Aiming to enhance environmental preservation and information security, Fuji Xerox will commence trials for a Paper Recycling System in mid-December 2004. Under this system, copy and print paper used inside Fuji Xerox offices will be collected and recycled for internal reuse as paper again. This closed loop system was created with the cooperation of Oji Paper Co., Ltd., Japan Pulp and Paper Co., Ltd. and Fuji Xerox Office Supply Co., Ltd.
With the trial, an affiliate of Japan Pulp and Paper known as JP Resources Co., Ltd. collects used copy and print paper from Fuji Xerox Headquarters, as well as another office in Tokyo and Ebina Center. The collected paper is then transported to Oji Paper for recycling before being returned to Fuji Xerox for internal use as copy and print paper again. Paper that does not constitute either confidential documents or high quality paper will be collected and recycled into toilet paper and other items.
Up until now, it was difficult to recycle copy paper into reusable copy paper that maintains a high level of quality. Instead, most of it was recycled into heavy paper and other products that similarly hold less value. In conjunction with Japan Pulp and Paper and Oji Paper, however, Fuji Xerox has created a system that allows copy and print paper to be recycled back into a valuable usable form.
Besides having major benefits in terms of environmental preservation, the Paper Recycling System ensures that the confidentiality of important documents is safeguarded throughout, from collection to disposal. The boxes used to transport the confidential materials will be incorporated into the papermaking process by employing a household paper manufacturer to recycle it as toilet paper for use inside Fuji Xerox. The location of the confidential documents can be tracked in real-time on the Internet.
Fuji Xerox Headquarters, another office in Tokyo and Ebina Center collectively use around 1,000 tons of paper annually. Through the trial, Fuji Xerox seeks to reduce costs throughout the entire system, from procurement that guarantees information security through to recycling.
Based on the results of the trial, the system will be gradually expanded from spring 2005 to include all Fuji Xerox offices and affiliates in Japan. There are also plans to begin introducing it at customer sites.
