Ricoh, a global leader in imaging and electronics, has long recognized that environmental responsibility is not just an ethical obligation, but also a strategic imperative. At the heart of Ricoh’s corporate philosophy lies a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This vision extends beyond compliance, seeking to integrate environmental considerations into every facet of its business operations—from product design and manufacturing to logistics, energy consumption, and customer engagement.
1. A Long-Term Environmental Vision
Ricoh has established a long-term environmental vision, aiming to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. This ambitious target is part of Ricoh’s broader commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to climate action, responsible consumption, and innovation.
Ricoh’s roadmap includes:
Reducing the environmental impact of its business activities.
Promoting a circular economy.
Encouraging suppliers and customers to embrace sustainable practices.
Investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.
2. The Ricoh Eco Action Plan
To operationalize its environmental vision, Ricoh developed the Ricoh Group Environmental Action Plan. This detailed framework outlines mid-term and long-term targets focused on:
Energy Conservation: Minimizing energy use through efficient manufacturing and logistics.
Resource Conservation and Recycling: Promoting the reuse and recycling of materials to extend product life cycles and reduce waste.
Pollution Prevention: Ensuring safe management of chemical substances and reducing emissions.
Biodiversity Conservation: Supporting global initiatives and local conservation efforts.
3. Sustainable Product Design and Innovation
Ricoh’s product development emphasizes the “Design for Environment” (DfE) principle. This involves:
Creating energy-efficient devices with minimal environmental impact.
Using recycled and recyclable materials in products and packaging.
Innovating in digital services and managed print solutions that help customers reduce paper usage and carbon footprint.
Examples include:
ENERGY STAR®-certified printers and copiers.
Toner cartridge recycling and take-back programs.
Solutions for paperless workflows and cloud-based document management.
4. Circular Economy Initiatives
Ricoh supports a circular economy by designing products that are easier to disassemble, repair, and recycle. Their Comet Circle™ concept represents a holistic approach to resource efficiency, involving every stakeholder—from material suppliers to end-users and recycling companies.
Key practices include:
Refurbishment and resale of used equipment.
Collection and remanufacturing of parts.
Reducing dependency on virgin materials.
5. Climate Action and Carbon Neutrality
Ricoh has been a trailblazer in addressing climate change. It was the first Japanese company to join the RE100 initiative, pledging to use 100% renewable electricity in its global operations by 2050. Ricoh has also committed to Science Based Targets (SBTi) to align with the Paris Agreement and limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Actions include:
Installation of solar panels at facilities worldwide.
Purchasing green electricity and renewable energy certificates.
Electrifying vehicle fleets and optimizing transportation logistics.
6. Community and Global Engagement
Ricoh collaborates with governments, NGOs, and industry groups to promote environmental awareness and sustainability education. Programs such as Ricoh Global Eco Action engage employees and communities in environmental activities like tree planting, conservation projects, and energy-saving campaigns.
Conclusion: A Model for Sustainable Business
Ricoh’s commitment to the environment goes far beyond corporate responsibility; it is embedded in the company’s core business strategy and values. By aligning innovation with sustainability, Ricoh not only mitigates environmental risks but also creates long-term value for society, customers, and shareholders. As businesses worldwide face increasing pressure to operate sustainably, Ricoh serves as a compelling example of how environmental leadership can drive competitive advantage and global impact.
