Every second around the world, 54 ink cartridges are produced and used - that's 1.1 billion cartridges a year . And according to one study, more than two thirds (70%) are simply thrown away, and not into an ink cartridge recycling bin .
It is against this backdrop that Altkin, the European leader in alternative printing, is strengthening its ranges of remanufactured print cartridges for A3 and A4 printers and multifunctionals, and for plotters and large-format printers. The company, a pioneer in the circular economy, is adding several dozen new products to its catalogue of 1,400 items. This is part of Altkin's drive to make alternative solutions to new manufacturer-brand cartridges more widely available, drawing on its expertise in the remanufacturing process.
Circular economy in the office: a stronger offering of remanufactured cartridges
Altkin is continuing to expand its catalogue of remanufactured print cartridges, adding several dozen new Kyocera and Epson references. This completes its offering for business use, as well as for large-format printing professionals (reprographics specialists, creation of architectural plans, etc.). As a whole, the catalogue now offers refurbished printing consumables that can be used on over 95% of the makes and models of printers installed in Europe. Marketed as white label or under the OWA brand, Altkin's remanufactured cartridges are priced on average 30% less than new print cartridges from the printing giants, for an equivalent level of quality.
"The printing sector opens up a field of easy and immediate actions that make it possible to reduce its environmental impact without requiring heavy investment. Whether private companies or public bodies, by opting for refurbished cartridges, these organisations are drastically reducing the amount of waste they generate and extending the lifespan of the products they use. It's also, in very practical terms, a way of reconciling digital sobriety and economic performance," says Gerwald van der Gijp, Altkin's CEO.
"Remanufacturing, the most complete value retention process" according to ADEME
A lesser-known pillar of the circular economy than recycling and reconditioning, remanufacturing is defined by ADEME as a rigorous and standardised process enabling a used part or product to be returned to a state of performance and functionality equivalent to or even superior to that of its original state and for the same use. It thus differs from reconditioning or simple refilling operations in that it results in the refurbishment of used components or products to a uniform quality grade and performance. "At Altkin, the remanufacturing process is carried out in compliance with manufacturers' patents. Essentially manual, this activity is difficult to automate. It relies on skilled labour, which generates added value," adds Gerwald van der Gijp.
A specialist in alternative printing, Altkin has over 30 years' industrial expertise in the remanufacture of printing consumables. Every year, the company refurbishes more than 2 million cartridges. These then find their way into the offices of private companies such as Arkea. As well as in public establishments or local authorities, which, like all public players, since the AGEC law must acquire a minimum threshold of 20% of products from reuse or recycling or which include recycled materials, such as Antony town hall (92) or the Plaine de France territorial hospital grouping (GHT).
