Current Status of the Carbon Footprints of Imaging Input and/or Output Equipment and Challenges for Comparing

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the disclosed carbon footprint of imaging input and/or output equipment, such as printers and MFPs, and to identify challenges in order to establish comparable conditions for carbon footprints between products. Carbon footprint does not assume comparability with other products. However, there is a need to develop rules for calculating carbon footprints that are comparable for consumers in order to move toward a decarbonized society. This paper analyzes data on 431 imaging input and/or output equipment disclosed in the SuMPO environmental label program and identifies the current status of the carbon footprint of imaging input and/or output equipment and the challenges that need to be addressed in order to establish comparable conditions. Based on the results of the analysis, several recommendations were presented for establishing comparable conditions for the carbon footprint of imaging input and/or output equipment. Specifically, the carbon footprint per number of printed pages should be shown by dividing the carbon footprint of the use and maintenance stage by the number of printed pages during the life cycle, the use and maintenance stage and other life cycle stages should be shown separately, and information on environmental impact reduction activities should be actively disclosed in addition to quantitative environmental information.