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- Goal of achieving a “circular economy.”
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Promotion of sustainable environmental management
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 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.
- 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. - 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.
*1 Disposable plastic that is discarded after one use
*2 New plastic made from fossil resources
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.
1. Efficient use of resources at the product manufacturing stage
To reduce the amount of new resources used in the manufacturing processes, we are making our products smaller and lighter while using more recycled materials. Also, we design products for easier recycling after use.
We are also promoting the use of non-petroleum-based materials in preparation for possible risks, such as resource shortages, adverse impact on the environment and waste treatment issues.
Examples
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.
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.
Policy for the use of water
- Compliance with rules and regulations
Put a top priority on compliance with such rules and regulations as laws, local ordinances and agreements for which each business site is responsible - Effective use of water
Make every effort for effective use as much as possible - Conservation of local environment
Commitment to local environment conservation through communication with stakeholders - Work with Suppliers
Work with suppliers and understand water risk that exist in the supply chain and try to lower related risks
2. Effective use of resources at the stage of using products
Even in the stage where customers use Ricoh products, we will promote the provision of products and measures that will lead to resource recycling and long-term use so that we can contribute to the realization of a circular economy together with our customers.
3. Effective use of resources after product use
Based on the concept of the Comet Circle, we recover used products and parts and engage in the reuse and recycling of parts and materials. This is done to promote the effective use of resources through recycling with less environmental impacts and high economic efficiency.
