Ink & Ink Dispensers
Making a sustainable impact with inkjet technology
S
ustainability is now firmly embedded in the strategy and culture of businesses everywhere. But as well as focusing on the ‘big wins’, such as energy
efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation and supply chain performance, the environmental impact of everyday technologies such as printers can also make an important contribution.
In particular, the type of inkjet system being used can make a more significant difference than many realise. To give this some context, currently, there are two main ways of ejecting ink from a printer. The first is thermal technology, which uses a heater to heat the ink and form bubbles that cause the ink to be produced. The other is piezo technology, which applies voltage to change the shape of piezoelectric elements, the mechanical motion of which ejects the ink.
From a sustainability perspective, unlike thermal printers that rely on heating elements, Micro Piezo solutions use piezoelectric crystals to precisely eject ink droplets. This method not only consumes less energy but also reduces the wear and tear on components, resulting in longer- lasting hardware and reduced maintenance
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requirements. And because the printheads don’t degrade over time, users benefi t from extended product lifespans and lower replacement costs, all while maintaining high print quality. In addition to energy savings, heat-free printing supports broader sustainability goals by enabling the use of a wider range of inks, including those that are heat-sensitive. This kind of flexibility allows companies to adopt more environmentally friendly materials without compromising performance. The precision of Micro Piezo technology also minimises ink waste, ensuring that each drop contributes to output and reducing the overall environmental impact of print operations.
SUPPORTING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY On a wider level, for organisations that support the circular economy model and seek to move away from the traditional cycle of “take, make, dispose,” the real value lies in how systems are designed and integrated, not just how they perform. In the context of printing, this means looking beyond individual products to how entire product lifecycles are managed. Technologies that eliminate the need for printhead replacements throughout a
printer’s lifespan can significantly reduce waste compared to traditional thermal inkjet systems, which require frequent printhead changes and generate additional environmental impact. For example, Epson’s ColorWorks permanent PrecisionCore printheads, which use Micro Piezo technology, are designed to last the entire life of the printer. So, while off ering advantages in terms of durability, print quality, and compatibility with various inks, signifi cantly contributes to a more sustainable printing solution.
Circularity also means rethinking how products re-enter the value chain. Increasingly, manufacturers are developing infrastructure to recover used parts and materials - not just cartridges but entire systems - for remanufacture or responsible recycling. These kinds of systemic, closed-loop strategies are essential for reducing waste and aligning printing with sustainability. With over a billion inkjet cartridges sold around the world every year, bringing all these capabilities together can contribute to improving the environmental performance of businesses everywhere. Those who embrace printing sustainability can take another critical step towards meeting their environmental objectives.
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