UKCRA was invited to join the ITC (Imaging Technology Council), an International Association that "will share in information, be a united legislative voice and to protect and promote the growth of our Industry." We unanimously agreed that supporting Associations and initiatives such as ITC can only further our Industry in making user's aware there are quality alternative imaging supplies available that are cost effective, environmentally friendly and of a standard of excellence that Associations such as the ITC support. Our own Andy Mayfield, Technical Director for UKCRA and member of the STMC Committee, has been appointed to the ITC Standards Committee and Laura Heywood, Secretary for UKCRA to Newsletter/Web Committee.

UKCRA was invited to join the ITC (Imaging Technology Council), an International Association that "will share in information, be a united legislative voice and to protect and promote the growth of our Industry." We unanimously agreed that supporting Associations and initiatives such as ITC can only further our Industry in making user's aware there are quality alternative imaging supplies available that are cost effective, environmentally friendly and of a standard of excellence that Associations such as the ITC support. Our own Andy Mayfield, Technical Director for UKCRA and member of the STMC Committee, has been appointed to the ITC Standards Committee and Laura Heywood, Secretary for UKCRA to Newsletter/Web Committee.

UKCRA welcomes The Cartridge Warehouse of Winsford, Cheshire to our Association and look forward to the opportunity of sharing information and ideas. Meetings are always interesting by the excellent interchange of different ideas and opinions that only a group of people who meet regularly and are committed to a single goal can achieve and in the knowledge that strength of numbers can influence our Industry.

UKCRA welcomes The Cartridge Warehouse of Winsford, Cheshire to our Association and look forward to the opportunity of sharing information and ideas. Meetings are always interesting by the excellent interchange of different ideas and opinions that only a group of people who meet regularly and are committed to a single goal can achieve and in the knowledge that strength of numbers can influence our Industry.

For the first time, we had our own table at REMAX rather than sharing, and welcomed the interest of UK remanufacturers in becoming Members. We were also happy to meet 'friends' from further afield sharing the same common goals. REMAX was held again in Paris and was agreed by all who attended to be an important opportunity for European companies - both buyers and sellers of components and finished product - to meet and discuss information in a relaxed venue. We doubt if anyone was too tired to not enjoy a bit of Paris for an after dark viewing of the light show at The Eiffel Tower or a ride on 'the wheel'.

For the first time, we had our own table at REMAX rather than sharing, and welcomed the interest of UK remanufacturers in becoming Members. We were also happy to meet 'friends' from further afield sharing the same common goals. REMAX was held again in Paris and was agreed by all who attended to be an important opportunity for European companies - both buyers and sellers of components and finished product - to meet and discuss information in a relaxed venue. We doubt if anyone was too tired to not enjoy a bit of Paris for an after dark viewing of the light show at The Eiffel Tower or a ride on 'the wheel'.

We are getting closer to making our decision on producing a CD ROM about UKCRA to be distributed to government bodies, companies and educational institutions. We feel there is a need for end users to become more aware of the UKCRA symbol and that it denotes a mark of quality. "Many users are very interested in recycled cartridges but are unsure how to judge a prospective supplier or choose between various remanufacturers. We want to give them the information to make that choice with confidence and underline the benefits of going with a recognised UKCRA Member" states Keith Moss, UKCRA's Chairman and Director of LaserExchange. Part of the CD will have room left for each individual Member to add his own company details and information should he wish.

We are getting closer to making our decision on producing a CD ROM about UKCRA to be distributed to government bodies, companies and educational institutions. We feel there is a need for end users to become more aware of the UKCRA symbol and that it denotes a mark of quality. "Many users are very interested in recycled cartridges but are unsure how to judge a prospective supplier or choose between various remanufacturers. We want to give them the information to make that choice with confidence and underline the benefits of going with a recognised UKCRA Member" states Keith Moss, UKCRA's Chairman and Director of LaserExchange. Part of the CD will have room left for each individual Member to add his own company details and information should he wish.

