Environmental governance is an important element of who we are and is considered in all key activities. As global citizens, we take an active role throughout our business lifecycle to promote resource conservation, increase pollution prevention, maximise recycling opportunities and promote a customer focused approach to developing environmental technologies.
Resource Conservation and Recycling
Our life cycle design system enables us to minimise component use and to invest in alternative resources such as Plant Based Plastics and Biomass toner. We strive to make devices smaller, simpler and lighter and recycling is a key consideration in component design.
Each Ricoh product begins and ends in recycling and the reuse of materials, in line with our aim for a totally sustainable corporation. This strategy is illustrated in the Comet Circle, a holistic framework demonstrating how each stakeholder works with Ricoh to fulfil their part.
Sustainability and environmental features of Ricoh - a quick guide. Our actions are centered on all product parts being designed and manufactured in a way that allows them to be recycled or re-used.
Zero-waste-to-landfill – all Ricoh’s factories in Europe (UK and France) have a zero-waste-to-landfill meaning a 100% resource recovery rate and no waste used as landfill since 2001.
Ricoh toner cartridges can be recycled into a diverse range of products such as road traffic bollards, crab pots, garden planters and equestrian equipment.
Green-line machines: these are end of initial life machines remanufactured for a second term producing 40% fewer carbon emissions over their lifetime.
The Pay Per Page Green consultancy launched in Jan 2009: saves companies significant operational and energy costs by analysing and calculating existing costs, CO2 emissions and impacts and proposing a solution to reduce them.
Customers can save up to 30% in energy costs and CO2 through Total Cost of Ownership optimisation.
Parts recovery: We use reverse logistics to recover used parts, consumables and end of life equipment and the tactic is promoted to all sales companies to increase material recovery ratios and reduce the demand for raw materials.
Energy Conservation and Prevention of Global Warming
We actively use solar power and other renewable energies for electric generation. We also realise “low carbon manufacturing” through innovation in production processes and we support suppliers in their environmental impact reduction measures.
During the distribution stage, we accurately monitor information on CO2 emissions, to help increase distribution efficiency.
Ricoh implements risk management that covers impact on not only the environment but also human health. For example:
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS): Electrical and electronic products must not be put onto the market if they contain six key hazardous substances as defined in the RoHS regulations.
Ricoh not only ensures that all its products comply with RoHS but has banned a further six substances not currently covered.
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH): This requires the registration and management of all chemical substances used in business. Ricoh goes further, imposing a strict Chemical Substance Management System throughout our supply chain.