Lexmark LCA cartridge study demonstrates benefit of responsible printing behaviors

LEXINGTON, Ky., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) recently commissioned by Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) to better understand the environmental impact of its toner cartridges has shown just how significant the benefit to the environment can be by recycling a used toner cartridge. The Lexmark LCA cartridge study(1) demonstrates that sending a used Lexmark toner cartridge back to Lexmark for recycling, as opposed to discarding it in a landfill, reduces the overall carbon footprint of that cartridge by up to 60 percent(2).

An LCA is designed to evaluate the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifetime – from raw materials extraction, production, distribution and use, until end of life.

"Printer users need to first understand the impact of their current practices on the environment before they can assess what behaviors need to be changed," said Marty Canning, Lexmark vice president and president of its Printing Solutions and Services Division. "Lexmark has made it a priority to educate its customers on what steps they can take to implement responsible printing practices, such as printing less and recycling, to reduce the negative impact to the environment."

How Customers Can Help

Lexmark encourages its customers to follow these tips for reducing their overall carbon footprint from everyday printing:

• Recycle empty Lexmark toner and inkjet cartridges through the Lexmark Cartridge Collection Program instead of sending them to a local waste stream.
• Print only what is necessary, and print double-sided on the paper as much as possible.
• Print several pages in one using the multi-up printing function.
• Favor digital document processes, and use features such as scan-to-email to share documents.
• Use the highest-yield ink and toner cartridges available as opposed to those with standard yields. Fewer cartridges will need to be used over the life of the device, which creates less waste and conserves raw materials.

Lexmark's Commitment to Responsible End-of-Life Management

• The Lexmark Cartridge Collection Program diverts millions of Lexmark toner and inkjet cartridges from landfills each year, making it easy for customers to return used print cartridges for reuse or recycling. The program is free and available in more than 50 countries.
• Lexmark follows a zero landfill practice for all of the cartridges that are returned to the company. One hundred percent of the cartridges Lexmark collects through this program are either reused or demanufactured for recycling.
• In select locations, Lexmark also offers the Lexmark Equipment Collection Program. Customers can return their Lexmark-branded products to Lexmark by whatever shipping method is most convenient for them, and Lexmark recycles the equipment for free.

For more information, see the "Lexmark" Facebook page, the "LexmarkNews" Twitter feed, or the "LexmarkNews" YouTube channel.

About Lexmark

Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) provides businesses of all sizes with a broad range of printing and imaging products, solutions and services that help them to be more productive. In 2009, Lexmark sold products in more than 150 countries and reported approximately $4.0 billion in revenue. Learn how Lexmark can help you get more done at www.lexmark.com.

Lexmark and Lexmark with diamond design are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

(1)The study was conducted by WSP Environment and Energy in compliance with ISO 14044 and ISO 14040 guidelines, including a critical review by a third party, Clear Carbon Consulting.

(2) This carbon emissions measurement excludes paper consumption during the use phase of the cartridge life cycle.

SOURCE Lexmark International, Inc.