Epson's Push for Energy Efficiency & Emissions Cuts

Epson Europe, a global leader in imaging technologies, has published its latest sustainability report, detailing notable progress in its energy and environmental strategy for the 2024 financial year.

Owned by the Seiko Epson Corporation, the brand is reinforcing its commitment to efficient, compact and precise innovation to address major environmental challenges.

A core component of Epson's philosophy is the reduction of its environmental footprint, with a particular emphasis on energy consumption across all its operations.

Epson's sustainability report outlines a clear strategy to achieve this, aiming to become carbon negative by 2050.

Decarbonisation and energy reduction targets

Epson’s strategy sets out ambitious, science-based targets for decarbonisation.

By 2030, Epson aims to cut its total Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% and reduce its overall emissions by 55%.

These objectives are aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.

To meet these goals, Epson is concentrating on minimising energy consumption and reducing water use, waste and greenhouse gas emissions, especially within its European facilities.

Takanori Inaho, President of Epson Europe, says: “As we celebrate 50 years of the Epson brand, our commitment to pushing technology boundaries and driving meaningful sustainable change has never been stronger.

"The approval of our climate goals by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) formalises our ambition to become carbon negative by 2050, reshaping how we operate and collaborate throughout our value chain."

To tackle Scope 3 emissions, which account for the largest portion of its carbon footprint, Epson has incorporated the end use of its products and the procurement of raw materials into its science-based targets.

Energy efficiency

A key step in its energy reduction journey during FY24 was the relocation of its UK headquarters to a more energy-efficient building.

The new office does not use gas for heating, a move that has contributed to a 56% reduction in Epson’s total gas consumption across its operations.

Epson intends to use its own technology to advance digitisation and automation, deploying manufacturing solutions designed to save energy and space.

Through these innovations, Epson plans to lessen its overall environmental impact while continuing to meet market demands and enhance productivity.

Boris Manev, Sustainability Director at Epson Europe, says: “We recognise that embedding responsible practices throughout our operations is an evolving process requiring dedication, transparency and collaboration.

"By aligning our ESG efforts with evolving regulations, we mitigate risks, unlock opportunities and reinforce our leadership in responsible innovation and corporate governance.”

A circular model for resource efficiency

Epson is also focused on closing the resource loop to foster a circular economy, which has direct implications for energy use.

Epson's goal is to use resources more efficiently and extend the life of its products through reuse and refurbishment programmes.

For instance, faulty printers can be returned, assessed and repaired before being resold.

This process extends the product lifespan, meaning the energy and raw materials required for new manufacturing are conserved.

In November 2024, Epson also introduced an ink cartridge refill initiative to collect and reuse spent inkjet cartridges.

As part of this programme, Epson plans to optimise pallet configurations and improve reverse logistics.

Engaging customers and partners to increase return rates could contribute substantially to Epson's wider sustainability and energy-saving objectives.

“Recognised with Platinum EcoVadis status, Epson is dedicated to responsible sustainability leadership,” Takanori says.

“The choices we make today will shape the next 50 years – and we are ready to lead with purpose and determination.”