Epson says goodbye to laser printers and focuses on cold inkjet technology for the business sector

Historically, companies that need to make a large number of prints have always relied on laser models. In fact, for a higher initial investment, the cost per page is lower than inkjet models. A philosophy that all the producers have followed, until today. now, however, Epson has decided to change the rules of the game and leave the laser printer market starting from 2026to focus only on inkjet models, especially for the business sector.

A choice made for reasons of sustainability: according to the multinational, laser printing is unlikely to evolve in terms of reducing emissions. The reason? To use toner, you need to heat it, and you need to use a lot of energy to do that. Epson therefore decided to bet on a technology a cold inkjet with piezoelectric headof which he holds the patent.

It probably won’t be the only multinational to take this direction. A study by IDC shows that the market for business inkjet printers in Europe will grow at a rate of 5.1% on an annual basis, while that of laser printers will decrease by 0.4% every 12 months. This because 90% of business decision makers consider reducing energy consumption as a priority. And the prints contribute a lot: again according to IDC, something like 60 billion A4 pages are printed every year in Italy alone.

“The decision to abandon the laser printer market is consistent with our choices, which cannot be linked only to commercial interests“, explains Massimo Pizzocri, CEO of Epson Italy. “Our company looks to sustainable innovation and laser printers do not fall into this picture, as they consume more than inkjet models and require a greater number of consumables. Our activity will be totally focused on cold inkjet technology with piezoelectric head, of which we own. We will thus be able to provide efficient and sustainable printing solutions to partners and companies“.

Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM-C: the new inkjet printers for business

Epson’s first models based on cold inkjet technology, which uses piezoelectric heads on the line, are part of the range WorkForce Enterprise AM-C. We are talking about models capable of printing from 40 to 60 pages per minute, more compact and lighter than equivalent models and capable of storing more than 5,000 sheets.

They are multifunctional models, equipped with a scanner with a speed of between 60 pages per minute which also integrates an OCR. They are controlled through a generous 10.1″ color display, and can be equipped with an internal or external sorter.

Epson’s cold inkjet technology

The advantages of cold inkjet technology with inline piezoelectric heads has a great advantage: consumes less electricity, since it is not necessary to heat the toner. Epson’s commitment to the environment, however, does not end with printing technology: the new models are lighter and more compact, thus generating fewer emissions during production and transport.

In addition to this, Epson has been working on product engineering for reduce the number of moving parts, those most subject to wear, so as to reduce maintenance interventions to a minimum. Lastly, the adoption of generously sized tanks makes it possible to optimize the use of consumables, reducing the frequency of recharging.

“The new WorkForce Enterprise AM-C series completes Epson’s business inkjet range, which now includes solutions for every printing need, from models for small workgroups to high-speed departmental MFPs“, he declares Luca Motta, Head of Sales Office Print of Epson Italy. “With the support of cost per copy programs, workflow solutions and remote services, these devices offer a sustainable, high quality and reliable printing system with minimal energy consumption and maintenance“.