Epson and the environment
We all have a role to play in building a better future. For Epson, being a sustainable company means being mindful of every aspect of our organisation – from the smallest lightbulb to the largest factory. It fuels our innovation, drives our growth, motivates our workforce and, ultimately, to contribute to society. It is also an essential part of how we work with our partners across the supply chain.
Key conditions
Reduce the environmental impact of our manufacturing processes, products and services.
Achieve sustainability in a circular economy and advance the frontiers of industry and establish recycling systems through open and unique innovation.
Contribute to international environmental initiatives.
Some of our achievements so far
New Perspective
Launched digital inkjet textile printers and business inkjet printers equipped with high-yield replaceable ink packs that positively impact the behaviour and businesses of customers.
Products
Provided eco-conscious products such as extremely compact, energy-efficient printers, and projectors that use a laser light source to deliver a long service life.
Production
Achieved the CO₂ emissions reduction target for the Epson Group as a whole. CO₂ emissions in FY15 were reduced by 43% compared to FY06 (the target was 35%).
Eco Community
Conducted environmental education and community service programmes around the world using Epson products and technologies.
Goals
New Perspective
Going beyond only reducing the environmental impact of products themselves, Epson proposes new products, services, functions and applications that change the behaviour and businesses of customers.
Products
Create compelling, customer-pleasing products that have a 50% lower impact across their life cycle by making them smaller and lighter, reducing their power requirements, while designing them for easy recycling, and extending their service life.
Production
Achieve efficient, low-impact production processes that provide underlying support for more environmentally-friendly products in conjunction with programmes that reduce total costs and raise quality.
Eco Community
We are challenging ourselves to achieve new socially and economically sustainable practices through environmental community action centred on products and services.
The importance of our goals for Europe
Epson’s European sustainability report, entitled The Green Choice, lays out its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) across the business. It highlights the strides made in energy, water and CO₂ savings across Epson’s European footprintorganisation; its commitment throughout its supply chain and manufacturing; and, its dedication to creating environmentally conscious products that allow businesses to reduce their environmental footprints.
Harmony, collaboration, and environmental commitment
Epson was founded in 1942 in Suwa, a city located in the rich natural environment of Nagano Prefecture. Harmonious co-existence with the communities in which we operate has long been a cornerstone of the company, and even as our operations have expanded globally, our culture of respect for the environment has never wavered. We demonstrated this in 1988, when Epson became the world’s first company to announce that it would eliminate ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from its operations.
1942 - 2010+
1942 Pollution control
Epson began treating wastewater discharged from its site so as to avoid polluting nearby Lake Suwa. In the 1970s, as pollution became a social issue, Epson stepped up its pollution control efforts and established tough new internal environmental standards with stricter water quality limits than required by legislation.
1983 Energy saving programs
Since 1980 Epson has carried out programmes to save energy by setting energy reduction targets, conducting site energy patrols, installing energy-efficient equipment, and much more. In 1983, the Shoen Plant (now part of the Hirooka office) installed a system with microcontrollers to control lighting fixtures within the factory. The dramatic energy savings that resulted prompted the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan to recognise the Shoen Plant with a Good Lighting Award.
1988 CFC-free declaration
In 1988, a year that would become the first benchmark year for Epson’s environmental programmes, Epson became the world’s first company to announce that it would completely phase out the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in its global operations. Thanks to an intensive Epson Group-wide effort to eliminate these ozone-depleting substances, we became CFC-free in Japan in 1992 and worldwide the following year.
1991 Cleaning center
After quickly establishing CFC-free technology, Epson actively supported the efforts of partner companies (outside and on-site contractors) to eliminate the use of CFCs. As part of this effort, Epson set up a shared, CFC-free cleaning center in the former Shimauchi Plant and invited partners to use it.
1992 CFC-elimination programme recognition
In 1992 Epson received the first of six consecutive Stratospheric Ozone Protection Awards (both Corporate and Individual Awards) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in recognition of the company's CFC-elimination programme and individual accomplishments therein.
