Epson is taking giant steps towards sustainability and is a pioneer of new technologies that solve current environmental challenges
As a global technology leader, Epson has released its 2023/24 European Sustainability / ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Report. It describes the progress the company has made in the past year towards achieving the goal of carbon negativity and zero use of underground resources by 2050. It also highlights how Epson is using its technologies to innovate practical and scalable solutions to tackle the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world.
Key achievements in FY23 include:
- Reduction of emissions from business trips by 19%.
- Deliveries from factories in Asia are optimized to reduce future CO2 emissions by 10-50% per container.
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) supported by the introduction of comprehensive executive training and company-wide e-learning initiatives.
- A 100% plastic-free status was achieved for all marketing materials available at points of sale.
“As a Japanese company, we have a deep-rooted respect for nature and sustainable practices,” explains Epson Europe President Takanori Inaho. “We have always followed the principle of Sho Sho Sei, which embodies a commitment to continuous improvement in the development of our high-tech compact, efficient and precise products.”
“Our latest ESG report highlights how we apply the same care and are able to think about how our own technologies can be developed to contribute to practical and scalable climate solutions. We are fully aware of our responsibility to mitigate the impact we have on the planet and are deeply committed to finding ways to creatively use our pioneering technology to address some of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world.”
The report highlights Epson’s key achievements in implementing its European ESG strategy, which focuses on four core pillars:
Decarbonization — In the past year, Epson has made tangible progress towards its decarbonisation goals. Business travel emissions have been reduced by 19% and deliveries to customers from Asian factories have been optimized, which can lead to a 10-50% reduction in CO2 emissions per container in the future.
Epson has announced plans to build a biomass power plant in Japan that will use energy from organic waste, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. At the same time, it is developing carbon capture technology that will limit residual CO2 emissions.
Pushing the boundaries of the department – Epson continues to use pioneering ways of developing technologies to address wider societal challenges in the area of sustainability. The company has partnered with the Hong Kong Textile and Apparel Research Institute (HKRITA) to extend its proprietary Dry Fiber Technology (DFT), originally used for paper recycling, to separate densely woven textile fibers that cannot currently be separated for recycling. This increases the scope of DFT’s tasks in solving the challenges of the circular economy.
Epson has also teamed up with Japanese designer Yui Nakazato and the biotech company Spiber Inc. behind Brewed Protein TM, a synthetic protein fiber made by fermentation. Nakazato’s latest collection for Paris Fashion Week used Epson’s advanced pigment inkjet printing on Brewed Protein, as traditional analogue printing would not have been possible. This breakthrough expands creative possibilities for designers to adopt more sustainable fashion practices.
Fulfilling our social responsibility – In addition to its core business, Epson is deeply committed to ethical and responsible behavior within human society. The company strengthened its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and introduced comprehensive one-on-one training for DE&I managers and a company-wide e-learning initiative. Epson’s Indonesian factories have once again been awarded platinum status by the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) for ethical work practices, environmental care and corporate social responsibility in the global supply chain.
Enhanced management — Epson has again received a certificate from the certified body Bureau Veritas for aligning its business activities with the goals of sustainable development. As a pioneer in this field, Epson was the first technology company to receive certified recognition for integrating sustainable development goals into its operations.
Boris Manev, Sustainability Director at Epson Europe BV, further explains: “We have a clear vision: To be a pioneer of sustainable innovation and to set new standards in the field of environmental responsibility. We believe that sustainability and business success are not mutually exclusive, which we demonstrate through pioneering initiatives such as advancing textile recycling and working with fashion industry leaders to innovate more sustainable solutions. Our investments in carbon capture and renewable energy, including the development of a new biomass power plant, are key milestones on our way to a carbon negative future. These initiatives reflect our deep commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.”
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovative solutions enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company focuses on solving social issues through innovations in the field of home, corporate, commercial and industrial printing, production, projection and at the same time lifestyle. Epson aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and eliminate the use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metals.
Led by Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the global Epson Group achieves annual sales in excess of JPY 1 billion.
Source: www.nextech.sk
