Recently, Simmons Technology received an innovative donation from our printer vendor, Toshiba—a park bench that uses recycled and compressed ink cartridges instead of wood.

The bench is the result of a partnership between Toshiba and a recycling program called Close the Loop. This initiative takes empty cartridges and other disposable parts and reuses the material to make 100% recycled products.

For example, the park bench slats are made from compressed recycled plastic, called eLumber, that is waterproof, insect-proof, and UV retardant. In 2013, more than 170 tons of plastic from cartridges was recycled and used to construct benches, fencing, and other outdoor products.

As part of our ongoing printing initiative, Technology will continue to recycle all materials used in our multi-function devices and send them back to Toshiba for reuse in new products.

If you’d like to see (and try out) the new bench, it’s located in the seating area just outside of Lefavour Hall (near the Kotzen Room).