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Promotion of sustainable environmental management
Goal of achieving a “circular economy.”

Contributing to achievement of a circular economy

In order to achieve a sustainable society in the future without depleting the earth’s limited resources, it is necessary to realize a “recycling-oriented society” where the greatest effects are generated with the least amount of resources and energy.
Ricoh supports the realization of a recycling-oriented society through our efforts to efficiently circulate resources at each of the three stages: 1.when products are manufactured, 2.when products and services are used by customers, and 3.after products are used.

Ricoh Group Circular Economy Report

Ricoh Group Circular Economy Report

We report on our efforts toward a circular economy. This report summarizes the Ricoh Group’s basic approach to sustainability, its policy for realizing circular economy, and the risks and opportunities for us.

Ricoh Group Circular Economy Report 2022 (28P/4.63MB)


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Ricoh Group Circular Economy Report 2021(28P/6.74MB)

Ricoh Group Plastic Policy for products/Specific targets and goals for plastic

Ricoh Group Plastic Policy for products

Ricoh has set targets for resource conservation for the realization of a Circular Economy. To achieve this, we are promoting “a comprehensively efficient use and recycling of resources” and “switching to sustainable resource use”. In addition, while aiming to address social issues by “shifting to a Circular Economy” and tackling “ocean micro-plastic pollution”, we will establish a plastic policy for products and packaging materials as shown below and develop relevant business activities.

  1. Breakaway from dependence on virgin plastic derived from fossil resources
    By reducing the usage of single-use plastics*1 and expanding the usage of recycled plastics, we aim to reduce the usage of virgin plastics*2 derived from fossil resources.
  2. *1 Disposable plastic that is discarded after one use
    *2 New plastic made from fossil resources

  3. Material recyclable design
    By precisely identifying and marking materials and using a single material, we aim to recycle parts and packaging materials without thermal recovery or landfill.

Scope: Plastics used in Ricoh brand products and packaging materials

Specific targets and goals for Plastic

  • Reduction in packaging materials for virgin plastic derived from fossil resources
      Goals for 2030: 50% or more, compared to the conventional model.
  • Use of post-consumer recycled plastics for imaging products
      Goals for 2030: Post-consumer recycled plastic content rate of 50% or more.
  • Display resin identification code and single material use
      Goals for 2025: Clearly indicated on all parts and all packaging materials.
Specific targets and goals for plastic Performance in FY2021 Supplementary explanation for actual performance
Reduction in packaging materials for virgin plastic derived from fossil resources
-Goals for 2030: 50% or more, compared to the conventional model.
8.6% By increasing the installation on MFPs and printers, our core products, and expanding the use to supplies, we are steadily increasing the usage in line with the plan.
Use of post-consumer recycled plastics for imaging products
-Goals for 2030: 50% or more reduction reduction compared to 2020 level.
+5.3% Although we have reduced the amount of styrene foam used for product packaging of high-speed MFPs, the total amount has increased due to an increase in shipments of supplies products that heavily use polyethylene bags. We will continue to implement initiatives in line with the plan for both the MFPs and supplies.
Display resin identification code and single material use
-Goals for 2025: Clearly indicated on all parts and all packaging materials.
Completed reflection in the Design for Environment policy document and establishment of rules. Material labeling and use of single material is expected to be completed by 2025, as targeted.

Water Policy

Ricoh is committed to reduction and recycling of waste emissions from our business activities. We work on limiting the loss of resources by improving quality and yield. We also work on the sorting of waste materials generated from manufacturing processes so that they can be recycled or treated properly. We are continuing these efforts in resource management.
In recent years, water shortages and other water resource issues have occurred on a global scale due to an increase in the global population, economic growth in developing countries and climate change. Ricoh relies upon the "Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas" of the World Resources Institute (WRI) to confirm the water risk at each of its business sites. The WRI is an international environmental NGO whose mission is to protect the earth’s environment.

Identifying Water Stressed Areas (81KB)

Giving serious consideration to the conservation of local environments, Ricoh uses water resources as efficiently as possible following the goals we set for the whole group.

Water Policy

  1. We base our actions on the recognition that all people have the right to safe and secure water resources.
  2. We understand our business impact on water resources, factoring in regional characteristics and setting activity targets.
  3. We manage water resources in compliance with laws and regulations, international standards and initiatives, and public policies.
  4. We innovate technologies to help resolve internal and external water resource issues.
  5. We endeavor to raise awareness among all employees, with each of them engaging with stakeholders to help resolve community water resource issues.
  6. We consider resource conservation, climate change, and pollution prevention when procuring raw materials, products and services, and equipment.