Recycled paper project from SAPPI, OKI

“The aim of our green collaboration is to encourage the use of Typek recycled paper in businesses and homes around the country,” explains Neil Rom, MD of Oki Printing Solutions South Africa. “Oki has tested Typek recycled paper in all its printers. Test results show print quality and paper handling is as good as any other brand of paper and we have no hesitation in recommending it.”

To encourage customers also to recycle their printer cartridges in an environmentally friendly manner, Oki will give each client putting old cartridges in its recycle bins, a free ream of Typek recycled paper.

Traditionally recycled paper is more expensive to produce than normal paper and to ensure Typek recycled paper gets into the hands of customers Oki, together with Sappi, will subsidise the cost and ensure that customers get the environmental benefit of using this paper at no extra premium to the user.

Bernhard Riegler, Sappi Fine Paper GM: marketing explains recycled paper is more expensive than traditional paper because of the additional manufacturing processes it has to go through and most users do not realise this. “It is purely a cost of production,” he says.

Oki is also looking at further social investments in the sustainable farming activities of Sappi, such as supporting beekeepers or those who plant herbs under trees in Sappi's forests.