Reusable Toner Cartridges

Laser‑printer toner cartridges used in offices, schools, and elsewhere come not only as genuine manufacturer products but also as reusable toner cartridges that can be reused several times. Hara Trading Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kanagawa Ward, Yokohama, had already been handling printing‑related items as a textile trading firm and therefore entered the toner‑cartridge reuse business in 1994. Today, it not only develops parts that make cartridges reusable but also produces and distributes leaflets to raise awareness, encouraging companies to heighten their environmental consciousness and reduce environmental impacts by reusing resources.

Toner cartridges can be reused by collecting spent genuine cartridges, inspecting and disassembling them, replacing only the necessary components, and refilling them with toner. Because only the replaced parts are discarded, this reduces plastic waste and CO2 emissions compared with manufacturing new cartridges.

Some reusable cartridges on the market carry the E&Q Mark (*1), which certifies their quality, and the STMC logo (*2), which only certified companies may use. The company employs one of the few STMC‑certified instructors in the world and conducts training for interested firms to contribute to the reusable‑toner industry. By promoting STMC, it helps consumers use high‑quality toner cartridges with confidence.

*1  Management standards for “environment and quality” set by the Association of Japanese Cartridge Recyclers (AJCR)
*2  Global standard test method for measuring the print quality of monochrome laser‑printer toner cartridges

1. Simply switching to reusables cuts plastic waste and CO2 emissions

Reusable toner cartridges are made by collecting and reusing spent genuine cartridges. Compared with manufacturing new cartridges, they use less plastic. Using 100 reusable toner cartridges a year can reduce about 150 kg (*) CO2 emissions. By merely switching to reusable cartridges, users contribute to reducing plastic waste and CO2 emissions.

* Estimated from the “Environmental Impact Analysis of Reusable Beverage Containers and the Use of Personal Cups and Bottles” (April 2011)
* Calculated using the CO2 reduction per cartridge (about 1.54 kg) for a representative A3 monochrome integrated model

2. Visualizing decarbonization efforts and strengthening partnerships to drive circularity

In January 2025, Hara Trading signed a collaboration agreement with two other companies to promote carbon neutrality. Leveraging its broad trading‑company network, it aims to advance decarbonization, carbon neutrality, and the circular economy through stronger partnerships. The firm has also obtained SME‑level SBT certification, visualizes its greenhouse‑gas emissions, and has switched the electricity at its headquarters and logistics center to 100 percent renewable energy. By emphasizing environmental value as well as cost merits, it supports companies and organizations in their decarbonization and sustainability efforts.

3. Broad community contributions through school programs and senior employment

Hara Trading gives special lectures at educational institutions, accepts student visits, and offers the school‑focused toner‑cartridge reuse program “Printage for School.” Using reusable cartridges enables lower‑impact printing, creating options for effectively incorporating paper‑based learning even as ICT education expands. The company also actively employs senior talent, allowing employees over 70 to leverage their extensive knowledge and experience. Thus, reusable toner cartridges engage people of all ages and contribute to the community.