Setting New Sustainability Standards in Tech
Epson, a global leader in technology innovation, has achieved a prestigious platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing the company in the top 1% of over 130,000 businesses assessed worldwide for sustainability performance. This accomplishment highlights Epson’s leadership in environmental responsibility, ethical practices, and sustainable procurement.
Rising to the Top Despite Tougher Criteria
Epson’s overall EcoVadis score rose from 77 to 83 out of 100, despite the implementation of stricter evaluation standards. The company earned top-tier rankings in categories essential to sustainability:
- Environment: Top 1%
- Labour & Human Rights: Top 1%
- Sustainable Procurement: Top 2%
- Ethics: Top 30%
“This platinum certification follows our continuous implementation of measurable initiatives aimed at identifying and resolving societal and environmental challenges,” said Takanori Inaho, President of Epson Europe.
Key Sustainability Achievements in FY23
Epson’s sustainability journey has been marked by several impactful initiatives that helped secure the EcoVadis platinum rating:
- Decarbonisation: The company transitioned to 100% renewable electricity across all owned global sites in 2023. Business travel emissions decreased by 19%, and optimized shipping from Asia is projected to cut future CO2 emissions by up to 50% per container. Additionally, Epson is developing a biomass plant in Japan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Social Responsibility: Epson strengthened its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through comprehensive staff training programs. Its factories in Indonesia and the Philippines earned Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Platinum status for ethical labour practices.
- Governance Excellence: Renewed certification from Bureau Veritas for its alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscores Epson’s governance leadership.
Driving Sustainability in Tech
Epson’s proprietary technologies, focused on compact, efficient, and precise product designs, aim to address pressing climate issues. Boris Manev, Sustainability Director at Epson Europe B.V., shared:
“We have a clear vision: to pioneer sustainable innovation and set new standards in environmental responsibility. Our groundbreaking initiatives, such as advancing textile recycling and collaborating with fashion industry leaders, demonstrate that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.”
Looking Ahead: Carbon-Negative by 2050
Epson’s long-term goal is to become carbon-negative and underground resource-free by 2050. Investments in carbon capture, renewable energy, and innovative supply chain solutions remain at the forefront of its environmental strategy.
By achieving EcoVadis’ platinum rating, Epson has set a benchmark in sustainability for the technology sector, proving that responsible business practices can fuel both environmental progress and commercial success.
