Copiers are indispensable for business operations. However, with the pressing environmental challenges we face today, choosing a sustainable copier is a wise decision. OneDOC Managed Solutions is here to assist you by exploring the top sustainable copiers, highlighting the key features that set them apart in the market.
Key Features of Sustainable Copiers
When looking for sustainable copiers, OneDOC Managed Solutions, a copiers OKC company, suggests considering the following features:
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR® is a voluntary program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy that certifies products and buildings for energy efficiency. Therefore, if you’re seeking an energy-efficient copier, choose one with the ENERGY STAR® certification.
ENERGY STAR® certified copiers are designed to consume less power, particularly in standby and sleep modes. They feature low power consumption settings and automatic shut-off functionality.
Life Cycle Impact
EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) is a global ecolabel for electronics and technology products, overseen by the Global Electronics Council. It assesses electronic products based on their social and environmental impacts throughout their entire lifecycle, from extraction to end of life.
EPEAT-registered products meet stringent criteria, ensuring their sustainability and providing consumers with confidence in their environmental responsibility.
Low Emissions Levels
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are commonly used or emitted in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, and other products. High concentrations of VOCs, combined with poor indoor ventilation and prolonged inhalation, can be hazardous to health.
Copiers Oklahoma City explains that VOCs in copiers can be found in toner, circuit boards, inks, papers, and plastic construction materials. To minimize exposure, choose a copier with low VOC emissions.
Recyclable Components
Many copier parts can be hazardous if not disposed of properly. However, responsible manufacturers incorporate recyclable parts in their copiers such as plastic components, metal hardware, circuit boards, wires, cables, toner cartridges or drums, and network components. Therefore, seek out manufacturers with recycling programs or have a recommended third-party recycler for e-waste.
Paper Conservation
To conserve paper, copiers OKC advises choosing a copier with duplex printing. This feature allows printing on both sides of the paper, effectively cutting paper usage in half and reducing printing costs.
Electronic document management systems also contribute to paper conservation by enabling documents to be scanned, stored, and shared digitally.
The automatic paper size detection feature helps conserve paper by detecting the size of the paper in the feeder and printing only if the correct size is detected.
Copiers with reduction and enlargement features further reduce paper wastage by allowing content to fit properly.
Durability and Longevity
Copiers Oklahoma City believes that investing in high-quality copiers is beneficial, as they offer long-lasting performance and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
Top 10 Sustainable Copier Brands and Models
Brother MFC-J1205W INKvestment Tank Wireless Inkjet Printer
Type: Color inkjet printer
Functionality: Three-in-one (print, scan and copy)
Key Features:
- Inexpensive
- Large cartridges
- Good all-round print quality, especially text
- Plenty of ink in the box
- Low running cost
Environmental Impact: This affordable, simple inkjet printer utilizes high-capacity cartridges, significantly reducing printing costs and waste. Many of its components are recyclable.
Brother MFC-J4535DW INKvestment Tank Inkjet Printer
Type: Color inkjet printer
Functionality: All-in-one (print, scan, copy, and fax)
Key Features:
- Large cartridges
- 400-sheet paper tray capacity (2 trays)
- Good all-round print quality
- Plenty of ink in the box
- Energy-efficient
- Low running cost
Environmental Impact: This compact inkjet printer uses high-capacity cartridges, significantly reducing printing costs and waste. It features duplex printing and is ENERGY STAR® certified. Many of its components are recyclable.
Canon Maxify GX5020 MegaTank
Type: Color inkjet printer
Functionality: Single function (print only)
Key Features:
- High-volume printing (6,000 black-and-white pages and 14,000 color pages per ink bottle)
- High-capacity ink tanks
- High-quality print
- Energy-efficient
Environmental Impact: This single-function inkjet printer is designed to minimize printing costs and waste. It boasts high-capacity refillable ink tanks and duplex printing capabilities. Additionally, it is ENERGY STAR® certified, ensuring energy efficiency.