We were thrilled to welcome to our 14th March meeting Tricia Judge, Executive Editor of The Recharger on her flying visit to the UK. It was held, courtesy of Tonerflow at their offices in Hemel Hempstead. A wide range of subjects were discussed followed by a super buffet. The interchange of ideas and information was very informative and made for an enjoyable meeting. Fitting us into her hectic three-day schedule meant a great deal to Members who are as much concerned with environmental issues and in improving the remanufacturing industry in the UK as their counterparts in the rest of the World. We also appreciated hearing her praise of UKCRA and that we are recognised as an active Association.

We were thrilled to welcome to our 14th March meeting Tricia Judge, Executive Editor of The Recharger on her flying visit to the UK. It was held, courtesy of Tonerflow at their offices in Hemel Hempstead. A wide range of subjects were discussed followed by a super buffet. The interchange of ideas and information was very informative and made for an enjoyable meeting. Fitting us into her hectic three-day schedule meant a great deal to Members who are as much concerned with environmental issues and in improving the remanufacturing industry in the UK as their counterparts in the rest of the World. We also appreciated hearing her praise of UKCRA and that we are recognised as an active Association.

In the UK there has been confusion amongst remanufacturers on whether or not a 'Waste Management certificate' is required from the Environment Agency and whether or not carrying and storing used toners is considered 'controlled waste' which requires keeping records of contolled waste disposal notes, etc. Gerry Barnes of GreenCat Manufacturing, one of our members has received clarification of this: "Because spent toner cartridges is the raw material that is used in a remanufacturers manufacturing process, a certificate is not needed providing the total of used toner cartridges being held does not exceed 1,000 tons." Once they are satisfied that these conditions are bring met following a visit, they will issue an exemption certificate.

In the UK there has been confusion amongst remanufacturers on whether or not a 'Waste Management certificate' is required from the Environment Agency and whether or not carrying and storing used toners is considered 'controlled waste' which requires keeping records of contolled waste disposal notes, etc. Gerry Barnes of GreenCat Manufacturing, one of our members has received clarification of this: "Because spent toner cartridges is the raw material that is used in a remanufacturers manufacturing process, a certificate is not needed providing the total of used toner cartridges being held does not exceed 1,000 tons." Once they are satisfied that these conditions are bring met following a visit, they will issue an exemption certificate.

Andy Mayfield of Tonerflow, the technical director for UKCRA and on the committee of STMC has brought members up to date on the latest developments regarding ASTM. This included the latest additions of ASTM F2036. "We are 75% towards completion of standardised criteria for testing a toner cartridge on all levels", states Andy who is in regular correspondence with Lester Cornelius, Chairman of the committee. UKCRA members will continue to support this all too important and needed solution so assuring that the page yield of our products, produced by remanufacturers using the ASTM criteria can be comprehensively compared on an even basis with OEM's as well as other remanufacturers.

Andy Mayfield of Tonerflow, the technical director for UKCRA and on the committee of STMC has brought members up to date on the latest developments regarding ASTM. This included the latest additions of ASTM F2036. "We are 75% towards completion of standardised criteria for testing a toner cartridge on all levels", states Andy who is in regular correspondence with Lester Cornelius, Chairman of the committee. UKCRA members will continue to support this all too important and needed solution so assuring that the page yield of our products, produced by remanufacturers using the ASTM criteria can be comprehensively compared on an even basis with OEM's as well as other remanufacturers.

UKCRA was represented at an all day Remanufacturing meeting held at Sheffield University, 15th December. Many companies involved in all areas of remanufacturing were represented such as 'white goods' (fridge, washers, dryers, etc.) recyclers, mobile phone recyclers, law firms as to the relevency of regulations to the remanufacturing sector, as well as other Universities attended in order to understand more fully remanufacturing, what the recent Government objectives and directives are and future projects. There was also discussion as to the threats to the remanufacturing Industry.

