Eco-friendly products are typically designed to be more energy efficient: Optoma

Optoma is a visual solutions provider that has delivered stunning experiences to millions of people since 2000. For the last two decades, it has grown business to become one of the world’s leading large-display brands. It has demonstrated capabilities as a first-mover, innovator, and market leader and firmly established position as the world’s leading 4K UHD projector and DLP brand.

Vijay Sharma, Country Head, Optoma, tells us more. Excerpts from an interview:

DQ: When and why did Optoma start producing eco-friendly product designs?
 
Vijay Sharma: Optoma is a well-known manufacturer of projectors and interactive flat panels. Our focus started to turn towards impact on environment about a decade back, and we brought environment consciousness in manufacturing, logistics & other business functions. Adopting eco-friendly practices aligns with a commitment to sustainability and enhances a company's reputation. There is an increasing awareness and demand from consumers for environmentally friendly products.

Companies have chosen to go green to appeal to a growing market of environmentally conscious consumers. Implementing eco-friendly practices can sometimes lead to cost savings in the long run. For example, energy-efficient technologies may reduce operational costs over time. Going green can also be a source of innovation and product differentiation.

We designed products, which are energy-saving, mercury-free and pocket-friendly for the India market. Optoma’s new range of eco-friendly products are L1+, ZX350e, ZW350e, ZH350, AZX360ST, AZW360ST and AZH360ST and these products are made of recyclable materials that reduces 1265kg CO2e for 20,000 hours of usage, which can save about 1.8 acacia trees.

With the latest laser technology and higher power conversion efficiency, the product saves up to 47% of power consumption compared with a lamp-based projector at similar capacity.

DQ: Tell us about the materials used to make the sustainable range of products.
 
Vijay Sharma: At Optoma, we believe that sustainable product designs and manufacturing are essential to protecting our planet for generations to come. Optoma is taking an action today with product designs that have reduced carbon footprints, are free from hazardous chemicals, and make use of recycled and recyclable materials. What’s more, we are a driving force behind the transition to laser projection, a more energy-efficient technology that is superior to lamp projection in many ways.

The eco-friendly range is crafted with a composition of up to 50% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastics, while the packaging is comprised of up to 97% recyclable materials. The projector's compact size minimizes packaging, enhancing logistics efficiency and contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of FSC-certified paper for packaging, further underscoring the eco-conscious nature of our products.

DQ: Does a product become more costly as a result of its sustainable design?

Vijay Sharma: The cost of a product from Optoma, or any other manufacturer, is influenced by various factors, and sustainability is just one of them. In general, integrating sustainable design features can sometimes result in higher upfront costs due to the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient components and adherence to environmental standards. However, this doesn't always translate directly to a more expensive end product for consumers.
                                                     
DQ: Are environmentally-friendly items lighter than other products?
 
Vijay Sharma: Manufacturing industries, globally, are now increasingly prioritizing miniaturization. Our latest innovation in the eco-friendly category includes laser projectors characterized by their reduced size and enhanced portability. These cutting-edge products boast a lightweight design, with 50% of their composition derived from post-consumer recycled plastics.

In particular, our laser projectors represent a significant leap in compactness, with certain models being 40% smaller compared to their predecessors of equivalent capacity. This not only contributes to the reduction of physical footprint, but enhances ease of installation, making these projectors highly convenient for various settings.

Importantly, the downsizing of these projectors does not compromise their sustainability, aligning with our commitment to environmentally responsible practices. This new generation of products not only embodies a sleek and efficient design, but also reinforces our dedication to producing eco-conscious and sustainable solutions.

DQ: How do these eco-friendly items improve people's lives?
 
Vijay Sharma: Optoma’s eco-friendly products often have a lower carbon footprint and reduced impact on the environment. This can contribute to the overall well-being of the planet by minimizing resource depletion, pollution, and waste generation. These products are typically designed to be more energy efficient.

This not only helps users save on utility costs, but also contributes to the global effort to reduce energy consumption and combat climate change along with, low power consumption or long-lasting components, can lead to cost savings for consumers. This is not only beneficial for individual users but also for businesses that may see reduced operating expenses.

Some eco-friendly products are made from materials that are less harmful to human health. For example, products with fewer toxic chemicals or allergens can contribute to a healthier indoor environment.