Almost all of us are slowly becoming more conscious of the effect that our actions have on the environment. Most try to combat this by recycling cardboard boxes or plastic bottles, but companies can (and should) also recycle in a way that makes a vast difference, such as by using refurbished equipment in the office. For example, photocopiers take a lot of raw materials and energy to produce; so buying a used one reduces long-term environmental damage and will also save you money. Here is how employing refurbished copiers, can help companies create an environmentally-friendly office that keeps the planet healthy.

Environmental Impacts of Buying Refurbished Copiers

When a company finishes using a photocopier or printer – either they’re transitioning away from needing one, or want a new model – they often end up consigning the old one to landfill. In many ways, this is a waste of a perfectly usable machine that could serve other businesses. In addition, the ink and toner in the machine takes many years to fully decompose. By recycling and giving the copier a new life, we can look after our resources and our planet in a more environmentally sustainable way.

If you buy a refurbished machine, you are reducing the demand for new products – again, copiers and printers take a lot of effort and materials to create, and there are usually several in any office-based company. Making a conscious business decision to switch to refurbished equipment might seem like only a small change, but it’s one that will really have an impact if more companies do it.

Environmental Benefits of Refurbished Printers and Photocopiers

Refurbished printers can provide plenty of energy-saving options. Sleep modes and power-saving functionality reduce the amount of electricity that the device uses; when looking for a high-quality refurbished machine of any kind, you should ensure it’s one that can save energy where necessary. Not every used copier is equally helpful to the planet, so you have to choose wisely when selecting them.

You must also be mindful of ink and toner supplies with your refurbished equipment; it would help to purchase refilled refurbished cartridges. Similar to the copier or printer, this reduces landfill by recycling cartridges – you aren't just buying the right machine to help the environment, you must also make an effort to use it correctly. Ensure your company maximises the efficiency of their refurbished machine, and there will be extra benefits to the environment.

Advantages of Buying a Used or Refurbished Photocopier

The main concern with any refurbished office equipment is, does it perform as well as a new product? At Axia Office these machines go through inspections, a complete refurbishment and rigorous testing before they are sold, and they come with a 5-year guarantee to put your mind at rest. As a result, the difference in quality between our new and used copiers is barely (if at all) noticeable. Your business can buy used copiers for a cheaper price and get the exact same high-quality performance as a new multifunction office photocopiers.

Going green could also help you in other ways; people want to work for businesses that commit to helping the environment, so switching to refurbished equipment might boost morale and make for a better workplace. Your workers might even use the copiers more, as they know it’s not as environmentally damaging as it otherwise could be.

Advantages of Leasing or Renting a Used or Refurbished Photocopier

Some companies might not be able to afford a photocopier, even if it’s refurbished, and that’s why many small businesses turn to leasing as a solution. This might be especially helpful if you need an entire fleet of these to keep everything running smoothly. Renting or leasing a second hand refurbished photocopier allows you accommodate this as part of your regular budget – without having to pivot all your finances around a big purchase.

Axia office offers a comprehensive 5-year maintenance agreement as part of lease agreements, meaning that if you run into any problems with your refurbished equipment, you can be confident that your photocopier lease will account for this. Printer rentals similarly improve your cash flow and free up your budgeting for other endeavours, showing that a lease is almost always the right move.

Refurbished equipment can transform your office and company into a more environmentally conscious one. This involves more than just buying a second-hand printer, it’s also about how you use it. At Axia Office, we provide quality printers and copiers that companies can buy or rent – and we also stock plenty of refurbished models. Get in touch to learn more about our products and services.