If It Prints, I'll Let You Know

I don’t know about you, but I definitely noticed something recently – ink cartridge packages are slimming down.

Let us take the cartridge for Epson 2200. The first cartridge packages started at 77 grams, measuring 11cm by 15cm by 3.5cm. The package was much larger than the cartridge itself; more than twice, as a matter of fact. If you remember from years ago, you would open a carton to find an even smaller package that contains the actual cartridge and, beside it, was this huge wad of printer cartridge information folded and stuffed inside. Frankly, I never read any of this information. 

Then, about two years ago, the package was slimmed down by getting rid of the corrugated cardboard filler and shrink wrap. The width was narrowed to 2 cm and the weight dropped to 63 grams. Nowadays, the box has shrunk even further by 3.5 cm and its weight dropped to 57 grams. This is just as well, since the cartridge itself is only 7 cm tall!

All this slimming down is not just for aesthetic purposes. These adjustments not only benefit the environment, but also save Epson dollars. The reduced size has allowed Epson to pack more cartridge packages into what is called a pallet, which is basically what is used by industries during shipping. By packing in more cartridges, the company is able to maximize its shipping efficiency and resources.

This “trend”, if you could call it that, is not specific to Epson. HP is also redesigning its North America home printer cartridge packaging. This effort, just as in the case of Epson, is geared towards environmental conservation and cost efficiency. HP will end up getting rid of about 15 million pounds of materials, and will go green through the use of recycled plastic and paperboard.