SoyPrint, from PRC Technologies, is a line of aftermarket toner cartridges for laser printers. Described as the first of its kind, the cartridges do not harm printers (I would hope not); aim for price parity with the brand names; and are made in the U.S.A.

In case you're wondering, conventional toner is a not-so-natural, oil-derived chemical cocktail. According to Wikipedia...

The specific polymer used varies by manufacturer but can be a Styrene Acrylate Copolymer or a Polyester Resin. Toner formulations vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from machine to machine. Typically formulation, granule size and melt point vary the most.

And despite the wealth of digital, info-keeping gadgets (some would argue because of), we sure like to keep those laser printers humming.

PRC made the following statement, "U.S. businesses, schools, institutions and governments consume over 100 million cartridges per year." The president of parent company Print Recovery Concepts, Debe Overhaug, spells out the impact of all those office drones printing out their emails, reports, resumes and evening commute Sudoko puzzles. "That means the United States consumes as much as 50,000 tons of petroleum-based toner powder each year. Now every office employee can help reduce dependence on oil every time they put a toner cartridge in their printer."

Is the switch to soy the answer? If the quality and price are comparable, and we're not depleting our soy crops as a result, I see little downside.

Thanks Dan!