Words by Smiley Team
Over 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste was generated globally in 2019, according to the UN. By 2050 this is predicted to skyrocket to 120 million if current trends continue. Faced with such a prospect businesses have a huge responsibility to ensure they operate as sustainably as possible. Stepping in to help them, Canon has launched a new range of more environmentally friendly office printers.
Canon’s new product, EQ80, saves on raw materials by building them from recycled printer parts taken from consumers. Thanks to this more sustainable manufacturing process, the multinational has ensured the printers use 80 per cent fewer materials and generate 80 per cent lower carbon emissions.
Executive vice president of B2B document solutions at Canon Europe Taz Nakamasu commented: “Today, with climate change taking an ever-bigger seat on the international agenda, offering quality environmentally-friendly solutions for our customers has never been so important.”
The company promises the recycled models will function just as well as brand new machines, offering a quality guarantee and a warranty with each device.
“Businesses should not feel the need to choose between sustainability and functionality,” continued Nakamasu. “Keeping your daily work flowing has always been a priority for us, which is why we guarantee that our EQ80 range operates as if it is brand new, with a factory warranty and meeting stringent standards.”
Corporate social responsibility is on the lips of many business leaders at the moment and rightly so considering we are in a climate and ecological emergency. But Canon’s concern for human and environmental well-being isn’t new. Rather, it goes back to its founding philosophy of ‘Kyosei’, which they say incorporates “all people harmoniously living and working together for the common good.”
Faced by the climate crisis, Canon sees the benefits of sustainability to businesses as well as the environment.
“It’s also about future-proofing your business. With consumers increasingly demanding services and products from organisations that can demonstrate their social responsibility, it is no surprise that so many businesses are looking to add more environmentally-friendly solutions to their daily operations.
“We have designed this range with our customers in mind, to ensure that they can maintain productivity and efficient workflows, satisfy consumer demand, and also make a difference to the wider world.”
By offering products that help protect the planet, Canon is among those leading the way in terms of sustainability. If we’re to avoid the worst of climate collapse, let’s hope others follow their example.