Tsuneya Nakamura, then chairman of Seiko Epson, commented at the time, "When it became clear that CFCs were damaging the ozone layer, we quickly made a decision to phase them out of our operations. At first, I didn't think the decision was that big of a deal. Only later, when we were selected for this honour, did it dawn on me what we had accomplished."
1993 Local programs go global
Volunteer programmes sprouted up across the Epson Group to foster harmony with local communities. In 1993, Epson America, Inc. (EAI) won a Waste Reduction Award from the state of California for its volunteer coastal cleanup programme as well as its waste reduction efforts.
1998 The second environmental benchmark year
In 1998, a decade after the launch of the CFC elimination programme and the year that Epson uses as its second environmental benchmark year, Epson established a general environmental action plan for addressing a range of environmental problems and formed six expert committees.
Environmental Product Committee
Energy Saving Committee
Zero Emissions Committee
Product Recycling Committee
Chemical Substance Control Committee
Green Purchasing Committee
1999 Began publishing environmental reports
In 1999 Epson began publishing an annual environmental report to inform the public of its environmental actions and to get public feedback that could be used to help shape future actions. In 2003 we began publishing an annual Sustainability Report that covers not only our environmental actions but also our social programmes.
2000 Energy patrols
In 2000, in response to requests from local businesses and organisations looking for ways to save energy at their own sites, Epson teamed up with some other companies operating in Nagano to form the Suwa Regional Energy Patrol Team. The team visits local businesses, offices, and other facilities to assess their energy use and recommend ways to reduce their energy consumption. In 2005, as the benefits of the programme gained broader recognition, a new Shinshu Energy Patrol Team was formed to provide expanded coverage over all of Nagano Prefecture. A similar programme was launched in Taiwan in 2010.
2000 Reforestation project support
As a way of contributing to Indonesia, a country where Epson has manufacturing operations, Epson established a reforestation programme on Kalimantan, an island that has been rapidly losing its tropical rainforests. Enlisting the help of The Japan International Forestry Promotion & Cooperation Center and working closely with the Indonesian government, Epson replanted and maintained the "Epson Forest," a roughly 300 hectare area, up until 2008. By adopting an agroforestry approach, wherein agricultural crops are planted along with trees, this project not only restored a forest in decline but also improved the lives of local inhabitants.
2001 ISO 14001 Certification
Epson was quick to acquire certification for compliance with ISO 14001 as a way to help ensure the continuation and effectiveness of its environmental programs. In 1995 U.K. affiliate Epson Telford Ltd. (ETL) earned certification for BS7750 (a British Standard for environmental management systems on which ISO 14001 is based). By 2001, all of Epson's major manufacturing and non-manufacturing sites around the globe had acquired ISO14001 certification.
2001 Epson Ecology Labels
In 2000 Epson began the Epson Ecology Label Programme. Under this programme, we used labels to provide consumers with information about the environmental attributes (self-declared) of Epson products and to promote the creation of eco-conscious products. The LP-9400 (EPL-N7000 in some regions) page printer, released in 2001, was the first product to qualify for a label.
2003 green purchasing of production materials
We started a standardised, global program to guarantee that certain banned substances are kept out of our supply chain. This program serves to assure that the parts and raw materials procured by Epson Group companies anywhere in the world meet criteria published in the Epson Group Green Purchasing Standard for Production Materials.
Click here for more information about green purchasing.
2003 Zero emissions program
We launched a 'zero emissions' program in 1997. The goals of this program are to recycle 100% of the emissions generated by our business activities (Level 1) and to reduce our total emissions (Level 2). By 2003 every Epson site around the world had achieved Level 1. Presently, we are working to reduce the volume of waste itself and to achieve a higher level of recycling.
2008 Environmental Vision 2050
To do what we can to fundamentally address the deepening problem of global warming, we established Environmental Vision 2050, a document that states Epson's long-range environmental goals.
2010 SE15 Mid-Term Environmental Policy
Epson's SE15 Mid-Term Environmental Policy sets out the first milestones along the path toward achieving Environmental Vision 2050.
