Dell, Canon, Ricoh, Xerox Debut on EPEAT Imaging Equipment Registry
EPEAT, which already operates a registry for computers and displays, finalized standards for imaging equipment last June. EPEAT allowed manufacturers to begin the certification process for the imaging device registry in early December. The registry opened for public view Tuesday, according to EPEAT.
Other manufacturers will join the imaging equipment registry shortly, according to spokesman Jonas Allen.
The registry covers products such as copiers, printers, scanners, digital duplicators, fax machines, mailing machines and multifunction devices.
Imaging devices on the EPEAT registry must meet at least 33 environmental performance criteria. Products can achieve higher ratings by meeting some or all of 26 additional criteria. EPEAT’s certifications are based on a self-declaration system, which is then backed by post-market verification.
Manufacturers must sign a contract requiring them to declare that their products meet system criteria, and must possess and produce evidence to support all declarations upon EPEAT’s request.
EPEAT’s environmental rating program for electronic products is used by eight national governments, including the US. In the US, many local and state governments as well as universities base their purchasing decisions on the rating system.
The organization was surrounded by controversy last summer when Apple withdrew its Macbook Pro with Retina display from the registry, and then reinstated it, leading to speculation that tough disassembly was behind Apple’s withdrawal from the standard.
In October, EPEAT verified that the Macbook Pro with Retina display met its standards. At the time, EPEAT said all ultrathin devices listed in its registry, including notebooks from Apple, Lenovo, Samsung and Toshiba. met the organization’s environmental criteria.
