Epson Europe advances towards net zero

Print Solutions Green Solutions

Epson Europe has released its latest ESG/sustainability report, highlighting significant milestones in its sustainability journey, including external validation of its decarbonisation pathway underscoring the company’s serious commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.

Key highlights include:

• The goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 has received formal validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

• Epson Group company, Epson Atmix, has expanded its circular manufacturing into Europe to meet the demand for high quality recycled metal powders.

• The company has achieved EcoVadis Platinum status and been named a sustainability leader in Quocirca’s 2024 Sustainability Vendor Landscape.

Boris Manev, CSR director, Epson Europe, said: ‘Sustainability is not simply a goal, it is a continuous journey that demands innovation, strategic foresight, and collaboration across the entire value chain. Epson is committed to redefining what responsible technology and logistics look like in a rapidly evolving world. By embracing circular manufacturing, pioneering water saving printing technologies, and transforming supply chain decarbonisation, Epson is actively shaping a future where business growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. These efforts reflect a deep responsibility to lead by example and drive systemic change towards a carbon-negative economy by 2050.’

This year, the group secured official validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, committing to achieve a carbon negative footprint by 2050. It aims to reduce total Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90% within this timeframe. These science based goals represent a transformative shift, focusing on eliminating reliance on underground resources and fundamentally reshaping the company’s entire value chain for a more sustainable future.

In addition to SBTi validation, Epson's sustainability efforts have also been recognised by EcoVadis, which awarded the company a Platinum rating for its comprehensive environmental, social, and governance practices. It has also achieved a leading position in the QuoCirca Sustainability Index, reflecting its strong performance across key sustainability metrics.

Building on progress made over the past year, Epson continues to advance its partnership with Maersk to decarbonise its supply chain. Through Maersk’s Eco Delivery Ocean programme, the company has significantly increased its anticipated container volume shipped using low carbon fuels such as green methanol and biodiesel. This shift reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 82%, cutting CO2 equivalent emissions by up to 230 tonnes in the first year alone.

In addition to shipping initiatives, the company has made significant strides in optimising its delivery network through the expansion of its Asia Direct delivery model. This approach ships products directly from its Asia manufacturing sites to customers, bypassing its central warehouse in Europe. Deliveries using this direct shipping method more than doubled in FY24, compared to FY23, improving supply chain efficiency, and reducing transportation emissions.

These ongoing efforts support Epson’s commitment to carbon negative operations by 2050 and reinforce its leadership in sustainable logistics within the technology sector.

It also continues to lead sustainability efforts through innovation that supports circular manufacturing and resource efficiency. Following the completion of its metal recycling facility in Japan, Epson Atmix, a group company, has expanded its sales presence into Europe to meet the rising demand for high quality metal powders. The facility recycles used metals from its operations and the wider community to produce the metal powders which serve as raw materials for advanced manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the Monna Lisa digital printing technology offers the potential to drastically reducing water consumption in textile dyeing. This innovative technology cuts water use by up to 97% and enables on-demand production that tackles critical environmental issues such as water scarcity. By helping brands produce only what is needed without excess inventory or overproduction, Monna Lisa supports a more sustainable and resource efficient production model.

These combined initiatives illustrate Epson Europe’s integrated approach to sustainability, combining cutting edge innovation, circular economy principles, and operational transformation to reduce environmental impact across its value chain.