Ricoh, a global leader in imaging and electronics, has long recognized that environmental responsibility is not just a corporate duty but a core business imperative. Its vision for sustainable business is deeply integrated into every facet of its operations, from product development to global logistics, supply chain management, and corporate governance. This commitment is driven by a holistic approach that balances economic growth with ecological stewardship and social responsibility.
1. Environmental Vision and Philosophy
Ricoh’s environmental vision is anchored in the belief that long-term business success is inseparable from the health of the planet. The company’s Environmental Declaration, which outlines its commitment to achieving a sustainable society, serves as a guiding principle for its operations. Ricoh aims to reduce its environmental impact to one-eighth of its current levels by 2050—a goal that reflects its dedication to fighting climate change and conserving global ecosystems.
2. Climate Action and Carbon Neutrality
Ricoh has set ambitious climate-related goals, including:
Net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain by 2050
Use of 100% renewable electricity across all its business operations by 2050, as part of the RE100 initiative
Establishing Science Based Targets (SBTs) aligned with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C
To achieve this, Ricoh invests in clean energy, energy-efficient production processes, and green logistics. It also actively promotes the adoption of energy-saving technologies across its products and services.
3. Circular Economy and Resource Conservation
Ricoh is a pioneer in implementing circular economy principles. The company’s Comet Circle™ model encourages a lifecycle approach, emphasizing:
Reuse and recycling of products and materials
Design for disassembly and recyclability in its products
Reduction of virgin material use in manufacturing
Through remanufacturing programs like GreenLine, Ricoh gives used devices a second life by restoring them to like-new condition, significantly reducing environmental burden while offering cost-effective solutions to customers.
4. Sustainable Product Design
Ricoh incorporates sustainability at the design phase of all its products. This includes:
Reducing product size and weight to lower transportation emissions
Using bioplastics and recycled materials
Enhancing energy efficiency and low-emissions performance
Meeting international environmental certifications such as ENERGY STAR®, Blue Angel, and EPEAT
These efforts not only contribute to environmental protection but also deliver value to customers seeking eco-friendly business solutions.
5. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation
Ricoh supports global biodiversity through initiatives such as:
Forest conservation and reforestation projects
Wetland restoration and wildlife habitat protection
Employee engagement in local environmental clean-ups and education
One example is the Ricoh Global Eco Action, an annual campaign that raises environmental awareness among employees and communities around the world.
6. Transparent Reporting and ESG Integration
Ricoh is committed to transparency and accountability in its environmental efforts. It publishes comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports in alignment with global standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
By integrating sustainability into its core business strategy, Ricoh ensures that environmental considerations guide decision-making at every level.
7. Partnerships and Global Engagement
Ricoh collaborates with international organizations, industry groups, and NGOs to amplify its environmental impact. As a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, Ricoh supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 15: Life on Land
These partnerships help Ricoh stay at the forefront of environmental innovation and global sustainability dialogue.
Conclusion
Ricoh’s commitment to the environment is more than just a corporate responsibility—it’s a foundational principle that shapes how the company operates, innovates, and grows. By aligning business success with environmental integrity, Ricoh is not only reducing its ecological footprint but also creating long-term value for society, customers, and future generations. In doing so, Ricoh exemplifies what it means to be a truly sustainable business in the 21st century.
