Imaging Manufacturers Join EPEAT Global Registry

More than half a dozen imaging manufacturers are listed in the recently expanded EPEAT global registry that now includes printers, copiers and other imaging equipment, such as multifunction devices.

Canon, Dell, Epson America, HP, Lexmark, Ricoh and Xerox are among the initial entrants while Konica Minolta and Samsung are in the process of registering products with EPEAT.

These nine vendors account for at least 80 percent of the global market for copiers, printers, scanners and multifunction devices.

EPEAT, now in its sixth year, is recognized as the definitive global registry for greener electronics that already included PCs and displays in its registry of electronic equipment.

In a recent press release, Epson said that the company has registered a number of devices with EPEAT that met the organization's specified environmental criteria, and will continue to expand the number of devices it registers with EPEAT. The EPEAT designation is an easy way for consumers to recognize green devices.

Acceptance into the EPEAT registry requires that manufacturers meet at least 33 required environmental performance criteria. Products can achieve higher ratings by meeting up to 26 additional optional criteria.

EPEAT rates products on a lifecycle basis, addressing the elimination of toxic substances, the use of recycled and recyclable materials, the design for recycling, product longevity, energy efficiency, corporate performance and packaging, among other criteria.

Product registration against the Imaging Equipment (IEEE 1680.2) standard began in early December 2012, with public opening of the Imaging Equipment registry in mid-January 2012.