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sustainabletimes
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www.binfo.co.uk
Biomass toner
Following in the footsteps of Ricoh, Konica
Minolta and compatibles manufacturer
SymbioPrint, which markets a range of
soya-based toner cartridges, Kyocera
has unveiled new toner with a carbon
neutral, biomass content of 30% and an
equivalent reduction in CO
2
emissions
compared to conventional petroleum-
based toner. The renewable material
included in Kyocera’s BIOMASS toner
comes from palm oil certified by RSPO
(the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil).
The toner is due to be launched in Europe
later in the year and will be available for
five BIOMASS printers/MFPs based on
exisiting FS series models.
www.kyoceradocumentsolutions.eu
Cloud computing
reinvented
Pano Logic claims to have reinvented
cloud computing for the desktop with
a new system that shifts 100% of
processing to the cloud and delivers
web-based computing using Google’s
Chrome browser as the interface. Pano
claims that the combination of Pano
System for the Cloud and solid state
G2M Pano Zero Clients is the most
cost-effective computing platform for
organisations seeking an alternative
to PC-based or thin client models that
rely on costly end user software and
hardware. All computing activities are
centralised in the cloud so there is no
need for a local operating system or
endpoint processing. The Pano Zero
Client, which has no processor, no
storage, no memory and no operating
system and consumes 90% less power
than PCs (6 watts maximum and less
than 0.2 watts in sleep mode) connects
the user’s keyboard, mouse, display,
and audio output to a Google Chrome
cloud desktop browser process running
on a Pano Controller for Cloud server,
through which users access software-
as-a-service (SaaS) solutions or web-
based applications.
www.Panologic.com/Pano-System/
Cloud
A clear advantage
Clear Notes are sticky notes with a difference. As their name
suggests, they are transparent and don’t obscure the text
beneath, making them ideal for marking up documents.
Another benefit, from a sustainability angle, is that they
are re-usable when used with a wipe-clean Clear Notes
marker pen, although the same could be said of any sticky
note written on with an erasable pen like the Pilot FriXion.
A big limitation of the recyclable PET notes is that they
must be used with marker pens rather than everyday writing
instruments.
Light, lighter, lightest
Light Tape UK has developed portable battery units to
expand the possible applications of its energy-efficient light
source for signage and accent lighting. Suitable for use inside
or outdoors, Light Tape comprises a metal ribbon coated
in Sylvania phosphor and encapsulated in a Honeywell
laminate: it has no glass, no gas, no mercury/heavy metals, is
just 0.5mm thick and consumes 85%-90% less energy than
Neon and Cold Cathode lighting. It is easy to install, requires
little or no maintenance, has a long working life and can
be mains or battery-powered. To date, take-up of battery-
powered options for temporary, free-standing or portable
applications, from exhibition stands to safety clothing, has
been disappointing due to the need to supply a DC power
unit separately to the battery, switch and charger which
can make the solution bulky and difficult to conceal.
Portable battery packs for Light Tape Glo-Pro Safety
Clothing overcome these limitations: the power driver and
battery are encased in a single unit about the size of a pack
of playing cards; they have vastly extended battery life; and
are rechargeable. Three sizes are available for powering up to
36, 60 or 100 square inches of Light Tape.
www.lighttape.co.uk
Power pack
The CrossKase Solar 15 backpack combines a
useful back-up power supply for mobile
phones and gadgets with a comfortable
25-litre day pack with room for a
computer, book, spare clothing and
snacks. The solar panel on the outside
charges up a portable battery that can
be unplugged and used to charge small
electronic devices (it comes with nine
connectors) but not laptops. Crosskase
says the panel does not require direct
sunlight and will trickle charge in overcast
conditions. However, this takes a very long
time and even in optimum conditions (i.e.
bright sunlight) it takes about eight hours to
charge the battery. Alternatively, the battery, which
holds enough power for two or more devices, can be
recharged via USB or mains power. The CrossKase Solar 15 costs £139.99.
Oil palm fruits contain about 50%
oil. The Roundtable on Sustainable
Palm Oil (RSPO) promotes the use of
palm oil produced in a socially and
environmentally sustainable way.
Photo credit: MPOC
Sustainable
Editor’s Choice Award
Pano Logic