Green Product Features
As part of our environmental commitment, Konica Minolta machines include several eco-friendly features.
Induction Heating (IH) Fixing Unit
Laser printers work by fusing toner onto paper to make it “stick”. This fusing process involves using heat to set the toner in place. Konica Minolta has worked to develop new ways of reducing overall power consumption, and has introduced a fusing technology that reduces power consumption during sleep modes, by shortening the warm-up time. The technology in Konica Minolta’s range of multifunction printers uses Induction Heating (IH) to rapidly fuse the toner (this is the same induction heating used in the new range of induction cook tops). IH efficiently converts electric power to heat, which means that the devices heat up more rapidly. This technology also means that users can enable more aggressive power-save mode times without interrupting users when they are trying to print – reducing power usage even more!
Eco Timer
Konica Minolta multifunction printers feature an innovative dynamic Eco Timer which can be programmed on a weekday, date or time basis. It automatically analyses usage and improves settings. For example, it will automatically switch to sleep mode during a recurring lunch break. A special built-in sensor wakes up the device from sleep mode when it senses the user approaching the panel surface and wakes up in just 20 seconds.
Simitri HD Toner
For greater efficiency, Konica Minolta has developed a Simitri high definition (HD) polymerised toner. Simitri HD toner is actually a biomass – using plant based materials. Biomass is a renewable organic resource made up of biological materials that exclude fossil fuels and generates considerably less C02 than conventional toner. Completely carbon neutral (it doesn’t even release any CO2 when its recycled), the polymerised Simitri HD toner fuses at much lower temperatures, significantly reducing energy consumption. The toner can also be replaced “on the fly” on certain bizhub models, is fade resistant, has consistently high image quality and reduces paper curling.
Eco Meter
Konica Minolta multifunction printers also feature an Eco Meter. Information on toner and paper savings is displayed on the Eco Meter, making it easy to assess environmental contributions by device, department and user.
Use of PC/PET
Konica Minolta has been striving to develop innovative technologies to recycle various kinds of plastic. In addition to transforming PET and PC plastic from beverage bottles and gallon jugs into exterior materials for MFPs, the company is also recycling ABS resin recovered from used game machines into inner casing materials. The company has developed technologies that ensure that the recycled plastic components have the necessary strength, flame resistance and molding usability. Now, it has taken its chemical processing technology even further. For MFP products launched in fiscal 2019, the percentage of PCR* was raised to about 70% for PC/PET plastic in exterior materials and to about 95% for ABS plastic in inner casing materials. As a result, the use of recycled materials has increased to about 25% for total resin content by weight in the MFP main body. * Percentage of post-consumer recycling (PCR): The percentage of material collected from the market that is used in recycled raw materials.
Preview function, to control paper waste
The new range of colour Konica Minolta multifunction printers features an innovative blank page removal function that also helps prevent paper wastage by detecting and preventing blank pages, found within a set of originals, from being copied or scanned. The XPS Print Driver provides a detailed and accurate preview function, allowing users to view text placement, hole punch and staple positions. In addition, a real-time scan and copy preview on the control panel allows the user to preview one page at a time, to confirm the position of each document and perform post-scan editing.
LED Scanner Light
Traditional photocopiers use fluorescent or incandescent light bulbs when making copies. These bulbs have mercury in them, which leaches into the natural environment when they end up in landfill. In the same way that consumers across Australia have been making the switch to energy efficient light bulbs in their homes, Konica Minolta has also been making the switch. Konica Minolta’s latest range of multifunction devices use modern LED technology which has no mercury, produces less heat, is cheaper to run and consumes less power.
Low TEC Value
The need for electricity is an unavoidable requirement in today’s office. Generating electricity, however, produces large amounts of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel power stations. One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of our energy consumption is simply to use less. TEC is a globally recognised measurement of a device’s power consumption. The Energy Star certificate is awarded on the basis of the TEC value. Customers who buy equipment based on the Energy Star certificate can expect reduced running costs and play their part in helping to protect the environment. The lower the TEC rating, the less power the device consumes. Konica Minolta’s range of multifunction printers have very low TEC values. This means that they consume very little electric power – reducing your greenhouse gas emissions and your power bill.
Toner Loop Mechanism
Konica Minolta’s original toner loop mechanism, which collects, circulates and reuses any toner that has not been transferred to the paper, is utilised for almost all monochrome multifunction printers and laser printers. This process realises resource conservation by reducing the normally 5 to 10% of wasted toner to zero.
Cartridge Collection Program
We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment, and our partnership with Close the Loop provides our customers with a free-of-charge collection and recycling program for cartridges and consumables. Close the Loop is a zero waste to landfill business that was founded on circular economy principles in Australia in 2001. They provide a best practice recycling solution that separates plastics, metals and toner so that all components are re-used to produce new products. One of these products is TonerPlas which uses waste toner in an asphalt additive that enhances the characteristics of asphalt roads to make high performance, longer lasting roads that are infinitely recyclable. Register here for our Cartridge Collection Program.