25 September 2008

 

Per unit greenhouse gas emissions down 53% from 1990 levels; more than two-thirds of products now recycled

Seiko Epson Corporation has released its Sustainability Report 2008, which details the environmental performance and community activities undertaken by the Epson Group over the past year. Based on data obtained through independent in-house questionnaires and external surveys, the report shows how Epson activities stand out on three key aspects: the creation of quality; the development of human resources; and the prevention of global warming.

With the international community facing an unprecedented challenge in global warming, Epson has committed to reducing by 90% the CO2 emissions associated with its products and business activities. The company’s “Environmental Vision 2050”, which sets out the actions Epson must take towards 2050, is a key part of achieving this goal, alongside its track record of managing chemical substances, the environmental accounting system and a series of “education and citizenship” activities. Epson believes that reaching these goals will require a collaborative effort, and has challenged all stakeholders and competitors to help meet the 2050 targets.

The 2008 report shows the company’s emissions of global warming substances on a per-unit basis have been reduced by 53% compared with fiscal 1990 – ahead of its target of 50%. In addition, major improvements have been made in the field of recycling and resources conservation, with a product recycling rate of 69.3% and a reduction of emissions by 1,500 tons over fiscal 2006.

Epson is convinced that building stakeholder trust takes more than just delivering good products and services, and is keen to foster relationships by managing the company in a socially responsible manner. Community and Societal Initiatives highlighted in the report include recent awards received for SRI (Socially Responsible Investment) and for product safety. New initiatives in supply chain management, the Group’s efforts for enhancing work/life balance, hiring people with disabilities and improving manufacturing contracts are also covered in the report.

Epson has a strong track record in CSR reporting, having published a Sustainability Report alongside its Annual Report every June since 1999. In 2003, the name of the report was changed from Environmental Report to Sustainability Report, to reflect the addition of social reporting. The report reflects the Group’s management philosophy: the promotion of openness and the public disclosure of a wide range of information related to its corporate activities.

Epson’s Sustainability Report 2008 is now available online here.