WO2012131401A1

WO2012131401A1 - Recycling system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2012131401A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/050743
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick STEAD
Original assignee: Environmental Business Products Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-31
Filing date: 2012-04-02
Publication date: 2012-10-04
Also published as: EP2691308A1; GB201105480D0

Abstract

A cartridge recycling system comprises a transparent adhesive pocket for affixing to a cartridge pack and a sealable recycling bag for receiving a spent cartridge. The recycling bag comprises a foldable envelope for insertion in the pocket, the envelope being pre-printed with a mailing address and one or more customer messages such that one said message is visible through the front face of the pocket when the bag is folded and inserted therein. The envelope may carry a machine readable code to enable recycling facilities to monitor the volume of cartridges being recycled from a particular source.

Description

RECYCLING SYSTEM AND METHOD

The invention relates to a system for recycling of consumables, especially printer cartridges, and to a method of operating said system.

Thanks to increasing awareness of environmental issues and encouragement to recycle goods whenever possible, more and more individuals and businesses are keen to recycle spent inkjet and toner cartridges from home and office printers. Cartridges can be recycled, for example, by visiting a local cartridge re-filling outlet where they may be re-filled ready for immediate re-use, by disposing of the used cartridges in designated recycling bins, such as those provided at retail or charity outlets from where they are dispatched in bulk to a recycling or re-filling centre, or by posting them individually in an envelope to the original manufacturer or recycler. Charities can raise funds through their involvement in recycling schemes, receiving a payment for each cartridge returned for recycling. Indeed, the Applicant remains at the forefront of charitable partnerships, working with over 100 charities, to collect between 5 and 10 million printer cartridges annually. To date, the Applicant has donated over £4 million to its partner charities. Typically, a consumer will drop off a used cartridge at a charity shop, or request a recycling bag or envelope for the charity of his choice via the recycling company.

Despite all of the benefits offered by recycling, both environmental and fundraising, it is estimated that 70% of all empty printer cartridges still end up prematurely in landfill sites where they can take up to 1 ,000 years to decompose. One possible contributory factor in this poor statistic is that recycling requires a positive effort on behalf of the consumer, either to take a used cartridge to a collection point or to request a recycling bag for the cartridge and then post it off to a recycling company. Thus the object of the present invention is to provide a more convenient system by which a consumer may recycle spent cartridges.

As well as environmental benefits associated with improved recycling rates, charities also stand to gain more financially where a donation is made for every cartridge recycled. Accordingly, from a first aspect, the invention relates to a cartridge recycling system comprising a transparent adhesive pocket for affixing to a cartridge pack and a sealable recycling bag for receiving a spent cartridge, wherein the recycling bag comprises a foldable envelope for insertion in the transparent adhesive pocket, the envelope being pre-printed with a mailing address and one or more customer messages such that one said message is visible through the front face of the pocket when the bag is folded and inserted therein.

When the pocket is adhered to a cartridge pack, the front face of the pocket is the face that is normally outwardly facing and visible to the consumer. The rear face of the pocket will usually rest against the cartridge pack.

Preferably the transparent adhesive pocket has an adhesive strip on a rear surface thereof for adhering the pocket to a cartridge pack, more preferably the adhesive strip is provided adjacent an upper edge in use of the pocket and above a pocket opening in the rear face of the pocket. By having the pocket opening on the rear of the pocket and beneath the adhesive strip, the folded recycling bag may be securely retained in the pocket at point of sale. As will be appreciated, by virtue of the pocket and adhesive being transparent, and particularly when the pocket is affixed to the cartridge pack via an adhesive strip, none of the printed matter on the cartridge pack is obscured, even when the pocket contains the recycling bag. Thus a consumer purchasing a new cartridge carrying the cartridge recycling system according to the invention remains able to read all of the information provided on the cartridge packaging. Typically, a consumer simply has to raise the lower edge of pocket away from the surface of the cartridge pack, in the manner of a flap, to view any printed material on the pack that may otherwise be obscured by the recycling bag in the pocket. Any printed matter underlying the pocket in the region of the adhesive strip also remains readable through the transparent adhesive.

