Epson Philippines further embraces its commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption

In recent years, the world has become more aware of the increasing human pressure on the environment with two defining public health threats of the century: the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

The pandemic has limited mobility for over two years, displacing established operations and causing several sectors to adopt technology at an unprecedented rate. On the one hand, the swift digitization of local industries has created a new space for business growth. On the other, as businesses consume technology at an accelerated rate, there is also a surge in demand for energy, which may have negative implications on the environment. 

Due to the double-edged phenomenon, Epson urges companies to prioritize responsible energy and technology consumption. Epson walked the talk by encouraging its staff to practice a sustainable lifestyle with its recently concluded sustainability seminar for its employees. The global technology leader discussed the measures it takes to embrace sustainability further.

Epson’s leadership discussed the company’s overall commitment to sustainability, key partnerships, projects, and different practices attendees can pledge to incorporate into their sustainability journeys. The event also featured Dino Calderon, Project Manager of Education for Sustainable Development of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in the Philippines, to raise employees’ awareness of biodiversity and sustainable development.

“There is no telling how big an impact we can make if our collective actions zero in on addressing climate change, preserving our environment, and driving economic growth,” said Masako Kusama, President, and Director at Epson Philippines. “Epson takes pride in our commitment to advancing towards a more sustainable future, and we must learn the different ways—both big and small—in which we can further embrace sustainability,”

“Now more than ever, we must turn the tide, so consumers and businesses start acting on sustainability goals and integrate them into their operations,” said Ed Bonoan, General Manager of Marketing Division at Epson Philippines. “The transition to a low-carbon economy involves the need for businesses to be innovative to secure a sustainable future. As we enter the business recovery phase during the new normal, it is time for companies to embrace responsible energy and technology consumption—and this change must start with ourselves.”

Looking back on an enriched history in environmental sustainability

For Epson, the culture of respect for the environment is deeply ingrained in its DNA, as it fully commits to a harmonious co-existence with the communities in which it operates.

Throughout its 80 years in operation, Epson has continually been recognized for its efforts in lessening environmental impact. In recent years, Epson joined the international initiative RE100 and committed to switching to 100% renewable energy at all Epson Group production sites worldwide by 2023. The Philippines achieved this by successfully switching its manufacturing site in Batangas to 100% renewable energy in 2021.

“For decades, we have proved that Epson’s actions, initiatives, and innovations are always driven to action by our commitment to sustainability no matter how ambitious the goals are,” said Bonoan.

Deepening an overall commitment to sustainability

With such an enriched history of environmental responsibility, Epson leads by example and deepens its commitment to sustainability moving forward.

In 2021, Epson introduced Epson 25 Renewed, it’s revamped corporate vision that pursues the company’s aspirational goal of achieving sustainability and enriching communities. Epson aims to connect people, things, and information in the renewed vision by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precise digital technologies.

Epson also launched its Environmental Vision 2050, which charts out three key commitments to achieve sustainability and enrich communities: 1) subscribing to all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; 2) reducing total emissions by 2030 in line with the 1.5^oC scenario; and 3) becoming carbon-negative and underground resource-free by 2050.

“This global vision guides our business roadmap and goals for the region. In Southeast Asia, we have started on a three-year sustainability plan which focuses on five SDGs which we deem will make the most impact in the region,” stated Bonoan.

Amplifying actions through collaboration

Over the past years, Epson has prioritized partnerships that amplify its sustainability goals. Epson forged a partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, in line with Epson’s escalated efforts to increase awareness of climate change and its environmental effects. Formed in 2021, the partnership has multiple projects well underway. Earlier this year, they launched Museo Kalikasan, a three-dimensional and immersive virtual museum that allows users from around the world to experience the exhibit from the safety of their homes. Meanwhile, Epson Southeast Asia partnered with WWF to scale up marine life and achieve a low carbon future, with various marine conservation and climate action projects across Asia, including the Philippines.

Moving forward, Epson will support WWF to work with local communities in Southern Palawan to restore several mangrove sites. In addition, Epson will help WWF establish a Community Learning and Innovation Hub to empower communities to sustain the capacity building and share best practices.

“We’re excited to finally put this partnership into action, to create a positive impact not only on our environment but also on the lives of those who will be learning more from this,” said Bonoan. “Epson’s commitment to sustainability has always been integrated in the way we operate, in the products and solutions that we innovate, and the initiatives that we do to help our communities shape a greener future for the next generation.”