TAKE A COLLECTIVE STAND
As an independent remanufacturer, there may be little you can do to combat OEM restrictive practices. But you can take a stand, with other imaging product remanufacturers.

Collectively, imaging product remanufacturers can promote their products as viable, cost-effective alternatives to OEM products. Collectively, we can counter OEM restrictive trade actions that threaten our businesses, our industry and the jobs we have created.

ITC-Canada BATTLES OEMS

ITC-Canada (Imaging Technology Council - Canada) is the Canadian chapter of I-ITC (International Imaging Technology Council , which represents the interest's of the world's office imaging industry. In 1998, industry members came together to lobby against OEM trade restrictive practices. Initially an independant organization (CIPRA), in 2003, the decision was made to evolve to a chapter of the I-ITC to take advantage of the synergies of affiliating with an international organization.

When it comes to combating restrictive trade practices, ITC-Canada is making a difference by educating government decision-makers about these practices. Governments across Canada are beginning to listen. But we have to speak with a louder voice.

ITC-Canada needs you to make sure our collective voice is heard and to make sure the collective views of the industry are represented at the table. And you need ITC-Canada to lobby for your industry.

ITC-Canada PROMOTES BENEFITS OF REMANUFACTURING

The explosive growth of the Canadian imaging products remanufacturing industry paralleled the dynamic growth of the computer industry in Canada. Now, using its collective strength, ITC-Canada promotes remanufacturing as an industry that produces high-quality products, saves businesses money, reduces landfill waste and contributes to a healthy environment and to healthy local economies.

ITC-Canada points out that remanufacturing companies employ over 2,000 people and recycle over 100,000 cartridges per month. This saves over 300,000 liters of oil and keeps over 500,000 pounds of waste from going into landfill sites each month. The industry is growing at over 10% annually and imaging product remanufacturers hired over 200 new employees in 2001.

ITC-Canada aggressively promotes remanufactured cartridges as a viable alternative to cartridges from OEMs, especially since all OEM cartridges use some recycled material.

In addition, ITC-Canada is working hard to create a positive image for the remanufacturing industry. To that end, ITC-Canada has established a Code of Ethics designed to encourage professionalism and sound business practice in the remanufacturing industry.

STAY ON THE CUTTING EDGE

The imaging products industry is rapidly evolving. There is a great deal to keep up with. New printers, new cartridges, new chips. That's why ITC-Canada provides its members with professional development opportunities that cover cutting-edge technical information and quality standards.

However, business is changing too, and ITC-Canada's educational events cover marketing and best business practices. It's all designed to make you a more knowledgeable, more productive and more profitable imaging products remanufacturer. Because the stronger you are, the stronger our industry is.

Educational seminars take place at the ITC-Canada meetings in Quebec, Toronto and western Canada. At these meetings, ITC-Canada members can also influence and react to ITC-Canada's initiatives and network with imaging product peers to share ideas, develop strategic partnerships and discover new ways of expanding businesses.

ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

ITC-Canada represents the Canadian imaging products remanufacturing industry. However, OEM restrictive trade practices, quality control, changing technology and other remanufacturing issues are global in nature. That's why a $5,000 donation was made to support the Arizona Cartridge Remanufacturers Association lawsuit that fights restrictive trade practices introduced by Lexmark, a printer manufacturer.

The suit alleges that Lexmark has engaged in a prebate scheme that interferes with the ability of remanufacturers to acquire empty cartridges. Lexmark does this, the suit argues, by misleading consumers into believing their printing costs would decrease and the environment would improve through the purchase of Lexmark Prebate laser toner cartridges.

ITC-Canada is the Canadian chapter of the International Imaging Technology Council (ITC), which represents the interests of the world's office imaging industry.

As a chapter of I-ITC, ITC-Canada can help shape our industry's reaction to larger issues and can share information obtained from remanufacturers in the US and other countries with Canadian members via email blastsr and on this web site.

FIND OUT MORE TODAY

Are you tired of playing second fiddle to the OEMs? Do you want to stay on the cutting edge and improve your business practices?

Do you want to become part of the Canadian and global family of imaging remanufactures? Do you want to discover that there is strength in numbers? Join us