Xavier Battinger (Google Plus)
In an article by EUROPEAN BUSINESS which explores the rise of interactive multifunctionality, Ricoh’s French subsidiary reveals the secrets of its success.
As the article explains, although the rise of the paperless office was expected to render them obsolete, office printers and copiers are retaining their usefulness due to digital integration and an increase in the production of environmentally friendly devices.
Ricoh’s French subsidiary is one of the facilities at the forefront of this sustainability drive, one of the OEM’s five European production sites.
“We have developed an efficient method of recycling multifunctional printers and photocopiers,” said Director of Business Development for Europe, Xavier Battinger. “In our ‘GreenLine’ production centre we are able to remanufacture printers as part of a real process of resources conservation and eco-responsibility undertaken by the RICOH Group worldwide.”
Ricoh Industrie France is now 31 years old and has “become one of the major employers in the Alsace region”, boasting over 950 staff. Its main focus is the production of thermal paper and printing and copying consumables, both of which account for 78 percent of the company’s annual turnover.
“Thermal paper is a special paper that turns black when exposed to heat,” explained Mr. Battinger. “Thermal papers and films are used in a variety of applications mainly for product identification and logistic labels but as well for lotteries receipts, bank statements, tags and tickets. Thermal transfer ribbons are used whenever higher resistances to solvents, heat are required and this technology offers the possibility to print on several materials (PP, PET, papers, direct packaging).”
In addition to producing these thermal products, the facility also serves a supplier of toner cartridges and other printing supplies, a growing number of which are recycled item.
“Our recycling activities now account for 20 percent of turnover and are growing steadily,” commented Mr. Battinger. “Last year we collected more than 616,000 MFP toner cartridges from clients throughout Europe for reconditioning, refilling and resale. This activity is located entirely here in Colmar. We are pioneers in this field and are fully committed to recycling as a way to make our business more eco-friendly.” 
Each of the company’s GreenLine printers comes with the same quality guarantee as a brand-new device, undergoing “stringent testing”, but they are sold to customers at lower prices than new models.
“The advantages for customers are manifold,” said Mr. Battinger. “On the one hand, the quality and price are unbeatable but, more importantly, these printers come with impeccable environmental credentials. This appeals in particular to large corporations that want to show they care about the environment. With our recycled products they can pursue a coherent sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategy.”
The main goal of the company’s GreenLine range is to recycle one product for every new product that is sold.
“Our goal for the future is to continue to optimise the supply chain and increase the volume of equipment and consumables returned throughout Europe,” concluded Battinger.
