Lexmark recycles ink cartridges into pens with Close the Loop partnership
Millions of used Lexmark ink cartridges fill landfills every year. Plastic and other petroleum byproducts are the primary components used in ink jet cartridge production. Unfortunately, they don’t decompose quickly and people are not aware of this because none of the Lexmark information highlights this fact. It may take upwards of a millennium for a single ink cartridge to decompose. In light of this, many companies have begun exploring ways to go green and cut their carbon footprint. Lexmark is a promoter of innovative methods to reduce their impact on the environment. To help meet this goal, Lexmark has partnered with Close the Loop since 2002 to recycle used ink jet cartridges.
Founded in 2000, Close the Loop’s focus is to produce products from recycled waste. The company name, "Close the Loop," indicates the company’s philosophy. The first step of their philosophy is recycling waste. Next, they produce a new product from the waste. The last step is buying recycled products; thus forming a closed loop. In 2010, they were the recipients of Lexmark’s Green Award for their work in recycling millions of used ink jet cartridges. Their partnership with Lexmark follows Lexmark’s strategy of meeting the needs of their customers in an environmentally responsible way.
Close the Loop is known for the innovative products they make from recycled materials. They produce fencing, glass garden mulch, rubber garden mulch, rubber tiles, glass fire pits, garden beds, and now pens made from recycled ink jet cartridges. The pens are felt-tipped and made from 94 percent recycled ink jet cartridges. Lexmark’s partnership with Close the Loop has resulted in this new, and creative, use for old ink cartridges. Right now the pens are only being distributed to customers, but Close the Loop has already worked out an agreement to sell them in Australia. Sales in the United States should follow shortly afterwards.
Given the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills each year, it is nice to see a company like Lexmark working with Close the Loop to reduce their impact on the environment. The millions of ink jet cartridges kept out of landfills every year by this partnership is substantial. The use of recycled ink jets to produce pens is creative and is indicative of an industry that is sure to thrive. Check out Lexmark’s website for more information about Lexmark and their pledge to limit environmental impact.