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Conservation of Biodiversity

Taking measures for biodiversity conservation

Policy/Basic Concept

Our human society is heavily dependent on the various benefits provided by the ecosystems on the earth, and biodiversity is closely related to these ecosystems. However, we are now losing biodiversity at an unprecedented and rapid pace due to the deterioration of the natural environment. Companies are required to assess the impact of their business activities on ecosystems, prevent the loss of biodiversity, and contribute to its restoration.
The Ricoh Group established the "Biodiversity Policy" in 2009, believing that the conservation of biodiversity would lead to the creation of a truly affluent and sustainable society. Furthermore, in 2010, we established the " Regulations on Wood Raw Materials for Ricoh Group Products" (an expansion of the "Environmental Regulations on Procurement of Paper Products" established in 2003) to prevent deforestation and to procure raw materials with due consideration for social aspects such as labor. In addition, in 2020, we set a goal of increasing the number of trees by 1 million by 2030 through forest conservation activities that both "conserve" and "increase" the number of forests. Based on these policies and regulations, we are working with various stakeholders to reduce the environmental impact of our business activities, at the same time, we are promoting efforts to maintain and enhance the regenerative capacity of the earth.

Biodiversity Policy

Based on the recognition that our society is nurtured by a rich global environment, and that the diverse living creatures that support that global environment are declining, we have established a Biodiversity Policy.

Basic Policy

Because we benefit from the lives of living creatures and our business activities have an impact on biodiversity, we will actively engage in activities to reduce our impact on biodiversity and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.

Regulations for Ricoh Group products made of wood

From the viewpoint of global environmental conservation and biodiversity protection, this provision must be established to confirm that the wood raw materials used in Ricoh brand products and their accessories are legally obtained with consideration for the sustainability of the place of origin in environmental and social aspects prior to the decision of procurement.

Scope of Regulation

It must apply to paper products marketed under the Ricoh Group brand (PPC paper, thermal paper, etc.) as well as materials made of wood, which accompany Ricoh Group brand products (seals, manuals, packaging material, cushion material, etc.).

Requirements for raw materials provided by suppliers

Confirmation of legality of wood in the country of origin at the time of production.
Wood produced from a forest where sustainable forest management is practiced without adverse environmental or social impact at the time of production.
The products delivered to the Ricoh Group do not use wood procured by a "Supplier with Problems."

Paper Procurement Policy

The policy is based on two criteria: "Paper* Standards" and "Supplier Standards."

Paper Standards(Requirements to procure paper)

  • Paper must be produced from forests that are managed in a sustainable manner and the legality of which has been verified.
  • Paper must not be produced from forests with high conservation value.
  • Virgin paper/recycled paper must have traceability.
  • Chemical substances used in production process of paper must be confirmed to be safe. 
  • Environmental and safety management must be under control in the paper manufacturing process (including wastewater and other water management).
  • The paper must be ECF chlorine-free bleached paper.

Supplier Standards(Requirements for procurement transactions)

  • Suppliers must comply with the laws and regulations of the region and country in which they operate, and they must conduct their operations and supply products with consideration for the environment, including climate change prevention, appropriate use of resources, and biodiversity conservation.
  • Human rights of local residents in the area where the company operates are protected and that the company sustains a good relationship with local residents.
  • Human rights of workers and employees are protected and there is no relationship with antisocial forces or groups.

*Target: PPC paper, paper rolls, and Ricoh brand paper

Structures/Systems

To continuously discuss mid- to long-term issues of the Ricoh Group in the areas of environment, society, and governance at the management level, the ESG Committee, chaired by the CEO, was established in May 2018.
The committee meets once every quarter with the participation of Senior Management to discuss the status of initiatives, issues, and investment decisions related to ESG themes, such as biodiversity, as important themes for management. Its deliberations are regularly reported to the Board of Directors, which then supervises the execution of ESG activities at a high level.

Map of Relationships between businesses and biodiversity

The Ricoh Group promotes biodiversity conservation activities by clarifying the relationship between its business activities and ecosystems. To clarify the relationship between its business activities and ecosystems, the Ricoh Group created the "Map of Relationships between Businesses and Biodiversity," which shows a comprehensive map of the relationship between the ecosystem and the life cycle of products, land use, and other factors. As a result, we found that in the imaging business, the procurement of raw materials such as paper pulp and metal resources, as well as paper resources, have a large impact on the ecosystem. To reduce environmental impact, we are also promoting the use of recycled paper and recycled materials. In addition, business units and stakeholders are working together (See Chart 1) to procure raw materials with consideration for biodiversity.

Image:Map of Relationships between businesses and biodiversity

[Chart 1] Stakeholders and Roles Related to "Regulations for Ricoh Group products made of wood"

Image:Stakeholders and Roles Related to “Regulations for Ricoh Group products made of wood”

We have established a system to comply with and implement the "Regulations for Ricoh Group Products Made of Wood". We are also working with stakeholders outside the Ricoh Group to promote our initiatives.

Targets and Performance

Click here for information on biodiversity conservation efforts.

Initiatives

Protecting local indigenous biodiversity

  • Ricoh’s forest conservation activities - One Million Trees Project

Forest conservation projects

  • Project for the conservation of the Afan forest in Kurohime, Nagano
  • Project for the conservation of Yanbaru forest
  • Project for the Restoration of Mangrove Forests in the Central Selangor Coast in Malaysia
  • Mangrove Restoration Project in Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico

Forest development through cooperative work with stakeholders

  • Ena forest project(Ricoh owned forest)
  • Ricoh Collaborative Forest Shimokumeda
  • Ricoh’s Forest Nirasaki
  • Forest of Yanbaru
  • Donguriko-no-mori forest
  • Kanmu Ricoh’s Forest
  • Ricoh Japan Nanairo-no-mori forest

Forest development activities by our employee

  • "That's Kirin Saver" project: Working with local communities to conserve Satoyama
  • Forest conservation activities at Ricoh Chiba Fureai-no-Mori forest