E-Waste Challenge

One of the significant challenges faced by the UK is the export of end-of-life devices, which increases carbon emissions and contributes to landfill waste. A staggering 70% of such devices are exported, highlighting the need for alternative approaches like device refurbishment. The Ricoh-Agilico partnership tackles this issue by not only refurbishing devices but also ensuring that all unusable components are recycled responsibly through accredited partners.

Ricoh's Commitment to Sustainability

Ricoh has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability within the print industry. The company has implemented various initiatives to achieve its environmental goals:

• Net-Zero Targets: Ricoh is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with global climate objectives.
• Energy Efficiency: Ricoh devices are designed with energy-saving features to reduce power consumption and environmental impact.
• Circular Economies: The focus on recycling and reusing products supports the development of truly circular economies.

How It Works: The Refurbishment Process

The refurbishment process is meticulous and designed to ensure that devices perform optimally. Here’s how it works:

• Device Collection: Lightly used or ex-showroom Ricoh MFDs are collected for refurbishment.
• Inspection and Repair: Devices are thoroughly inspected, with any necessary repairs made to restore them to "as-new" condition.
• Quality Assurance: Each refurbished device undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets high standards of performance.
• Resale: Refurbished devices are made available to customers looking for cost-effective, sustainable print solutions.

Customer Benefits

The partnership between Ricoh UK and Agilico offers several key benefits to customers:

• Sustainability: By choosing refurbished devices, businesses support a more circular economy and reduce their carbon footprint.
• Cost Savings: Refurbished devices provide significant cost savings compared to purchasing new equipment.
• Performance: Refurbished devices are guaranteed to perform at the highest level, ensuring they meet all business needs.

Embracing the Future of Print Sustainability

As sustainability becomes increasingly essential for businesses, collaborations like that between Ricoh UK and Agilico are setting new standards for the print industry. This partnership not only addresses environmental concerns but also supports companies in achieving their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

Conclusion

Ricoh UK and Agilico are at the forefront of sustainable printing solutions, offering businesses a chance to reduce their environmental impact while improving operational efficiency. Through device refurbishment and recycling, they are driving a shift towards a more circular economy, one that benefits both companies and the planet.

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