Epson claims that its inkjets produce 85 percent less CO2 than laser units, and are up to 85 per cent more efficient than their laser units. Although these statistics may not be relevant to those who print occasionally at home, they can help businesses and non-profit organizations reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.
Inkjets require less single-use resources. Inkjets use only ink and waste ink boxes, whereas laser printers depend on toner, fusers and developer. Inkjet printers produce almost 60% less e-waste compared to their laser counterparts. However, their production is also kinder to the environment: one toner cartridge can be made by burning half a gallon to a full gal of oil.
The decision to end all laser printer sales is likely a part of Epson’s “Environmental Vision 2050,” a circular economic model the company first committed to in 2018 and revised last year. Its biggest focus is Epson’s promise to become carbon-negative and “underground resource free” by 2050.
That said, inkjet printers aren’t the definitive solution to sustainable printing that Epson would like consumers to believe them to be. Inkjet cartridges can dry quickly, which means that some printer owners end up buying more ink than they use. Inkjet printing can be more expensive per page. This means that the energy savings gained by getting rid of a laser printer may not be offset by any actual use. Epson has been in serious trouble for forcing printer users to visit an authorized technician to repair their damaged machines. Some Epson L360, L130, L220, L310, and L365 users even have to replace their machines altogether, which only puts more money in Epson’s pocket while producing seemingly unnecessary e-waste.
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