We are dedicated to sustainable product design: Optoma

Optoma is a manufacturer of award-winning projectors for business, education, professional audio/video and home entertainment. It is also dedicated to sustainable product design, using materials and practices that help protect the environment.

Vijay Sharma, MD, Optoma Technology (I) Pvt Ltd, Optoma, tells us more. Excerpts from an interview: 

DQ: When and why did Optoma start producing eco-friendly product designs?

Vijay Sharma: Optoma began focusing on eco-friendly product designs around a decade ago as part of a broader commitment to sustainability. This shift was driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally friendly products. By adopting eco-friendly practices in manufacturing, logistics, and other business functions, Optoma aimed to enhance its reputation and appeal to a growing market of environmentally conscious consumers.

The company's eco-friendly initiatives not only align with sustainability goals but also offer potential cost savings. For instance, energy-efficient technologies can reduce operational costs over time. Additionally, these practices foster innovation and product differentiation in a competitive market.

Optoma has launched several eco-friendly products specifically for the Indian market, including models like L1+, ZX350e, and ZH350. These projectors are designed to be energy-saving, mercury-free, and made from recyclable materials.

Remarkably, they can reduce carbon emissions by 1,265 kg CO2e over 20,000 hours of usage, which is equivalent to saving about 1.8 acacia trees. The incorporation of advanced laser technology also leads to significant power savings—up to 47% compared to traditional lamp-based projectors of similar capacity.
 
DQ: Tell us about the materials used to make the sustainable range of products.

Vijay Sharma: Optoma is dedicated to sustainable product design, using materials and practices that help protect the environment. Our eco-friendly range incorporates up to 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint of our products.

In addition, the packaging for these products is made from up to 97% recyclable materials, further promoting sustainability. The compact design of the projectors not only minimizes material use but also enhances logistics efficiency, leading to lower carbon emissions during transportation.

We also prioritize the use of FSC-certified paper for our packaging, ensuring that our materials are sourced responsibly. This holistic approach reflects our commitment to creating products that are not only high-performing but also environmentally conscious, supporting a healthier planet for future generations.

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

Vijay Sharma: While it is true that incorporating sustainable designs can lead to a marginal increase in costs, this expense is often justifiable when considering the broader environmental benefits. Sustainable products are typically made from higher-quality, eco-friendly materials and utilize advanced technologies, which may contribute to initial costs. However, these investments are essential for achieving significant reductions in carbon footprints and minimizing harmful waste.

Moreover, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial costs. Sustainable products can lead to savings in energy consumption, reduced operational expenses, and increased durability, translating into lower total cost of ownership over time. Additionally, investing in sustainable practices helps foster innovation and can enhance a company’s brand reputation, attracting environmentally conscious consumers.

Ultimately, prioritizing sustainability, not only aligns with global environmental goals, but also supports the transition to a more responsible and circular economy. However, this doesn't always translate directly to a more expensive end product for consumers and it’s a worthwhile trade-off for creating a healthier planet and promoting a sustainable future.
 
DQ: Are environmentally-friendly items lighter than other products?
 
Vijay Sharma: Today, manufacturing industries, globally, are 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 also 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.