Closed resource loop
To contribute to the formation of a circular economy in which waste is minimized, Epson is working to reduce emissions and preserve water resources in its production processes. Epson is also promoting the efficient use of limited resources by making products smaller and lighter, by collecting and recycling end-of-life products, and by developing digital inkjet printing solutions.
Life Cycle Thinking
Epson defines an "eco-considerate" product as one for which environmental impacts are considered from product conception to mission completion; that is, at every phase of the life cycle, from design and manufacturing to transport, usage and recycling. Through the creation of eco-considerate products, we are cooperating with customers and business partners to expand our environmental impact mitigation efforts beyond Epson's doors.
Related link
Click here for more information about the Eco-Conscious Office Solutions
Click here for more information about the printer focused on reducing underground resource use
Product Recycling
To expand the resource reuse and recycling loop, work with customers, communities, and others in the industry to collect and recycle end-of-life products in countries around the world.
Epson's Global Collection and Recycling Systems
Please select your region for information about collecting and recycling Epson products.
Collection and recycling programs for imaging equipment:
Collection and recycling programs for cartridges:
Collection Trends for Products and Cartridges
Resources (Performance)
Reduction of Waste
Epson is working toward zero emissions by reducing generated business waste and recycling.
Wastes are generated in our production processes, offices, and operations. Wherever possible, we reduce, reuse, and recycle these wastes on-site. Plastic runners from molding processes are recycled, for example. The remaining wastes, including valuable wastes, are recycled by a contractor. We carefully sort and separate wastes and select the best available recycling methods and contractors for each type. We will continue to reduce wastes and to work for general improvement in waste processing methods, including by allying with recyclers.
To help combat pollution from oceanic plastic wastes, Epson sales companies in Europe banned disposable cups and other single-use plastics in their office buildings in April 2019.
2023 Overview
Goal : No more than the 33.5 thousand t of the previous year
* Actions were carried out using control metrics benchmarked against the previous year's waste emissions.
Result: 31.6 thousand t (a reduction of 5.6% compared to the previous year)
Related information
Preservation of Water Resources
Water and climate change, as well as other environmental factors, are closely linked. Epson's business activities rely on water resources, and the sustainability of water resources substantially affects business continuity. Given this, we are working to preserve water resources by avoiding unnecessary contamination and use, and by recycling the water we do use. We actively strive to increase the rate of industrial wastewater that is recycled in our production processes and to meet strict water quality standards. We are also mitigating our overall environmental impacts, including by introducing more energy efficient water processing facilities. Our efforts extend beyond the water used in our production processes. We ensure that all employees have access to safe drinking water, as well as sanitary kitchens and restroom facilities. Moreover, we make our employees aware of the importance of saving water and preventing water pollution, and we install water-saving fixtures and sanitation facilities.
2023 Overview
Goal : 7.3 thousand m³ per billion yen
* Improve water use efficiency (water intake by revenue) by 1% from the reference value.
Result: 6.2 thousand m³ per billion yen (15% improvement form the reference value)
Reference value: 7.4 thousand m³ per billion yen (average for FY2017 to FY2022)
Addressing Water Related Risk
The water-related risks of Epson's production sites were assessed using two global standard tools for water risk assessments: Aqueduct, developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI), and Water Risk Filter, developed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). These tools assess water primarily from a perspective of physical quantity of water resources and water pollution risks. The results of the assessments showed that no Epson site qualifies for the highest risk level per the overall risk indicators. However, it was found that some of Epson's production sites in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and South America are located in areas with water stress.
We confirmed the local water risk situation through questionnaires and interviews at eight sites identified as being located in areas with water stress. Furthermore, we conducted interviews with local organizations that supply water to those production sites. As a result, we learned that the impact on operations from water shortages is limited at those sites.
Water Intake Ratio in Areas with Water Stress (by Region) and Baseline Water Stress Map (FY2023)
* This map is a derivative of the World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Global Maps 2.1, created by Seiko Epson Corp. under the Creative Commons license provided by www.wri.org
Therefore, a reduction in water intake is not a major issue even at sites identified as being located in areas with water stress using screening tools. Nevertheless, water is an important resource. We recognize we must use water approximately. With this awareness in mind, considering insights gained from communication with the World Wide Fund for Nature Japan (WWF Japan), which has expertise in water resources, we have set the medium-term target below emphasizing water use efficiency. Moving forward, we will continue to engage in activities to reduce water usage within our company to realize this medium-term target. Together with this, we will continue to consider measures for sustainable water use in each basin in collaboration with environmental conservation groups. In addition, to understand and assess water risks across the entire supply chain, Epson began analyzing water risks in the watersheds where some of its suppliers are located in fiscal year 2023.
【Medium-term Target】
Target: Improve water use efficiency (water intake by revenue) by 1% from the reference value
Period: From FY2023 to FY2025
Target value: 7.3 thousand m³ per billion yen
Reference value: 7.4 thousand m³ per billion yen (average for FY2017 to FY2022)
Evaluation and Response to Water-Related Risks under the 1.5℃ Scenario
Based on the scenarios equivalent to a 1.5℃ temperature increase presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), as well as analysis of water-related risks using internal and external information, we have confirmed that the changes in operational risks in the future due to factors such as flooding, sea-level rise, and drought are limited for our business locations. Short-term climate-related risks concerning our business locations and supply chain will be addressed through our Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
Related information
Official Account