It was a very informative day and learned that many of the problems that other remanufacturing sectors have in regard to OEM dominance and their obstinance to co-operate with the remanufacturer occurs in other industries. But the effort to obstruct the remanufacturer seems to be most prevalent in the I.T. industry with their use of smart chip technology, simm cards, bar codes, etc. which directly prevent the remanufacturing of these products.

One main conclusion that was realised was how alone the remanufacturer is. There are no definite government directives to support him - there are no incentives for companies to use remanufactured products and the list goes on. Without the support and the involvement in combining our resources (joining Associations with companies involved in the same business and our continuing efforts to object to and fight restrictive policies), to produce a better cartridge (ASTM processes and the like) we will continue to be vulnerable. If we do nothing, the OEM will continue their dominance in our Industry that is vital to the concept of customer choice and environmental protection.

UKCRA was represented at an all day Remanufacturing meeting held at Sheffield University, 15th December. Many companies involved in all areas of remanufacturing were represented such as 'white goods' (fridge, washers, dryers, etc.) recyclers, mobile phone recyclers, law firms as to the relevency of regulations to the remanufacturing sector, as well as other Universities attended in order to understand more fully remanufacturing, what the recent Government objectives and directives are and future projects. There was also discussion as to the threats to the remanufacturing Industry.

It was a very informative day and learned that many of the problems that other remanufacturing sectors have in regard to OEM dominance and their obstinance to co-operate with the remanufacturer occurs in other industries. But the effort to obstruct the remanufacturer seems to be most prevalent in the I.T. industry with their use of smart chip technology, simm cards, bar codes, etc. which directly prevent the remanufacturing of these products.

One main conclusion that was realised was how alone the remanufacturer is. There are no definite government directives to support him - there are no incentives for companies to use remanufactured products and the list goes on. Without the support and the involvement in combining our resources (joining Associations with companies involved in the same business and our continuing efforts to object to and fight restrictive policies), to produce a better cartridge (ASTM processes and the like) we will continue to be vulnerable. If we do nothing, the OEM will continue their dominance in our Industry that is vital to the concept of customer choice and environmental protection.

UKCRA is adding its voice to the campaign with the Office of Fair Trading against what many believe to be unfair trading practices by HP. States Keith Moss, UKCRA's Chairman - "One of the major reasons for the existence of an Association like UKCRA must be to support individuals or groups of Members in actions such as this".

The OFT have been requested to act following their recent publication OFT 402 - The Chapter II Prohibition, Section 4.5 (page 9), regarding "anti-competitive conduct or exclusionary behaviour". Acting together and being able to mobilise individuals within the Group must be better than a single voice in the Wilderness - frequently the case when trying to pursue any action against the OEMs within the printer Industry.

UKCRA is adding its voice to the campaign with the Office of Fair Trading against what many believe to be unfair trading practices by HP. States Keith Moss, UKCRA's Chairman - "One of the major reasons for the existence of an Association like UKCRA must be to support individuals or groups of Members in actions such as this".

The OFT have been requested to act following their recent publication OFT 402 - The Chapter II Prohibition, Section 4.5 (page 9), regarding "anti-competitive conduct or exclusionary behaviour". Acting together and being able to mobilise individuals within the Group must be better than a single voice in the Wilderness - frequently the case when trying to pursue any action against the OEMs within the printer Industry.

The knowledge and expertise of our Members seems to be growing with every meeting. This last meeting held 27th September introduced two new creations produced by UKCRA members. Alan Castro of Lasercare Anglia has formulated a first-rate cleaning fluid for PCR's. After being thoroughly tested on most laser cartridges all with excellent results by Andy Mayfield, UKCRA's Technical Director, Alan launched it at the meeting. According to Alan, "When we first started remanufacturing we couldn't believe the price we were paying for rubber rejuvenating solution for cleaning PCR's so set about developing our own lower cost version". Two years on we have a product we are calling 'PCR Cleaning Fluid' and has been exhaustively tested and approved fit for it's purpose. "If, like me, you don't like being ripped off and at the same time would like to reduce your production costs, 'PCR Cleaning Fluid' is available from us at just £35 for 500mls (inc p&p)". You can telephone Alan on 01728 748023.

