OKI Printing Solutions and Niigata University to collaborate in developing eco conscious biodegradable toner
16/09/2008
Tokyo, 12th September 2008
OKI Printing Solutions, brand name for OKI Data Corporation, and Niigata University today announced an agreement to jointly develop and manufacture environmentally conscious toner that uses biodegradable complex fine particles, originated from biomass resources. Toner prototype will be ready during 2009 and OKI Printing Solutions plans to market the product in 2010 for the global market.
The main ingredient for the biodegradable toner will be hydrophobic protein such as zein and/or polysaccharide and also chitosan and cellulose. The toner particles will include colorant and charge control agent.
Today, the main element for toner, used as developer fluid powder particles for electro photographic printing systems such as printers and copiers, is plastic made from natural resources such as oil and fossil fuel. When burnt during recycling, they emit global warming gases such as CO and CO2. In addition, deinking printed paper during recycling consumes energy and bleaching paper itself has also become a concern for the environment.
Doctor Masato Tanaka, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Niigata University, says: "Responding to the environment is a key principle for all of us. When this biomass originated toner becomes available in the market, CO2 that was emitted when disposed or recycled will become virtually zero. In addition, toner will be made of biodegradable polymers so by utilizing secession effect of the toner, energy consumption will be significantly reduced when turning them into recycled paper." Doctor Tanaka continues: "In 1989, we were the first to establish a mechanism for creating polymerized toner and have continued research and development into this using diverse complex minute particles leading to today's agreement with OKI Printing Solutions.
Mikio Yamamoto, General Manager of Image and Media Research Department at OKI Printing Solutions said: "OKI Printing Solutions is committed to developing products and processes that are environmentally conscious and help maintain a sustainable future. Today's agreement backs OKI Printing Solutions' belief that without a sustained global environment, our activities cannot be maintained. At OKI, we continue to invest in technology to meet the growing environmental consciousness of our customers and as seen in today's agreement, OKI Printing Solutions is able to meet their needs into the future by offering innovative products and solutions that reduce climate impact at the same time."
Under this agreement, OKI Printing Solutions will evaluate physical characteristics to be used as fluid powder particles on toner and the printed output. Niigata University will develop fluid on toner to be used for electro photographic printing system.
