Pollution Prevention -Concept, Targets and Results-

In order to minimize the adverse impact caused by environmentallysensitive chemical substances contained in our products, we are committed to building a system to reduce and strictly manage such substances in all manufacturing processes including those conducted by suppliers. Because environmentally-sensitive chemical substances need to be treated individually when products containing them are disposed of, reducing the use of these substances in products will also considerably reduce the recycling cost in addition to lessening the environmental impact a product has during its lifecycle.
In addition, for more comfortable and safer use of our products by customers, we are proactively conducting activities to reduce the emissions of ozone, dust and VOCs^* from the use of our products, and ensuring the safety of supplies to be used with the products through management systems built to our own criteria.

• *VOCs: Volatile organic compounds

Strengthen the system for management and communication to comply with the REACH Regulation.

Observe Ricoh standards that cover such substances as ozone, dust, and VOCs.

Concerning emissions of environmentally sensitive substances generated by products, Ricoh was able to quickly satisfy the Blue Angel requirements, which came into force in January 2007. All the copiers, multifunctional copiers, and printers in the 20 series launched in fiscal 2010 meet Ricoh standards for ozone, dust, and VOCs.

We will continue our efforts to further reduce the use of environmentally sensitive substances in products.

• *1Ricoh standards also meet the Blue Angel requirements.
• *2Figures indicate the number of product series, including copiers, multifunctional copiers, and printers, launched in fiscal 2009 that achieved these standards.

Control of Chemical Substances
Regulatory Compliance