We also saw the excellent artwork of Steve Keeble of Phoenix Recycling who has become quite on expert on colour laser printing labels and letterheads. He offered Members at the meeting very professional looking coloured labels for use on their own packaging where each individual's requirements may be added.. We've all had the experience deciding whether or not to get a label printed professionally or to purchase the labels already available that are usually quite dull. He also generously gave a sheet of labels displaying the UKCRA collective mark with each Members license number for those who attended the meeting. And besides all this loads of free samples to every member who attended was offered by Baytech (OTC). For further information on Alan's PCR rejuvenating solution or Steve's colour printing, both can be contacted through info@ukcra.com.

The knowledge and expertise of our Members seems to be growing with every meeting. This last meeting held 27th September introduced two new creations produced by UKCRA members. Alan Castro of Lasercare Anglia has formulated a first-rate cleaning fluid for PCR's. After being thoroughly tested on most laser cartridges all with excellent results by Andy Mayfield, UKCRA's Technical Director, Alan launched it at the meeting. According to Alan, "When we first started remanufacturing we couldn't believe the price we were paying for rubber rejuvenating solution for cleaning PCR's so set about developing our own lower cost version". Two years on we have a product we are calling 'PCR Cleaning Fluid' and has been exhaustively tested and approved fit for it's purpose. "If, like me, you don't like being ripped off and at the same time would like to reduce your production costs, 'PCR Cleaning Fluid' is available from us at just £35 for 500mls (inc p&p)". You can telephone Alan on 01728 748023.

We also saw the excellent artwork of Steve Keeble of Phoenix Recycling who has become quite on expert on colour laser printing labels and letterheads. He offered Members at the meeting very professional looking coloured labels for use on their own packaging where each individual's requirements may be added.. We've all had the experience deciding whether or not to get a label printed professionally or to purchase the labels already available that are usually quite dull. He also generously gave a sheet of labels displaying the UKCRA collective mark with each Members license number for those who attended the meeting. And besides all this loads of free samples to every member who attended was offered by Baytech (OTC). For further information on Alan's PCR rejuvenating solution or Steve's colour printing, both can be contacted through info@ukcra.com.

Static Control and it's recently concieved 'Colour Club' invited select European remanufacturers who are either currently producing or are in the early stages of research and development for colour toner products to a hands-on seminar. Attending were several members of UKCRA to share who shared in this new and important area of remanufacturing. "It was not only very well attended and interesting but also very beneficial; because on the practical side, it explained a lot of the difficulties that you would look for in this type of cartridge and how to deal with them successfully" remarked Andy Mayfield of Tonerflow, UKCRA's Technical Director. Steve Keeble of Phoenix Recycling, who is long regarded as the singular specialist and authority in IBM cartridge recycling, also appreciated the hands-on demonstration. "I found the entire meeting very worthwhile and informative," he said. Those who attended also had the opportunity of remanufacturing a colour cartridge. There are so many engines, such as the Optra C, Magicolor II and HP 4500 already available but there are only a very limited number of remanufacturers offering them. The sharing of information, help and advice that the 'Colour Club' helped to achieve is one more step in the right direction in ensuring that our industry takes it's rightful place in the present as well as in the future conservation of the Earth's resources.

