Environmentally Friendly Franking Machines

Franking machines are hugely popular among businesses, both office based and online. They are available in a range of sizes and capacities and have become more digitally friendly in recent years. But how environmentally friendly are they?

Cartridges

Older models feature cartridges which cannot be refilled. When these cartridges are disposed of, they can be harmful to our environment. Ink that has been unused may be spilled and result in land pollution, for example.

Ink cartridges that need to be disposed of should be placed in a recyclable rubbish bin. Certain cartridges can be sold back to their manufacturers, and sometimes can be offered back as an incentive to get a discount from manufacturers, when you buy a new cartridge. Before you purchase your franking machine, you should find out what is being offered.

Newer models of franking machines are more environmentally friendly. They feature refillable ink cartridges, which is better for the environment and also saves you money. Refillable cartridges are more cost effective to buy than a brand new ink cartridge and you could make considerable savings if you opt for this. Many new models offer refillable cartridges that are worth exploring before you make your investment.

As users become more aware of their company’s carbon footprint, demand has increased for refillable cartridges. They also help companies to cut costs.

Suppliers now offer recycled or remanufactured ink cartridges for franking machines, as well as new cartridges, thus benefiting the environment. These products have been Royal Mail Approved and are of a high quality.

Design and Benefits

Some franking machines, such as the Eco Mail, feature a compact design and environmentally friendly model designed more for lower volume users. These models have the facility to upload your credit remotely and are classified as being ‘SMART’ meters by Royal Mail.

SMART franking machines aim to maximise postal efficiency, through their automatic mail weights and tax calculators, reducing errors and thus benefiting the environment.

Royal Mail are now encouraging SMART machine users to work with blue ink instead of red, as tests have shown that machines react better to blue ink in terms of readability. Royal Mail systems can recognise and sort mail more efficiently when it features blue ink, whether it is letters, packets or Special Delivery.

Franking machines have come a long way in the past few years. Now you can frank confidently, knowing your machine is environmentally friendly.

Image Courtesy: frankingmachines.expertmarket.co.uk, frankingink.com,