Xerox saves $2bn as it cuts down on waste

Xerox has reported slashing $2 billion off its operating costs by cutting the amount of electronic waste sent to landfills by one billion kg since 1991.

The company has achieved the massive cost saving by recycling and remanufacturing used printer cartridges, toner containers and imaging equipment as part of its Green World Alliance programme.

"If that amount of waste were loaded into garbage trucks, it would fill more than 160 000 trucks, stretching more than 1 600km," says Rob Abraham, MD of Bytes Document Solutions, sole authorised distributor of Xerox products and solutions to 24 African countries.

"Xerox understands that developing eco-friendly products is essential for environmental sustainability, and it serves customers better by cutting down on costs," says Abraham.

Aside from recycling cartridges and other components, the company has been reusing leftover toner ink returned by its customers.

The announcement on waste reduction formed part of Xerox's 2007 Report on Global Citizenship that outlined how it plans to tackle climate change and improve its social responsibility record. The report also included commitments to ensure Xerox becomes completely carbon neutral by:

* Cutting the company's and its customers' greenhouse gas emissions;
* Producing more environmentally responsible paper that uses half as many trees;
* Further reducing toxic emissions that have already been cut by 94% since 1991; and
* Ensuring waste-free production and usage of its products.

Editorial contacts Bytes Document Solutions Rob Abraham (011) 9289111 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Predictive Communications Michelle Oelschig (011) 608 1700 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it