Static Control and it's recently concieved 'Colour Club' invited select European remanufacturers who are either currently producing or are in the early stages of research and development for colour toner products to a hands-on seminar. Attending were several members of UKCRA to share who shared in this new and important area of remanufacturing. "It was not only very well attended and interesting but also very beneficial; because on the practical side, it explained a lot of the difficulties that you would look for in this type of cartridge and how to deal with them successfully" remarked Andy Mayfield of Tonerflow, UKCRA's Technical Director. Steve Keeble of Phoenix Recycling, who is long regarded as the singular specialist and authority in IBM cartridge recycling, also appreciated the hands-on demonstration. "I found the entire meeting very worthwhile and informative," he said. Those who attended also had the opportunity of remanufacturing a colour cartridge. There are so many engines, such as the Optra C, Magicolor II and HP 4500 already available but there are only a very limited number of remanufacturers offering them. The sharing of information, help and advice that the 'Colour Club' helped to achieve is one more step in the right direction in ensuring that our industry takes it's rightful place in the present as well as in the future conservation of the Earth's resources.

The Association has made substantial changes to it's web pages with new additions including an Association News and Useful Links. It has also boosted the Association's profile regularly generating contacts from Councils, other Government bodies and companies requesting confirmation as to the quality they should look for in recycled toner cartridges. Topics such as ethical policies and environmental credentials are becoming an important condition with consumers.

UKCRA continues to be an active contact with similar Associations worldwide with a view to exchanging information on a variety of subjects and supplies. Remanufacturing companies worldwide are requesting how they can become an Associate Member and we are in the process of compiling an Associate Member's portfolio to offer them.

The Association has made substantial changes to it's web pages with new additions including an Association News and Useful Links. It has also boosted the Association's profile regularly generating contacts from Councils, other Government bodies and companies requesting confirmation as to the quality they should look for in recycled toner cartridges. Topics such as ethical policies and environmental credentials are becoming an important condition with consumers.

UKCRA continues to be an active contact with similar Associations worldwide with a view to exchanging information on a variety of subjects and supplies. Remanufacturing companies worldwide are requesting how they can become an Associate Member and we are in the process of compiling an Associate Member's portfolio to offer them.

The continued manufacturing policies of many OEMs in incorporating SIM cards, smartchip technology, pre-bate schemes, barcodes, etc in their printer consumable replacements results in the prevention of these products being successfully recycled. This is detrimental to the end user by removing their choice of a less expensive alternative. More importantly, it continues to add to the already overloaded waste stream and the future viability of the remanufacturing industry. Steve Keeble of Phoenix Recycling, has looked into the procedures with the Office of Fair Trading on what is involved in bringing such practices to their attention and can be contacted for advice.

The continued manufacturing policies of many OEMs in incorporating SIM cards, smartchip technology, pre-bate schemes, barcodes, etc in their printer consumable replacements results in the prevention of these products being successfully recycled. This is detrimental to the end user by removing their choice of a less expensive alternative. More importantly, it continues to add to the already overloaded waste stream and the future viability of the remanufacturing industry. Steve Keeble of Phoenix Recycling, has looked into the procedures with the Office of Fair Trading on what is involved in bringing such practices to their attention and can be contacted for advice.

Following requests from around the world for membership or affilliation to UKCRA, the members are currently compiling an information starter pack. This pack will include advice on trade publications, technical and marketing information, databases of suppliers of components and other related products, equipment and printer spares and much more. The closer remanufacturers from around the world work together and communicate can only benefit the future of our industry and environmental awareness.

Andy Mayfield, of Tonerflow (I.T. Image Products) has been appointed to the International Standardised Test Methods Committee headed by OTC's Lester Cornelius. Andy will keep the Association updated on all further developments regarding the ASTM 1856 test for toner yield as well as other aspects of ASTM (American Standardised Test Methods). The STMC goal is to put into practice a legitimate testing process for toner cartridges. Other members of the Committee include representatives from Germany, France, Japan, Canada and the United States.

Printoner Products Ltd has been acquired by Tonerflow and will continue to trade as their northern area office broadening their product range with the IT Image brand while continuing with their repair and maintenance of printers. Peter Rose, MD and founder of Printoner, was one of the original members of UKCRA and played a very important and instrumental part in setting the Association's early goals. His contributing ideas and technical help and advice will be missed. We wish him well in his future ventures.