Nieuwegein, The Netherlands, March 8, 2006- Konica Minolta Printing Solutions Europe announced today that it has extended its return cartridge recycling program- the Clean Planet Program, to include new countries in Europe and to improve the way of recycling.

Since the programs inception in 2001, Konica Minolta Printing Solutions Europe has offered free cartridge return service in 16 European Union Countries (EU). In the second half of 2006, the program will be expanded to cover the following new EU countries: Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Clean Planet Program encourages customers to return their used cartridges free of charge. All that is required is to access the Clean Planet web site to print out a return label and mail it back to the Cartridge Collection Center.

Konica Minolta Printing Solutions Europe is one of the first vendors to implement cartridge shredding as a part of their environmental recycling policy. Plastic parts extracted from toner cartridges are first pulverized, then melted, and molded into new plastic parts for reuse. This not only eliminates the traditional landfill method, but it is one of the most effective recycling measures to help reduce waste whilst contributing to conserve natural resources. Konica Minolta anticipates to recycle 150,000 KG of toner cartridges in 2006.

In addition, Konica Minolta printers are fully WEEE (Waste, Electronic and Electric Equipment) compliant, a legislative directive that makes suppliers responsible for the safe and environmentally sound disposal of end of life equipment.

"The expansion of the Clean Planet Program not only brings our environmental policies to new countries, but it ensures that our cartridges will not end up in a landfill making it the most ecologically friendly way to dispose of waste. Konica Minolta's corporate policy is to take every step to minimize the environmental impact throughout the entire product life cycle. We achieve this by continually investing in sustainable ways to lessen the effect of our products on the planet - from product design to green procurement" said Frank Akihary, General Manager Sales and Marketing EMEA Konica Minolta Printing Solutions.

 

Over Konica Minolta Printing Solutions Europe

Konica Minolta Printing Solutions Europe B.V. is an innovative developer, manufacturer and supplier of document printing solutions. The product line includes color and monochrome laser printers, and associated supplies, consumables and accessories for general office, electronic publishing, graphics, design, advanced imaging and home office applications. Konica Minolta Printing Solutions Europe B.V. - with headquarters in Nieuwegein, The Netherlands - distributes its products through a broad network of e-commerce, retail, reseller and distribution partners.

 

For more information:

KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS EUROPE B.V.

Edisonbaan 14-E

3439 MN Nieuwegein

The Netherlands

+31 30 248 1200

Internet Address: http://www.printer.konicaminolta.eu

 

Editor's Note:

Konica Minolta Printing Solutions Europe B.V.

Kristen Miller

Corporate Public Relations Manager EMEA

kristen.millerbpe.konicaminolta.nl

Tel: +31- (0)30-248 1146

 

 

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