While the recycling system according to the invention may be used for recycling the cartridge contained in the cartridge pack to which it is affixed, the primary use of the system will be for recycling of the cartridge that is to be replaced by the cartridge in the pack. In other words, when the consumer takes out the used cartridge from his printer or the like for replacement with the cartridge he has just purchased, a recycling bag is instantly available from the pocket on the cartridge pack and he simply has to insert the used cartridge in the bag ready for posting. Thus, other than dropping the sealed recycling bag in the mail box, little effort is required by the consumer to recycle his used cartridge. From another aspect, the invention resides in a recycling bag for use in a system according to any one of the preceding claims, the bag comprising a sealable envelope pre-printed with a mailing address and foldable along one or more parallel fold lines aligned with a first axis of the envelope and foldable along one or more parallel fold lines transverse to the first axis to form a front folded face and a rear folded face, and wherein one or both of the front and rear folded faces carries a message.

The fold lines may be imaginary fold lines, that is not marked as such on the envelope. Alternatively, the fold lines may be physically marked on the envelope to help guide a user when folding the envelope prior to its insertion into the pocket. Instead of marking the fold lines along their full length, the envelope may carry appropriate marks adjacent the envelope's side edges for denoting the position of the fold lines. Preferably the recycling bag will comprise a postage paid, otherwise referred to as a pre-paid, envelope. In this way, the customer purchasing the new cartridge in the cartridge pack does not have to incur additional expense to send off his used cartridge for recycling. As well as a mailing address, the recycling bag for use in the system of the invention also carries one or more messages, at least one being visible through the pocket after the bag has been folded and inserted in the pocket. Preferably, at least two messages are carried on the bag such that when folded, a first message is readable through the front face of the pocket in use and a second message is readable through the rear face of the pocket when the pocket is lifted as a flap.

Advantageously, first and second messages will be carried (printed) on the recycling bag such that when folded in the intended manner any text and/or images are presented in the correct orientation for reading in relation to the cartridge pack. Preferably, the text and/or images are presented in the same orientation as the text and/or images on the cartridge pack. In other words, a consumer selecting the pack prior to purchase can read both the information on the pack and the message(s) on the bag without having to alter the orientation of the pack in his hand.

When first and second messages are provided on the recycling bag for viewing through the front and rear faces respectively of the transparent pocket, the messages are preferably provided on adjacent folding portions of the bag, most preferably on vertically aligned adjacent portions.

Typically, the first message viewable through the front face in use of the transparent pocket may carry the name and/or logo of the seller of the cartridge, such as the name or logo of the retail outlet, preferably including a message informing the consumer of the sellers involvement with the recycling scheme.

In the event that the recycling scheme is not a scheme supported or endorsed by the original equipment manufacturer of the cartridge in the pack, the second message viewable through the rear face in use of the pocket may comprise a disclaimer that the recycling scheme is not connected to the original equipment manufacturer.

The recycling bag may additionally include information about any particular charity that may benefit from the recycling of the cartridge, providing an extra incentive to recycle and recognition of the sellers commitment to meeting corporate social responsibility targets. Of course, the recycling bag may also include information about "special offers" promoted by the seller, thereby encouraging repeat business. In a preferred system of the invention, the recycling bag also includes one or more machine readable codes for conveying information to the addressee of the envelope and/or to the user of the recycling envelope. For example, the recycling bag may include one or more barcodes providing information to the recycling centre as to supplier from where the recycling bag originated. In this way, the recycler can collect data as to the volume of cartridges being recycled from any particular source, such as for the purpose of remunerating the retailer, or more likely the charity that the retailer is supporting. Information can in any event be passed back to the originating seller providing useful data on consumer habits and/or trends. The machine readable code on the recycling bag may comprise a mobile tag, whereby a camera phone or the like may be used to "scan" the code and link to a URL. For example, the barcode can facilitate access to the website of the retailer from whom the cartridge pack was purchased, the website of the recycler, or the website of the charity that will receive a payment for each cartridge recycled.