Canon PIXMA G7020 MegaTank Color All-in-One Printer
Type: Color inkjet printer
Functionality: All-in-One (print, scan, copy, and fax)
Key Features:
- High-volume printing (6,000 black-and-white pages and 7,700 color pages per ink bottle)
- High-capacity ink tanks
- 350-sheet paper tray capacity
- High-quality print
- Energy-efficient
Environmental Impact: This all-in-one inkjet printer stands out for its sustainability features, including high-capacity refillable ink tanks that support high-volume printing. It also offers automatic duplex printing to conserve paper and is ENERGY STAR® certified for energy efficiency. Additionally, many of its components are recyclable, further enhancing its eco-friendly design.
Epson EcoTank ET-4850 Color Multifunction Printer
Type: Color inkjet printer
Functionality: All-in-One (print, scan, copy, and fax)
Key Features:
- Cartridge-free printing
- High-capacity ink tanks
- Heat-free printing technology
- High-quality color and black and white prints
- Plenty of ink in the box
- Energy-efficient
Environmental Impact: This ENERGY STAR® certified, multifunction inkjet printer features high-capacity ink tanks with an ink supply lasting up to two years, significantly reducing printing costs and waste. It uses heat-free technology to lower energy consumption and supports duplex printing.
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer
Type: Color inkjet printer
Functionality: All-in-One (print, scan, copy, and fax)
Key Features:
- Cartridge-free printing
- Super-sized ink tanks
- Fast, heat-free printing technology
- Print shop quality color and black and white prints
- 500-sheet paper tray capacity (2 trays)
- Energy-efficient
Environmental Impact: This multifunction inkjet printer offers super-sized ink tanks with an ink supply lasting up to two years. It uses heat-free technology to lower energy consumption, making it an ENERGY STAR® certified printer. It features duplex printing and recyclable components.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdn Printer
Type: Color laser printer
Functionality: All-in-one (print, scan, copy, and fax)
Key Features:
- Fast printing, high-quality printing
- Duplex printing
- 250-sheet paper tray capacity
- Energy-efficient
Environmental Impact: This color laser printer offers duplex printing and high-speed output. It has a solid sustainability reputation, boasting EPEAT Silver certification for sustainability, and ENERGY STAR® certification for energy efficiency.
HP Smart Tank 7602 All-in-One Printer
Type: Color inkjet printer
Functionality: All-in-one (print, scan, copy, and fax)
Key Features:
- Fast printing
- 2-year refill bottles included
- Duplex printing
- 250-sheet paper tray capacity with automatic document feeder (ADF)
- Energy-efficient
Environmental Impact: This multifunction inkjet printer delivers high-speed output and duplex printing. It comes with a 2-year supply of refill bottles, significantly reducing waste. It is EPEAT Silver certified for sustainability and ENERGY STAR® certified for energy efficiency.
Kyocera ECOSYS M2040dn Monochrome Multifunction Printer
Type: Monochrome inkjet printer
Functionality: Three-in-one (print, scan, and copy)
Key Features:
- Fast printing
- Duplex printing
- 250-sheet paper tray capacity
- Low-noise printing
- Energy-efficient
Environmental Impact: This compact monochrome multifunction printer operates quietly and supports high-volume printing with minimal waste. As an ECOSYS model, it boasts Kyocera’s renowned sustainability features, including reliability, efficiency, and eco-friendliness.
Xerox C235 Color Multifunction Printer
Type: Color laser printer
Functionality: All-in-one (print, scan, copy, and fax)
Key Features:
- Fast printing
- Automatic duplex printing
- 250-sheet paper tray capacity with 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF)
- Energy-efficient
Environmental Impact: This laser printer offers fast printing and automatic duplexing, helping to conserve paper. It supports mobile printing, providing convenience and reducing the need for additional imaging devices. Reflecting Xerox’s commitment to sustainability, it is EPEAT-registered, ENERGY STAR® certified, and Blue Angel certified.
Final Thoughts
Addressing environmental issues is an urgent necessity. Sustainability should be a key consideration even when purchasing a copier. Fortunately, manufacturers are stepping up to this challenge, and there are now numerous sustainable copiers available. All you must do is choose the right eco-friendly copier for your organization.