ENVIRONMENT / NEWS PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine 26 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 342 - July / August 2023 KM reveals significant environmental goals Konica Minolta has revealed a set of significant environmental goals such as making its products from over 90% circulated resources by 2050. The manufacturer of office and production printers and printheads has pledged to minimise its environmental impact with these new goals. Included in the goals are to achieve net zero in Scope 1, 2, and 3 by 2050 and make its products from more than 90% recycled materials and biomaterials. Olaf Jonas, general manager of Environmental Social Governance at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, explains how Konica Minolta published its EcoVision 2050 in 2009 with the targets in-line with what were strict standards at that time. However, as the climate crisis becomes more of a priority and focus, he explains that these goals are no longer appropriate. Therefore, the company has set out stricter climate protection targets to fulfil its responsibility as a global company with almost 40,000 employees globally. These goals work to minimise Konica Minolta’s ecological footprint and also helps its customers and suppliers to achieve their own environmental goals. Currently, Konica Minolta’s multifunctional printers (MFPs) use up to 44% recycled materials and biomaterials, the production printing systems use up to 15% recycled materials, and toner bottles up to 61% recycled materials. Some countries in Europe also offer refurbishment programmes for MFPs to be refurbished and part of the collected toner bottles and cartridges are refurbished and refilled too. According to the manufacturer, 11,200 tonnes of end-of-life office equipment was taken back in the 2021 fiscal year with 99% of this being recycled. In the UK, the World on Loan programme sees discarded consumables collected and recycled. One material in particular with poor environmental credentials is styrene foam and Konica Minolta is looking for packaging solutions to replace it. The manufacturer developed a new air cushioning material for packaging and transporting MFPs and production printing devices in 2019. These lighter, more compact air pillows enabled the company to reduce the weight of shipments by 75% and packaging volume by 99%. Back in 2005, Konica recorded 2,067 thousand tonnes of Co2 emissions and in 2021 this figure had reduced to 790 thousand tonnes of C02 – a reduction of 61%. In 2050, the manufacturer aims to reach net zero target in Scope 1, 2, and 3. The company also plans to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy and has been a member of RE100 since 2019. With this in mind, Konica is committed to using 100% renewable electricity by 2050, and 30% by 2030. Olaf Jonas, general manager of Environmental Social Governance at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe MacroArt launches banner rentals A trailblazer in sustainability within the signage and wide-format markets, MacroArt has further bolstered its commitment to sustainability within events with the launch of a new banner rental service. According to analysis by Green Circle Solutions, banner rental provides significant environmental benefits. For example, renting a 10m x 4m x 1.5m hanging box frame banner creates around 33% less carbon footprint than a traditional purchased system that is used twice. Banner rental solutions also offer cost savings and durability with many creative designs still achievable. This latest offering is part of MacroArt’s full turnkey offering which includes graphics, framing, installation, and recycling all under one roof. MacroArt’s Sustainability Strategy is based on five pillars under the acronym MACRO: Measure, Activate, Change, Recycle, and O which represents its commitment to net zero. Matt Guise, sales director at MacroArt, explains: “Created by industry professionals, for industry professionals, our new rental banner service maximises exhibition budgets for clients whilst minimising the environmental impact.” The new banner rental solution forms part of MacroArt’s wider Sustainability Strategy Canon launches carbon neutral papers Canon Europe has launched the first cradle-to-customer carbon neutral technical wide-format papers. The Red Label Zero and Recycled White Zero papers are FSC certified and 100% carbon neutral. The papers are also both EU Ecolabel certified meaning they have guaranteed, independently-verified low environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Red Label Zero FSC is a lightweight paper and is available in 30 varieties including ISO (DIN) and ANSI sizes. Available in a range of widths from 210mm to 1067mm, and in 175mm or 200mm roll lengths, the paper weighs 75gsm. The White Zero FSC is slightly heavier and comes in a range of widths from 297mm to 914mm in 150m rolls and is made from 100% recycled paper. Both options are compatible with Canon ColorWave, PlotWave, and imagePROGRAF series printers, as well as other brands. To reduce the number of transport movements to further lower its carbon output, Canon is offsetting any carbon emissions that remain in the process against recognised compensation programmes through ClimatePartner. Canon has launched two paper options ideal for the AECM industry which are carbon neutral By Carys Evans By Carys Evans By Carys Evans
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