EPSON WIDENS SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS

The United Nations has been sounding the alarm about the destruction of the natural world, says CEO and president of Seiko Epson Corporation, Yasunori Ogawa, who highlights Epson’s stance on sustainability, emphasising that its unique Micro Piezo inkjet technology can help to reduce environmental impacts.

"The UN has been sounding the alarm about the destruction of the natural world, saying that it is approaching the point of no return, due to the actions of mankind," said Ogawa. "People have always sought enrichment, but the focus was on material and economic wealth. This desire for affluence may be a contributing cause to these issues. Going forward, it is both necessary and desirable to enrich not only ourselves, but the rest of the world and the global environment as a whole.”

“I think the world desires more than just material and economic wealth. People also want other, less tangible forms of wealth. They want to be enriched spiritually and culturally. Sustainability is a fundamental requirement for achieving this. We revised Epson 25 Corporate Vision for the start of fiscal 2021. We added 'quality of life' to 'achieve sustainability in a circular economy' and 'advance the frontiers of industry' as material themes that we can impact long-term.”

Epson says that it sees climate change in particular as a long-term global threat, and that climate is "a foundation of our lives and society".

“Epson’s unique Micro Piezo inkjet technology can help to reduce environmental impacts," said Ogawa, explaining that it will use this technology to drive innovation in co-creation projects with partners who share our aspirations of creating new products and services that are eco-conscious and that contribute to higher productivity and a better working environment.

Epson also revised its Environmental Vision 2050. It analysed its 2°C scenario last year based on the TCFD’s report and are now studying a 1.5°C scenario.

Ogawa explained, “We will accelerate our environmental actions too. In 2020, Epson was named to the CDP’s prestigious A List after attaining the highest scores for the categories of climate change and water security. There are other environmental issues, such as energy saving and resource depletion, that we will also continue to address.

"In addition to these environmental issues, there are various societal issues such as those described in the SDGs. In 2004, Epson became a signatory to the UN Global Compact, which sets 10 basic principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

“In 2018, we declared our commitment to achieving the SDGs. In 2019, Epson joined the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), a global coalition dedicated to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in global supply chains, and we have been promoting sustainability in our own supply chain. Multiple Epson sites earned platinum in RBA audits. We see this achievement as a result of our sincere efforts. We will further accelerate our efforts by working with our customers and partners, and contribute to achieving sustainability and enriching communities.”

Ogawa also expressed his appreciation and respect to the healthcare professionals and other frontline workers who are fighting to overcome the the continuing threat of the the pandemic.

"Covid-19 has also severely impacted and changed our business activities. We have been doing everything we can in response to factory shutdowns, supply chain disruptions, national and regional restrictions on movement, and changes in the market environment due to people modifying their behaviour," he concluded.