2010 New perspective
We launched the SurePress L-4033A. This digital label press was designed with a view toward using innovative Epson products and technologies to reduce environmental impacts during use. Employing Epson's Micro Piezo technology, the SurePress offers label manufacturers a dramatically lower environmental impacts than traditional analog label presses.
2012 Pursuing compactness
To improve the basic eco-performance of our printers and to provide users with more installation options, we completely revamped the design for compactness. The Expression Premium XP-600 inkjet printer has smaller mechanisms and a new, slimmer type of print head and ink cartridge, making them significantly smaller in every dimension than its predecessor the Artisan 730.
2014 Changing office printing
Epson's advanced inkjet technology is driving changes in office printing by accelerating the shift from laser to inkjet. Office inkjet printers equipped with high-capacity ink packs save resources and time by dramatically reducing the need to replace consumables, and reduce the work involved in replacing, ordering, managing, and transporting consumables inventory. And with no heat used in printing, Epson inkjets use far less power than laser printers.
2015 Recycling paper in the office
Epson has developed technology that will change the paper cycle, give new value to used paper, and stimulate in-office recycling. The PaperLab paper recycler, scheduled for commercial release in Japan in 2016, uses Epson's original Dry Fibre Technology to securely destroy confidential documents and recycle them without using precious water resources5.
2017 OnePlanet Summit
Epson joins in companies’ call for accelerated climate action: Two years after the ground-breaking adoption of the Paris Agreement (December 12th, 2015) we are proud to be one of the 54 global companies to call for ambitious climate action as a basis for future economic success as part of the OnePlanet Summit.
Create
To produce with a minimum of materials and energy, and prevent unnecessary emissions
We aim to:
Reduce the use of raw materials and resources
Take action to reuse, reduce or recycle waste and to prevent pollution
Support a recovery and recycling route for used products
ISO 14001: environmental policy
We endeavour to reduce the environmental impact of our activities by ensuring that we comply with environmental legislation and related environmental requirements in the countries in which we operate. Furthermore, we are committed to preventing pollution and, in cooperation with our group companies and third party suppliers, we continually seek means to improve on our environmental performance.
ISO 9001: quality policy
Our quality principles are based on the concept of customer orientation. We aim to reach a high standard of personal and corporate excellence to achieve ongoing customer satisfaction.
Epson Europe Sustainable Development Goals Policy
The United Nations launched the 17 Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) in 2015 as a plan of action for our people, planet, and future prosperity. Epson is fully committed to the SDGs.
Potential Epson customer energy cost CO₂ savings⁶
By switching to Epson business inkjet our customers could have saved up to €65.7m Euros on their energy bill and up to 124K tonnes of CO₂ over two years.
TCO product finder
TCO Certified is a global sustainability certification for IT products, founded over 25 years ago. Criteria include socially responsible manufacturing, environment, user health, safety and ergonomic design. All criteria are developed from a life cycle perspective, covering manufacturing, use and end-of-life phases.
Blue Angel product finder
The Blue Angel is the ecolabel of the federal government of Germany since 1978. The Blue Angel sets high standards for environmentally friendly product design and has proven itself over the past 40 years as a reliable guide for a more sustainable consumption.
Environmentally-conscious products
XP-8500
Compact and lightweight design offers the customer more freedom when it comes to installation location and reduces the environmental impact.
Compact and lightweight design contributes resource saving.
- The XP-8500 is approximately 10% smaller and 7% lighter than the XP-750.
Energy saving
Sleep mode's energy consumption is less than 1W
It uses approximately 67% less energy in sleep mode than the XP-750.
Compact SCARA robots
Epson's industrial robots have led the industry for over 30 years thanks to their innovativeness and reliability. And Epson has maintained the top share of the global market for SCARA robots for six consecutive years⁸.
Compact all-in-one SCARA robots increase productivity and save space by automating simple tasks and replacing single-axis robots.
