So, what should the reseller be looking for in sustainable product? In order to answer this key question it is necessary to adopt a holistic approach and consider the whole product lifecycle by answering some simple questions.
What is it made of? Component parts in complex equipment such as computers and printers can vary considerably in quality, material sourcing and supply methods used in procurement, while the choice and composition of component materials can also have an impact on the environment. The use of non-toxic producing materials that require low energy consumption to produce or obtain, and are long lasting and safe to recycle, ticks all the boxes for a sustainable product.
How is it manufactured? Clearly, components that use high amounts of energy to manufacture through either processing constitute materials don’t score highly on carbon footprints. For example, resources that have either been recycled or use highly efficient processes have the potential to lower harmful carbon dioxide emissions.
Where is it from? Transportation accounts for 30 per cent of all global warming. Therefore, materials used in the manufacture of products that travel the world are far less sustainable than those locally sourced, and have far greater environmental impact.
How much waste is produced? Packaging and manufacturing waste accounts for a large part of environmental degradation. Packaging waste can be virtually eliminated if completely recyclable,
while manufacturing that adopts a more ethical approach in line with industry standards such as ISO 14000
Environmental Management Standards will produce greener products.
How long will it last? Once manufactured, machine life expectancy and subsequent recycling after use also have to be weighed up in terms of sustainability. The features of longer life capacity and minimum maintenance requirements effectively add up to a reduced dependency on consumption of regular replacement components, avoiding increased problems over disposal of components and machinery, as well as providing significant cost savings.
All these factors add up to different areas where energy is expended and materials are used. Some manufacturers may be uncooperative and less sympathetic in embracing a sustainable approach, but reputable, environmentally astute companies such as Citizen, abiding by strict codes and good working practices, long term commitments and heavy investment ensure that their equipment, processes, and finally, their products are designed to minimise environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
Taking the initiative As more and more consumers go for greener specifications on energy consuming products, IT resellers can expect to see an increase in accreditations and standards that regulate the environmental ratings advertised on the products they sell and distribute. Already, Energy Star has taken the initiative towards sustainable practices by introducing a
Citizen printers have low energy and waste consumption.
scheme in the US designed to set targets for manufacturers to reduce their energy consumption by 5 per cent during production in the next five years. Launched last year, the scheme has attracted 27 sites that will save 1.7 trillion Btu and 98,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Numerous surveys show that the price and availability of products are the main obstacles for consumers to buy ‘green’. Resellers should be aware of the ecological credentials of products they are promoting, and in advising end users on these environmental aspects, they add more to the consultancy element of their Value Add – while ensuring they are also proactively engaging in creating a greener environment.
Together, we’re stronger
Put the power of Citizen mobile print technology into your business.
Our CMP-20 and CMP-30 portable printers are fast, tough, versatile and easy to use with quick change, no-jam media.
From Post to Parcel, POS to Portable, Citizen has a range of printers to cover all your shipping, logistics, postal and point-of-sales needs.
Citizen Systems Europe
www.itrportal.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8893 1900
www.citizen-europe.com
IT RESELLER – NOVEMBER 2011 35
OPINION
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