However, after exploring all the usual avenues such as selecting the right sort of paper and investing in cleaner printing technology, where else can print-service-providers (PSPs) look for sustainable solutions? Perhaps it is time they thought outside the box—and indeed the production process—to see where they can make changes.

Hybrid Services, the distributor of Mimaki printing kit in the UK and Ireland, has been running one innovative, and indeed successful, scheme since 2008. ‘Let’s Do More’ is a rebate-linked solvent ink cartridge recycling scheme available to both PSPs and sign-makers that use Mimaki technology.

The way that this scheme works is Hybrid collects Mimaki solvent ink cartridges after they are finished with, responsibly disposes of any waste and re-purposes any materials they are able to—all at the cost of Hybrid. The Mimaki cartridges compatible with the scheme and feature the Hybrid ‘MORE’ label comprise the Mimaki SS21, SS2, and HS model.

“Not only does this remove a big burden of waste management from you, but for every 45 cartridges you return, we’ll give you a free one to say thanks for being part of the scheme,” Hybrid explains on its website.

For those interested in the scheme, the process is very simple. They are directed to letsdomore.co.uk to manage their collections, which Hybrid then carries out with an eco-sensitive approach by tying in collections of cartridges with other deliveries in the area, before returning them back to its facility in Crewe for processing.

Sustainable network

Hybrid works in collaboration with its various partner companies to promote the scheme and its environmental benefits to a wider audience. One such company is Granthams, whose general manager, Kirsty Reader, has nothing but positive things to say about Let’s Do More.

Reader comments: “Our customers find the scheme very useful; it not only gives them an environmentally way of getting rid of empty cartridges, but also make them feel that they are helping to save the planet.

“Aside from the obvious environmental benefits of Let’s Do More, the initiative also guarantees that those who opt in to the scheme are adhering to health and safety guidelines in terms of the disposal of used cartridges. In addition, they are getting a free cartridge out of the scheme, so everyone benefits from it.”

Granthams actively promotes Let’s Do More to its customers and encourages them to consider opting in. One company that has done just this is Print On, which, based in Cheadle, uses Mimaki kit to produce a range of printed items such as banners, posters, pull-up banners, and point-of-sale products.

Alex Oldfield, managing director of Print On, talks up the advantages of being involved with Let’s Do More and how the firm’s long-term relationship with Granthams gave him the confidence to opt in to the scheme.

Oldfield says: “We first started working with the Granthams around eight years ago. We were very happy with their professional service and knowledge back then, and still are today.

“It’s always good to recycle; being able to tell your customers we are involved in a scheme like this is a real advantage as it shows we are committed to providing them with the service that they want. Also, for us, free cartridge for every 45 that are recycled is a real incentive to continue with the scheme.”

As Oldfield sums up nicely here, there are benefits all round for a scheme such as this, but perhaps the most important is being able to tell your clients that you are committed to sustainability and are able to support their own green goals.

If you have an interesting story or a view on this news, then please e-mail news@signlink.co.uk

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