Equipped with a built-in controller to save space
Run on AC 100v, using 30% less power than comparable Epson robot systems⁹
No batteries required for the motor unit, thus reducing resource use, maintenance, and factory downtime
EB-L25000U
The high-output laser light source has a long service life and helps shrink the size of the optical engine.
The EB-L25000U supports major events with stunning image productions and a level of reliability that only a laser light source can deliver.
It integrates a laser-light source with an inorganic phosphor wheel and inorganic LCD panels for up to 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free use.
Compact, lightweight design, improved robustness, and easy installation.
-Smaller, lighter mirrors, LCD panels, and other main components in the optical engine.
-A pipe frame and baseplate structure ensure a durable, knock-resistant case.
BT-300
Compact and lightweight, the Moverio BT-300 is comfortable to wear, even for an extended period of time.
Compact and lightweight design contributes resource saving
- Headset is approx. 22% lighter than BT-200, approx. 71% lighter than BT-100.
Epson Stylus Pro WT7900
The Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 boasts the industry's first water-based white ink. That helps reduce the burden on the environment while offering improved operational flexibility and efficiency.
Employing ultra low-odour water-based inks, the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 does not require a special operating environment.
Low-power because there is no need for heaters, lamps, or ventilation equipment used with solvent-based or UV-curable ink printers.
ENERGY STAR® qualified
TM-m30/TM-m10
A compact receipt printer suitable for tablet POS environments. It combines a compact and stylish body with environmental performance.
The sleek and stylish TM-m10 and TM-m30 receipt printers are approximately 71% and 46% smaller than Epson’s TM-T20II, making them ideal for tablet POS environments and register counter spaces.
Equipped with a host of energy-saving features, the TM-m10 and TM-m30 consume about 81% and 78% less power than the TM-T20II¹⁰
Paper-saving functions conserve resources and cut costs.
TM-S9000MJ
As an all-in-one product, the TM-S9000MJ offers a lower environmental impacts while also lightening the work load of tellers by efficiently processing checks electronically.
Support the digitalisation of the cheque settlement process and also greatly reduce the environmental impacts related to physically transporting checks.
The functions necessary for the tellers are integrated in one unit, reducing the environmental impacts related to energy use, resources and so on by making separate equipment unnecessary.
Seiko Astron SBXB003¹¹
The 8X series is the second generation of Astron GPS solar watches, the world's first watches capable of quickly pinpointing your position and capturing the local time anywhere on Earth. Watches in the series sport a new chronograph (stopwatch function) and dual-time display, yet are about 30% smaller¹² than the first-generation 7X series and are about 40% more energy efficient.
The development of new core components, including the GPS module, power supply system and antenna enabled Epson to reduce the size and increase the energy efficiency of the 8X series compared to the 7X series.
The solar panel eliminates the need for a battery replacement or an external charger.
Support
Visit our support page to find drivers, software, manuals, FAQs and how to contact us.
¹ Non-renewable resources such as oil and metals
² 3,639 IT decision makers and employees across France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK, FTI Consulting, commissioned by Epson 2015.
³ Wastlund, Reinikka, Norlander & Archer, 2005: http://www.radford.act.edu.au/storage/reading-on-screens-v-paper.pdf.
⁵ To understand these figures and how they can benefit your business please visit www.epson.eu/maketheswitch.
⁶ A small amount of water is used to maintain a certain level of humidity inside the system.
⁷ Calculated on Epson business inkjets sold over the last two calendar years (CY16, CY17) in EU6 markets, over an average usage for the products of four years.
Calculation methodology is proven by TÜV Rheinland.
⁸ Visit www.epson.eu/maketheswitch for more information.
⁹ Market share based on revenue of industrial SCARA robots, 2011-2016. (Source: Fuji Keizai "2012 - 2017 Worldwide Robot Market and Future Outlook")
¹⁰ Compared with an Epson LS3 SCARA robot
¹¹ Comparison when connected to Ethernet (230 V)
¹² This product is sold by the Seiko Watch Corporation.
¹³ Compared to the watch head (case) of the models in the 7X series, which were released in 2012.