Sustainability
Circular Economy
- Basic Approach
- Recycling of Used MFPs and Printers
- Recycling of Used Toner Containers
- Recycling of Materials and Packaging
Basic Approach
To minimize the environmental impact of MFPs and the printers and we provide to our customers, we are developing product designs based on eco-conscious concepts and production systems that bring these concepts to life. Furthermore, we are actively working on establishing a system to collect and recycle the products once they have fulfilled their purpose at the customer's location, with a focus on reutilizing parts and materials.
Promotion of 3R
In order to promote the collection and recycling of our used products, we need to select materials that are easily recyclable and design structures that allow for easy separation of materials.
Additionally, to encourage reuse, we need to design structures that are durable, easy to disassemble, and easy to clean.
Main contents of resource-saving design*1
| Type | Type |
|---|---|
| Reduce | Product miniaturization and lightweight design, prolonging the lifespan of components |
| Reuse | Ease of disassembly, separation and segregation, and ease of cleaning |
| Recycling | Elimination of insertion fixtures, prohibition of adhesive bonding of different materials |
*1 The above content is an excerpt from our "Environmental Consideration Design Standards".
Recycling of Used MFPs and Printers
MFPs and printers that are no longer needed by customers are collected at the recycling center and then undergo material recycling at the recycling center. By enhancing designs that facilitate easier refurbishment, we aim to expand reuse across our product portfolio.
From Long-Life Design to Reuse: Refurbished Products Supporting a Circular Economy
Through our long-life design philosophy, products are able to remain in use for extended periods. At the end of their initial service life, products are collected, thoroughly inspected and refurbished, and then given a second life as a manufacturer-certified refurbished products.
This initiative contributes to the efficient use of resources and waste reduction by extending product lifecycles. It also helps to reduce resource consumption and CO₂ emissions associated with the manufacturing of new products.
The long-life design of ECOSYS products enables them to maintain their value over an extended period, supporting the quality and reliability of our refurbished products. Manufacturer-certified refurbished products are identified with a dedicated label and managed in accordance with our established quality standards.
Collection Center (Japan)
MFPs and printers that are no longer needed in the customer's office are collected through our company and our sales partners and then brought to the collection centers in each area. They are subsequently transported to recycling centers.
Recycling Center (Japan)
At the recycling center, we have established a "resource circulation system" that prioritizes material recycling and is currently maintaining zero emissions. Additionally, by strategically locating these recycling centers nationwide, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions associated with transportation and contribute to preventing global warming.
Recycling Center Map
Processing Flowchart for Collected Products
*2 JBMIA: Japan Business Machine and Information System Industries Association
Collection and Recycling outside of Japan
Outside of Japan, the collection and recycling of used products vary depending on the laws, infrastructure, and circumstances of each country. Our company ensures proper collection and recycling methods in accordance with the regulations and conditions of each country.
Recycling of Used Toner Containers
Collection and Recycling of Used Toner Containers in Japan
Kyocera Document Solutions employs a method of replenishing toner by replacing the "toner container," which does not include imaging rollers or cleaning mechanisms like conventional toner cartridges. After the containers are emptied by customers, they are collected at a recycling center and sorted according to criteria for reuse at a reprocessing plant. In the reprocessing process, the containers undergo cleaning, and visual inspections, and any unsuitable containers are excluded. The qualified containers are then filled with toner and ultimately transformed into products equivalent to new ones, which are released into the market. Through the cooperation of customers in container recycling, we are reducing waste and implementing environmentally friendly practices.
Process of reuse
Flowchart of toner container processing
Collection and Recycling of Used Toner Containers Outside of Japan
We also operate collection and recycling programs for used consumables outside Japan. For more information, visit the following sites.
Recycling of Materials and Packaging
Environmental-load Reduction for Packaging Materials
The Kyocera Group promotes the reduction of material use and utilization of recycled resources through the design and development of packaging materials.
Recycling Waste PET Film into Product Parts
Waste PET film generated during the production process of ceramic products has been difficult to reuse due to attached substances in the process, so it has traditionally been incinerated (thermal recycling), which posed a challenge of large CO2 emissions. To address this challenge, we were the first in the industry to establish technology*3 to convert waste PET film into recycled PET material and upcycle it (reuse for higher-value applications) into parts for MFPs and printers.
Rather than relying on incineration, by collecting and reusing these materials to create new products, we reduce waste and CO₂ emissions while also reducing the use of new plastic.
This is an excellent example of resource circulation within the Group, and we are advancing initiatives aiming to expand to exterior parts and increase the proportion of recycled materials in the future.
PET Film (Image)
*3 As of September 30, 2024
Post-consumer Recycled (PCR*4) Plastic Utilization
The Kyocera Group has implemented PCR for products and toner containers. The Group set the goal of 1% or more PCR utilization in 2023, 5% or more PCR utilization and the use of recycled materials at 50% of all MFPs in 2024.
*4 PCR : Plastic raw materials made from plastics discarded after consumer use.