Most preferably, the machine readable code comprises a multi-dimensional barcode, such as a 3D barcode.

From another aspect, the invention resides in a method for facilitating recycling of used cartridges comprising folding a recycling bag comprising a pre-printed envelope carrying a mailing address and one or more customer messages so that at least one said message is displayed on an outer face of the folded bag, inserting the folded bag into a transparent adhesive pocket, and adhering said pocket to a cartridge pack so that the displayed message is visible through the front face of the pocket.

As will be appreciated, the transparent adhesive pocket may be adhered to the cartridge pack either before or after insertion of the folded bag. Most conveniently the bag is inserted prior to adhering to the cartridge pack. Typically the step of applying the transparent adhesive pocket with bag insert is carried out in the distribution chain, most preferably, by the distributor prior to delivery of the cartridge packs to a retail outlet or the like.

The invention is further illustrated, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 a to 1 g show a first recycling bag and a method of folding thereof;

Figures 2a to 2g show an alternative recycling bag and a method of folding thereof:

Figures 3a to 3f show a transparent adhesive pocket with folded recycling bag inserted; and

Figures 4a and 4b show a cartridge recycling system in accordance with the invention.

Referring first to Figure 1 a, there is shown a front face 20 of a recycling bag 5 in the form of an envelope 10. The envelope 10 has three fold lines 12a, 12b, 12c running parallel with the shorter side edges 1 1 of the envelope and two parallel fold lines 14a, 14b running transverse to the three fold lines, parallel with the longer side edges 13. The fold lines 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b are "imaginary" fold lines in the sense that they are not marked as such on the envelope.

The fold lines effectively divide the face 20 of the envelope 10 into a plurality of portions, each portion occupying a position in both a row and a column. The first, left hand column consists of three rows, the upper row of which carries a first message 25 and the second row of which carries a second message 30, in the same orientation as the first message. The front face 20 of the envelope 10 also carries an address portion 35 which bridges several portions of the front face, providing a clearly visible address to which the envelope may be posted after a used cartridge has been sealed within.

Figure 1 b shows the rear face 40 of the envelope 10 of Figure 1 a. The rear face 40 carries the same fold lines 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b as are present on the front face 20. The rear face 40 does not extend as far as the front face allowing an end portion 22 of the front face 20 to act as a flap for folding back over the rear face. The end portion 22 of the front face 20 carries on its underside an adhesive strip 24, initially covered by a release film which may be peeled off once a used cartridge (not shown) has been inserted through the opening between the front and rear faces 20, 40 for adhering the flap against the rear face 40.

Figures 1 c to 1 e show the folding sequence for the envelope 10 of Figures 1 a and 1 b, culminating in the first message 25 and second message 30 being presented on front and rear portions respectively of the folded envelope. As will be seen from Figure 1f, first message 25 of the front face of the folded envelope 10 is in an "upright" orientation whereas the second message 30 on the reverse face of the folded envelope is "upside down". Figures 2a to 2g show an alternative recycling bag 5 and folding method to that of Figures 1 a to 1 g. In this instance, the envelope 10 has only two fold lines 12a, 12b running parallel to the shorter side edges 1 1 of the envelope. All other features of the envelope 10 are similar to that of Figures 1 a to 1 g, and the only real difference is in the folding of the envelope the sequence for which is shown in Figures 2c to 2e. The folded envelope displays first and second messages 25, 30 in the same orientations as that of the first embodiment. Figure 3a shows a transparent adhesive pocket 50 having a front face 55 and a rear face 60. The front face 55 extends beyond the rear face 60 to form a flap 56, with the rear of the front face that forms the flap having a transparent adhesive strip 52 adjacent the upper edge for adhering the pocket to a cartridge pack (not shown). A recycling bag 5 in the form of a folded envelope 10 inserted in the pocket 50 displays a first message 25 through the front face 55 of the pocket.

