Recycling of HP inkjet print cartridges

Since 2002, PDR is European partner of Hewlett-Packard (HP) for the take-back programme and the recycling of inkjet print cartridges. Presently, HP takes over the collection of the inkjet print cartridges in Europe. PDR -.together with their logistic partners – transports them from the depots in the different countries to Thurnau.

Upon arrival at PDR, the inkjet print cartridges – sorted and separated according to the type – are sent through the recycling facility to guarantee a high degree of purity of the obtained secondary raw materials. During the multi-stage recycling process, precious metals, high-quality plastics (polysulfone) and steel are recovered as secondary raw materials.

HP, the Bavarian Institute for Applied Environmental Research (BIfA) and PDR developed and optimized a special recycling technology for inkjet cartridges together over a one-year preparatory period and built the adequate recycling facility on the premises of PDR.