Sunlight inspires responsible copiers

Copiers and office equipment are notoriously greedy consumers of energy, even when sitting idle. Yet we cannot run a business, school or educational institution without this essential equipment. That is why we are excited today to introduce you to a leader in more environmentally responsible copiers, making it possible for all of us to get those notes out with a fraction of the footprint.

Since inception, RISO™ has fostered the belief that technological advance need not go against nature. They have their own concept of equilibrium. The word “riso” means “ideal” in Japanese, so this company is focused on making the most ideally positive difference to the environment. This commitment to the environment is a core value engrained within their culture, and is evident in the development of high-speed, high-volume duplicators and full colour copiers that are designed to reduce the burden on the natural world.

Their track record shows that they have been going green long before it became trendy. RISO™ has been earnestly and purposefully working towards the eco-revolution of their industry since opening their doors in South Africa in 1994:

• RISO Kagaku Corporation developed its own Environmental Charter in 1996,
• and established the RISO™ Environmental Protection Principles two years later.
• In 2000, they received ISO 14001 certification.
• RISO™ duplicators employ soy-based inks and recycled banana leaf fibre masters, and
• their products operate on “cold process” technology.

Consumers want green stars

Thankfully there has been a noticeable trend for consumers to veer towards Energy Star rated devices to curb this. However, not every Energy Star is created equal. Even at speeds of 150 pages per minute in full colour, EcoCopiers have a maximum consumption of 1,000W. Yet this leading green company has duplicators that draw a mere 110W at maximum speed!

Energy consumption aside, ready supply and availability of power can be a harsh reality. In South Africa we have shocking electrification rates, and the bitter memories of the frustrations caused by load-shedding. Hence exploring alternative and sustainable “off the grid” operations is not only the way forward, but is very much in demand, as evidenced by President Jacob Zuma’s call to save energy (ESI-Africa[E1] ).

There are many options available to cater to this need, such as generators. However, this option can be both dangerous and expensive. It also comes at a huge cost to the earth. For South Africans, solar power has proven to be an effective solution – just look how many homes sport solar geysers these days. In a bid to provide customers with the freedom to do business their way, and reduce the burden on the energy grid, RISO™ provide Eco Power Packs to mitigate the downtime brought about by power failures.

World’s first solar-powered printer

Now their passion for the environment and education has culminated in the latest addition to the family… RISOLAR. This is the world’s first solar-powered printer primarily designed for use in rural education, where affordable and reliable access to power is a constant struggle. When bundled with a 3G enabled netbook, these learners are able to enjoy the benefits of access to the digital world that so many of their peers across the country take for granted.

The RISOLAR received a fantastic reception at COP17, and has opened their eyes to a host of other applications. Thanks to the super low energy draw of this equipment, the entire product line has the capability of harnessing Africa’s most abundant source of power, sunlight.

On their journey to provide true independence of the power grid to their users, RISO Africa was chosen as a finalist in the Eco Logic Awards 2011 in the “goods and services resulting in energy saving” category. Congratulations! This affirms that their Bertl award-winning, Energy Star rated products really can assist in the transition towards a healthier, more sustainable and balanced future.

As we continue to look for other alternatives to save energy, let me remind all that we must continue to save electricity. - Jacob Zuma