In order to realize a sustainable society, we must transform from a linear to a circular economy, in which resources are processed properly and circulated. As a manufacturer, we make it our responsibility to push towards creation of a circular economy.
Recycling printers
Whenever a customer switches to a new printer, we collect the old printer at no cost to disassemble it and recover the components or metals (iron, copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, rubber, PCB, wires, waste plastics, etc.) for reuse through recycling partners. This has become our standard operation in Japan since 2007. To further increase recycle rates, we have started taking actions since 2019 to set up a customer support framework for printer collection and streamline in-house processes via the CRM system.
Data on our industrial printer recycling efforts
Recycling printer batteries
We collect batteries disassembled from printers, serving our part as a member of JBRC (Japan Portable Rechargeable Battery Recycling Center).
Zero emissions at major plants
Kitakami Operations (Iwate, Japan)
Kitakami Operations is the plant in Japan where we develop and manufacture barcode printers for special use and produce label products. It has been a zero-emissions plant since 2012, meaning it either reuses or recycles all emissions from its premises to serve its part to make all production waste-free.
*Definition of “zero emissions” at Kitakami Operations
1. Send zero waste (industrial & general) from business operations to final waste processing (i.e., recycle 100 percent). Kitchen refuse allowed up to one percent.
2. Reduce total emissions (including kitchen refuse).
