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An investigation into a triple bottom line analysis of remanufactured toner cartridges vs. OEM cartridges

University of British Columbia. Sustainability Office

The purpose of this report is to use a Triple Bottom Line investigation of Remanufactured and OEM toner cartridges. Remanufactured cartridges will be compared against OEM cartridges on three main evaluation criteria: Economics Benefits, Social Benefits, and Environmental Benefits. Currently, The University of British Columbia (UBC) does not a structured program in place to regulate the purchasing and recycling of toner cartridges on campus. Our team set out to look into why remanufactured toner cartridges should be considered and encouraged in UBC’s purchasing strategy. First, an estimate of the financial budget on toner cartridges purchased was compared against the costs (as seen by the customer) of remanufactured cartridges. Secondly, the carbon emissions and energy consumption was compared between the two material flows and look at the end impact in landfills. Finally, the different social impacts on both producers and consumers were considered for both options provided to the purchaser. It was found that remanufactured toner cartridges provide significant financial benefits. The consumer will likely not see any negative impacts in terms of printing performance with remanufactured cartridges with a reputable remanufacturer. The benefits then would lead to the conclusion that it is recommended that UBC adopt a plan to encourage the purchasing of remanufactured toner cartridges wherever possible. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”

Text

University of British Columbia. APSC 261; UBC Social Ecological Economic Development Studies (SEEDS) Student Report

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0108762

Applied Science, Faculty of

Unreviewed

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca/