Improving our customers’ green credentials as well as our own

At Allied Office Machines we are constantly looking to improve our green credentials and create a sustainable approach to the way we do business.Sustainability

Our partnership with Ricoh helps with this as sustainability is built into their product design and prevalent throughout their value chain.

Ricoh have undertaken a series of initiatives in the areas of energy efficiency, resource conservation and human wellbeing to minimise the environmental impact of their devices. As a result they are pleased to introduce their new range IM C Series.

Energy savings

The IM C Series boasts industry-leading low Typical Energy Consumption (TEC) values and automatic eco-mode energy saving (0.3W) when in sleep mode. By using an innovative new toner that fuses at a lower temperature,  IM C Series significantly lowers energy consumption. Sleep mode power consumption has also been reduced, helping you achieve a smaller carbon footprint with lower costs.

More recycled plastic

Designed for sustainability throughout its lifecycle, the IM C Series is made using 50% post-consumer recycled plastic while PET toner bottles are produced from 100% recycled plastic. Plastic packaging is reduced by 54% thanks to a more sustainable material and no excess packaging.

Waste management

Waste management is also a focus as our operations generate paper, plastic and metal waste, which we strive to consume less and recycle more to reduce our environmental impact by:

  • Encouraging individual responsibility for recycling initiatives and providing recycling facilities for paper, printer toners, plastics and metal
  • Refurbishing older equipment and providing these as a service. Refurbishing means we return the condition of the equipment to nearly new.
  • The products we can no longer refurbish are donated to Southampton Special Purpose Workshop, a Hampshire-based company helping adults with special needs. SSPW strips out all materials from the equipment which are then recycled.
  • In addition, we offer a free toner cartridge recycling service to all our customers with 90% of all used toner cartridges being recycled.

Read more about the new Ricoh range here and our Corporate responsibility and sustainability here

Allied Office Machines have been supporting Southampton Special Purpose Workshop for the last ten years

Southampton Special Purpose Workshop (SSPW, www.sspw.co.uk) is the longest established private and independent day service provider for adults with special needs in Southampton. It was founded in 1993 by Jim Parker as an alternative to the traditional day services. The main workshop in Portswood is divided into four areas: woodwork, garage, craft and a canteen. The group also includes a farm in Durley and a shop in Woolston. 

SSPW always tries to find meaningful, useful and enriching activities for their clients. To help with one of these activities, Allied Office Machines donate all their old photocopiers to SSPW. The clients take part in the whole process where they come and collect the copiers, load them onto a trailer and take them back to their workshop. Here the equipment is stripped down and all metal components are prepared for recycling while the clients learn about the different types of metal and copier parts. Once completed, all the metal parts are sold to a scrap yard. 

This generates an income for the recreational fund, which is used to fund trips to museums and other fun activities chosen by the service users.  

Sean Parker, Service Manager at Southampton Special Purpose Workshop, commented: “We have been proud to provide the day service for the last twenty-five years and many clients rely on us. It was very difficult with Covid where we had to close our doors. We still offered doorstep visits, phone calls and activity packs as our service is vital for some of our vulnerable clients. It is great to be fully open again and provide the full range of services which enhance our clients’ lives.” 

Steve Drayson, MD at Allied Office Machines, added: “We are very happy to donate our old equipment to SSPW. It’s reassuring to know that the old upgraded equipment is not only put to good use but is also fully recycled and helps to fund the worthwhile activities for the clients of SSPW.” 

Photo – Jamie Paulton from Allied Office Machines and SSPW team