Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s the driving force behind innovation and change. And at Konica Minolta, we have 150 years of experience focusing on just that: innovation driven by a vision to see and do things differently, for our planet and our people. The best part? We’re just getting started.
At Konica Minolta, preserving our planet is part of our business. It is also part of our philosophy: Creating new value for our customers and our society. We believe that technology plays a vital role in making work more fulfilling and enriching while reducing our environmental impact. In this blog, we will explore Konica Minolta’s sustainability efforts over the years and our plans for the future.
Sustainability Over the Years
Over the years, Konica Minolta has continuously worked toward reducing our carbon footprint, improving waste management and conserving resources. Since 2003, we have integrated sustainability into our core management practices, delivering products and solutions that address social and environmental issues aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
But we understand that achieving true sustainability requires collaborative efforts. That’s why we actively collaborate with organizations and industry partners to drive impactful sustainability initiatives. By joining forces with stakeholders, we can make an even greater positive impact on our planet.
Future Plans and Innovations
Looking ahead, our Eco Vision 2050 plan sets ambitious goals for a greener future. We aim to achieve carbon-minus status by 2025, a significant step forward from our original target of 2030. We’re determined to reduce CO2 emissions throughout our product life cycle and strive for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Furthermore, we’re dedicated to transitioning to recyclable resources and decreasing our reliance on Earth’s natural resources by at least 90% by 2050.
To accelerate decarbonization efforts, we not only focus on our own social responsibility, but also support the sustainability activities of our stakeholders. By sharing our expertise and partnering with customers, suppliers and other collaborators, we aim to maximize our collective impact in reducing CO2 emissions. Together, we can drive a technological revolution that makes work more fulfilling and enriching while preserving our planet for future generations.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our front doors
We actively collaborate with customers and partners to help them save energy and reduce waste through our optimized print services. Our innovative features, such as proximity sensors, “Power Save” and print preview, minimize power consumption and reduce misprints, making a significant impact on environmental conservation.
Our commitment to sustainability shines through Konica Minolta’s range of sustainable products. Take, for instance, the AccurioJet KM-1e. By leveraging digital technology, this innovation significantly reduces the environmental impact of commercial printing while delivering impressive image quality. Another noteworthy product is the AccurioLabel 400, which prints on sustainable label substrates, providing sustainable solutions for industries such as organic food, cosmetics and wine labeling.
Expanding on our dedication to sustainability, we’re excited to introduce eco-friendly toner cartridges available for purchase on our eShop. Designed with a focus on waste reduction, they come with a 100% performance guarantee, ensuring reliability and cost-efficiency. With a remarkable 89.6% recycled content, these cartridges go beyond reducing landfill waste – they pave the way for a sustainable future.
And it doesn’t stop there. Through our Managed IT Services division, we assist companies in transitioning to the cloud, resulting in significant energy savings and CO2 reductions. Cloud computing has the potential to improve energy efficiency by 93% and produce 98% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than on-premises IT infrastructure.
In alignment with our sustainability commitment, our U.S. Headquarters in Ramsey, NJ, is partially powered by solar energy. Since 2013, solar panels installed on carport canopies have been generating approximately 10-15% of the energy required for our Ramsey campus. Additionally, we actively engage with local communities through educational initiatives, partnering with organizations like Two Sides, promoting sustainable forestry, eco-friendly paper goods and emphasizing the importance of STEM education and environmental awareness.
Clean Planet Program
Our Clean Planet recycling program is designed to eliminate waste by diverting consumables away from landfills and incinerators. By offering convenient take-back services for used and end-of-life devices, we are taking concrete steps to reduce waste throughout the lifecycle of our products.
At Konica Minolta, our commitment goes beyond simply recycling. We strive to provide a comprehensive and responsible recycling program that not only minimizes waste but also protects our precious environment. Through the Clean Planet program, we are proud to share that as of May 2023, we have successfully recycled over 7.0 million items, representing nearly 5,250 tons of material saved from ending up in landfills.
What makes this initiative even more impressive is that it comes at no additional cost to our valued customers. We believe that sustainability should be accessible to all, which is why we have made it a priority to offer this environmentally friendly service without any extra charges.
Recognized for Our Efforts
Our commitment to the planet extends beyond product innovation. We actively participate in the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), a voluntary standard for product ratings that measures the environmental impact of electronic products. In the United States alone, we have 42 active products on the EPEAT registry, with an impressive 33 achieving gold status. In Canada, we have 31 products attaining gold status, further exemplifying our dedication to sustainability.
Our sustainability efforts have gained global recognition. We have received esteemed Gold Class awards from RobecoSAM and are in the top 10% of the Computers & Peripherals and Office Electronics category in the S&P Sustainability Yearbook 2024. These accolades highlight our relentless pursuit of a greener future and serve as a testament to our sustainable practices.
150 years is just the start
As we commemorate 150 years of Konica Minolta’s commitment to innovation and technological advancements, we continue to drive a revolution that puts our customers’ needs at the forefront. Sustainability is not just a goal for us; it is ingrained in every aspect of our business. From reducing carbon emissions to promoting resource conservation and biodiversity, we are dedicated to creating a brighter and greener future. Join us on this journey towards sustainability, where technology plays a pivotal role in driving positive change for both our planet and our people. Together, let’s shape a better tomorrow. Learn more online.
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