01732 759725 14 BULLETIN ARMOR Print Solutions rebrands ARMOR Print Solutions has announced it is rebranding as Altkin. Altkin Managing Director Gerwald van der Gijp said: “The name ‘Altkin’ and its slogan ‘Fair Printing’ embody our collective mission to provide alternative pathways to impactful change. Whilst our ambition is to confirm our leadership in the EMEA region as a real and fair alternative in a rapidly evolving market, we are clarifying our product and service offering by creating four pillars – products, care, tech, tailored – which represent our different activities and brands, making them easier to understand.” Through its products offering, Altkin offers, alternative printing consumables, with its OWA brand guarantee cartridges from re-used empties, and certified quality. Secondly the company is continuing to promote its care offering, a suite of services and software solutions designed to free companies from the constraints associated with managing their printing fleets. The third pillar, tech, supported by the A2i (Altkin Industrial Inks Lab) brand, focuses on the creation and custom design of waterbased inks. The final pillar, tailored, covers white-label activities such as the production of alternative consumables, ink refilling and the collection of empty cartridges. “This change of name is a major event, the fruit of a strategic reflection on the circular economy. Altkin is now positioned as the leader in responsible printing in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Coupled with the recent acquisition of THS, this new brand will help to consolidate this activity as one of the pillars of ARMOR GROUP.” Hubert de Boisredon, Chairman and CEO of ARMOR GROUP added. www.armor-group.com PaperCut attains B Corp certification PaperCut has attained B Corp certification, an independent validation of its long-term commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Certified B Corporations are recognised leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy. Unlike other certifications for businesses, B Lab is unique in its ability to measure a company’s entire social and environmental impact. The B Corp accreditation benefits PaperCut’s customers because it’s an independent proof point of the measures the company has taken to ensure sustainability at a time when organisations are striving to meet net zero and more stringent ESG goals. Chris Dance, CEO and co-founder of PaperCut, said: “For PaperCut, achieving B Corp certification is like unlocking a new level in our favourite game. It's not just a badge; it's a testament to our love for continuous learning and improvement.” An added benefit of the B Corp certification is that it helps accredited organisations to attract and retain valuable staff in an employment market increasingly motivated by employer credibility across the ESG spectrum. www.papercut.com Certified for excellence Konica has been recognised for its excellence in people practices for a seventh consecutive year, with certification by the Top Employers Institute. Since it was last certified, Konica Minolta has continued to expand and refine its commitment to existing and new employees with a range of initiatives focused on workplace well-being, career development and volunteering. Gemma Lee Chief People Officer said: “I am incredibly proud that Konica Minolta has been awarded Top Employer accreditation for a seventh year. This is due to the dedication of all our employees to create an inspiring and inclusive place to work.” www.konicaminolta.co.uk Business partnership Ricoh and Toshiba Tec have resolved to enter into an absorption-type company split agreement with Ricoh Technologies Corporation (the Joint Venture company) by their respective Board of Directors. The move which follows an announcement made in May 2023, will see the Joint Venture company integrate MFP development and manufacturing processes. www.ricoh-europe.com https://www.toshibatec.eu Driving innovation for office solutions Global IT corporation FPT’s Japanese subsidiary, FPT Japan and Konica Minolta have announced the establishment of a joint venture, KONICA MINOLTA FPT Solution Labs Inc., to fortify software development capabilities, boosting business growth in the office solutions sector. Built on an ongoing successful partnership since 2017, KONICA MINOLTA FPT Solution Labs is scheduled to be established on April 1, 2024, headquartered in Tokyo with a subsidiary in Hanoi, Vietnam. The new joint venture will be managed by Konica Minolta, with a shareholding ratio of 59% and 41% for Konica Minolta and FPT Japan, respectively. Its main focuses are software development for multifunction printers and related businesses entrusted by Konica Minolta and its group subsidiaries. In a statement the companies said leveraging FPT's extensive technology expertise and resources, together with Konica Minolta's long-time experiences and industrial know-how, this synergy will address the increasing demand for advanced print management software with tailored and cutting-edge solutions. The establishment of this joint venture underscores a new height in the partnership between the two companies, fostering Konica Minolta's global business across approximately 150 countries worldwide. KONICA MINOLTA FPT Solution Labs also sets its sights on other peripheral areas of the industry, such as smart office solutions and untapped software solutions potentials. https://fpt.com.vn/en www.konicaminolta.co.uk Chris Dance
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