Only a few months after making its initial and controversial offering to the printer market, Dell Computers has expanded its line of printers with the introduction of three new models. These printers, like those previously released by Dell, include detection software that automatically directs users to the company’s Web site where they can order additional cartridges. The impact of this attempt at a closed-loop marketing strategy on the remanufacturing industry remains to be seen.
The Workgroup Laser Printer M5200n ($999) has speeds up to 35 ppm and is designed for “high-volume print jobs generated by users in networked office environments,” according to the company. The Personal Inkjet Printer J740 and Personal All-In-One Printer A920 are color inkjets for personal use. The J740 ($99) prints at 18 ppm for standard text and 14 ppm for color. The A920 ($89) is a MFP with printer, scanner and copier capabilities. All three models are now available in North America and will be offered in other regions later this year, according to Dell. In March, Dell announced four new printers as its first foray into the market.
All Dell printers come with a low ink/toner detection software tool that guides users directly to Dell’s Web site. Users can then order replacement cartridges online and receive 3-5 day ground shipping for free. According to a Dell representative, when the new cartridge arrives, buyers will receive recycling instructions and a bag or box with a return shipping label. The company is only accepting Dell-branded ink and toner cartridges for recycling.
According to the company’s Web site, “The toner cartridges will be remanufactured until they reach the end of their useful life, at which time they are delivered to Dell's recycling partners, who ensure economical and environmentally sound management of the recycling process. The ink cartridges are recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. Typically ink cartridges are demanufactured and sorted by commodity type (such as plastic) and then either re-used to make new products or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.”
