Epson releases Sustainability Report 2010

Seiko Epson Corporation^®has released its Sustainability Report 2010, detailing the business, environmental and CSR initiatives the Epson Group undertook during fiscal year 2009 (April 2009 – March 2010). The annual report outlines how Epson aims to achieve its Long-Range Corporate Vision and demonstrates progress against the company’s Environmental Vision 2050, where it committed to a 90% reduction in  its CO₂ emissions by 2050.

Epson’s emissions of global warming substances on a per-unit basis were down by 51.2% compared with fiscal year 1990 levels. The biggest improvements were in recycling and resource conservation: 88.9% of products in designated categories met the 75% recyclability rate target, and 98.9% achieved the 85% recoverability rate goal, by weight. Epson also succeeded in reducing its waste emissions by 2,800 tonnes, or 8%, from fiscal year 2008.

Furthermore, Epson significantly cut chemical emissions, with emissions from substances subject to the Pollutant & Transfer Register down by 53.5% and emissions from Volatile Organic Compounds down by 38% compared with benchmark fiscal year 2005 levels.

The report also highlights Epson’s substantial financial commitment to environmental investment.In fiscal year 2009, the company’s total environmental conservation spending reached €52 million[1](5.85 billion yen). Epson invested an additional €25 million[2](2.83 billion yen) in environmental R&D, of which 73.6% was earmarked toward the development of eco-considerate products.

Eelco Smit, Epson Europe’s Environmental Affairs Manager, said: “Epson is committed to combating climate change, and this report is a testament to that.  Europe is a core market in our global business, and we believe it is crucial to remain active in not only various global environmental initiatives, but also to accompany them with support for European initiatives such as Wild Wonders of Europe, which aims to raise awareness of and preserve our natural heritage.”

Epson remains committed to transparency in CSR reporting, and has published its annual Sustainability Report since 1999. The full 2010 report can be viewed online.

[1]Rate of exchange from 27^thJuly 2010.

[2]Rate of exchange from 27^thJuly 2010.