There was a time when printers and copying machines required regular professional maintenance. This changed in 1982, when Canon developed the world's first all-in-one toner cartridge for copying machines, adopting a design that enabled users to easily perform cartridge replacement. This cartridge integrates into a single unit all parts that require frequent maintenance, including the photosensitive drum, charging unit, cleaner, and developer, along with the toner reservoir. Canon has acquired several hundred patents for its all-in-one toner cartridge innovations.

Canon also developed slim all-in-one toner cartridges for its color LBPs, allowing users to replace all consumable parts simply by replacing the four color cartridges.

Canon has also been collecting and recycling used toner cartridges worldwide since 1990.