With the position of the flap retained in position as per Figure 3a, the bottom edge 57 of the pocket 50 when lifted up as shown in Figure 3b displays the second message 30 in the same orientation as the first message 25 was displayed in Figure 3a. Figures 3c and 3d are front and rear views respectively of the pocket 50 with folded envelope inserted, from which it will be appreciated that the lifting of the pocket causes the orientation of the message 30 to be inverted for reading. Figure 3f is a side view of the pocket 50 with envelope 10 inserted. The adhesive strip 52 is on the same face as the opening in the pocket so that when adhered to a cartridge pack, the envelope 10 is effectively prevented from falling out.

Figures 4a and 4b show the transparent adhesive pocket 50 of Figures 3a to 3f adhered to a cartridge pack 70 (shown in broken lines). Figure 4a shows the pocket 50 in the normal ("hanging") orientation in which the first message 25 is displayed through the front face of pocket and Figure 4b shows the pocket lifted so that the second message 30 is then displayed through the outwardly facing rear face of the pocket. While a number of examples have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

1 . A cartridge recycling system comprising a transparent adhesive pocket for affixing to a cartridge pack and a sealable recycling bag for receiving a spent cartridge, wherein the recycling bag comprises a foldable envelope for insertion in the transparent adhesive pocket, the envelope being pre-printed with a mailing address and one or more customer messages such that one said message is visible through the front face of the pocket when the bag is folded and inserted therein.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pocket is provided with an adhesive strip on a rear surface thereof for adhering the pocket to the cartridge pack.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the adhesive strip is provided adjacent an upper edge in use of the pocket and above a pocket opening in the rear face of the pocket.

4. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the envelope is pre-printed with at least two customer messages and wherein a first said message is visible through the front face of the pocket and a second message is visible through the rear face of the pocket when the bag is folded and inserted therein.

5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the message visible through the front face of the pocket in use on the cartridge pack is provided in the same orientation as any text and/or images on the cartridge pack.

6. A system as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein a second message visible in use through the rear face of the pocket when on the cartridge pack is provided to be in the same orientation as any text and/or images on the cartridge pack when the pocket is lifted with respect to he pack to display the rear face.

7. A system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein first and second messages are provided on adjacent folding portions of the bag, preferably on vertically aligned adjacent portions.

8. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bag carries one or more machine readable codes for conveying information to the addressee of the envelope.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the machine readable code includes data on the supplier from where the cartridge pack was supplied.

10. A system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the machine readable code comprises a mobile tag or a barcode, preferably a multi-dimensional barcode.

1 1 . A recycling bag for use in a system according to any one of the preceding claims, the bag comprising a sealable envelope pre-printed with a mailing address and foldable along one or more parallel fold lines aligned with a first axis of the envelope and along one or more parallel fold lines transverse to the first axis to form a folded envelope having front folded face and a rear folded face, and wherein one or both of the front and rear folded faces carries a message.

12. A bag according to claim 1 1 , wherein the fold lines divide each face of the envelope into a series of rows and columns, and wherein first and second messages are provided in the same column and on adjacent rows of a front face of the envelope.

13. A bag according to claim 12, wherein the first and second messages are provided on the column adjacent the envelope side edge.

14. A method for facilitating recycling of used cartridges comprising folding a recycling bag comprising a pre-printed envelope carrying a mailing address and one or more customer messages so that at least one said message is displayed on a front face of the folded bag, inserting the folded bag into a transparent adhesive pocket, and adhering said pocket to a cartridge pack so that the displayed message is visible through the front face of the pocket.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of adhering the pocket to the cartridge pack is performed after the step of inserting the folding bag in the pocket.