Initiatives to reduce the use of new resources

To reach resource conservation targets, we reduced the sizes and weights of MFPs by setting specific weight targets for new models. For RICOH MP C6003, C5503, C4503, C3503, and C3003 series color MFPs that we launched in June 2013, we conducted extensive strength and impact simulations and developed lightweight frames to reduce plastic and sheet metal thicknesses while reinforcing faces and corners to lower deformation. The new models was more than 65% lighter than previous model. We reviewed paper transport paths and other areas to downsize duplexers and house them within the main units, thus shrinking footprints by 37%. These technologies are also utilized in the latest products*, and we are making effective use of resources and reducing the environmental impact by further reducing the size and weight.
^* RICOH IM C6010/C5510/C4510/C3510/C3010/C2510/C2010 (Launched in Feb. 2023)

We have stolen the march on the rest of the industry by developing an “internal staple-less finisher” that utilizes a crimp-style double staple without conventional metal staples. This finisher was launched in December 2013.
This staple-free stapling binds documents (up to five standard papers) together with pressure instead of metal staples, reducing the time and effort needed to sort documents for disposal. The resources required to manufacture metal staples are thus conserved, making this an eco-friendly approach, and staple-free stapling is seen as enhancing safety at production sites for food products or precision instruments concerned about foreign objects in products, as well as at childcare facilities eager to prevent accidents such as children accidentally swallowing small objects.
The internal staple-less finisher is not only eco-friendly but also safe and easy to use, and providing this function on a greater range of machines will help conserve even more resources.

Packaging material for product transportation has generally used polystyrene foam (EPS) until now, which is derived from fossil resources, but the Ricoh Group is working to switch this to recyclable paper packaging. In order to overcome the problem of shock absorption, we use shock simulation technology to achieve the same high shock absorption performance as EPS, even with paper packaging materials that are harder than EPS.
The packaging of RICOH IM 9000, 8000, and 7000 A3 monochrome MFPs that we launched in January 2021 incorporated 36% less plastics by weight than previous model as a result of switching from EPS to corrugated cardboard materials. The A3 Color MFPs“ RICOH IM C6010/C5510/C4510/C3510/C3010/C2510/C2010” released in February 2023 switched to a pulp mold that uses waste paper as raw materials and uses approximately 54% less plastic packaging material than its predecessor.
Furthermore, for the “Paper Feed Unit PB1200” option for the A4 monochrome MFPs “RICOH IM 460F/370F” released in July 2023, the use of white cardboard with superior surface properties compared to regular cardboard enabled the elimination of plastic bags previously used in product packaging, achieving “zero plastic usage.”*
^* Box sealing tape and product fixing tape are excluded

We jointly developed electric furnace steel plates with Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd., that offer the same quality as plates from blast furnaces. In 2012, we were the first in our industry to use these materials in office equipment.
Until then, plates from electric furnaces were mostly for construction material because of their strength. Ricoh specified the materials requirements for office equipment, with Tokyo Steel developing materials for plates that are just 2mm thick or less, improving electrical conductivity, and enhancing pressing and forming. Tokyo Steel employed its advanced impurity removal and rolling technologies to develop and produce high-performance steel plates for office equipment.
Ricoh high-speed MFPs and production printers incorporate these plates. We are also expanding the range of parts employing them. We will further reduce new resource inputs as we broaden the range of products in which we use these plates.

On-demand Direct Printing (ODP) Thermal media is a method in which a reactive ink developed by Ricoh is partially coated on package films, and printed directly by applying heat to the coated area with thermal head printer or laser marker. Information such as the product name and raw materials can be printed directly on the package, eliminating the need for thermal paper labels that were previously attached. Compared to thermal paper labels, GHG emissions per printable area can be reduced by 80% or more*.

^*Based on Ricoh research. The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology IDEA Ver3.2 is used to calculate GHG emissions.