For several years, consumers in different industries have been struggling with the usage time of the electronic products they purchase. While the term “planned obsolescence” has not yet become 100% established in the user’s mind, it is well known and resigned to the fact that, when purchasing electronic equipment, it will have a limited lifespan.
The digital transformation has driven companies and users to purchase equipment in order to stay afloat and at the forefront of their business and/or work; the budget designated for it increasingly becomes of greater consideration due to the capabilities and quality required, but the buyer, in this search must take into account and seek ways to make their investment a lasting one.
In the printing market, planned obsolescence has been around for some time, printing equipment and MFPs were limited to a certain number of prints, once this limit was reached, they simply stopped working and at the time of opting for a repair, the user decided to purchase new equipment when assessing the costs, undoubtedly, this is an economic problem that affects the end user.
In addition to this, another major problem that we have had to face is “techno-waste”, what happens to all this equipment that is discarded because its useful life has come to an end? According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), at least 50 million tons of technological waste are generated each year worldwide, a figure that could reach 120 million tons by 2050 if current consumption habits continue, such as compulsive purchases or the reduction of the products’ useful life.
Developers have been looking for ways to provide users with options in which, without sacrificing quality, they can purchase durable and sustainable equipment. This is the case of Xerox, which, aware of the problem, has worked on the development of equipment that is increasingly adapted to the end consumer’s needs and economy. Since its beginnings more than 60 years ago, Xerox has promoted environmental care: it was the inventor of the technology to allow double-sided printing and photocopying; it has been a pioneer in the remanufacturing and reuse of office equipment and toners, among other things.
With proposals in which the main concern is to protect consumers’ investment, Xerox has developed equipment with features and constant updates that help extend their useful life, together with the implementation of rigorous processes in the supply chain and selection of technology suppliers to ensure quality and avoid obsolescence.
“Xerox equipment protects users’ investment with a quality equipment proposal, with sustainable functionalities that also promote a long useful life.” says Ezequiel Bardas, Vice President and General Manager of Xerox Latin America, who adds: “Sustainability and commitment to the environment are key elements in Xerox’s DNA. We like to lead through example and transmit to our customers the actions we put into practice on a daily basis to help them achieve their sustainability goals.”
On the other hand, Xerox has circular economy programs with which it promotes giving a “second life” to equipment that have come to an end without option, Xerox is responsible for collecting them and performing a review and intervention process to put them back into use with the quality and standards of a product manufactured with new materials. Currently, 100% of Xerox end-of-life equipment is remanufactured, reused or recycled and all new records are Energy Star registered.
