Closing the loop

The EU’s Circular Economy Package is currently one of the key driving forces towards a more sustainable European Future, and rightfully so. The common targets which are set as 65% recycling of municipal waste by 2030, 70% recycling of packaging waste by 2030 and landfill reduction to a maximum of 10% by 2030, are ambitious but necessary. This is one of the most important topics at EU level, and with ongoing discussions about how to meet these targets as we move closer to 2030, I believe businesses need to play a key role in making this transition possible. As a leading manufacturer of technology, we at Epson are committed to being part of this discussion. Our innovative products help businesses take one step closer to closing the loop and becoming sustainable organisations, but it will require all businesses and consumers to support the principles of the circular economy to ensure we can meet these goals set out by the EU.

I believe businesses aligned to the circular economy model are those that are selective and cautious with their natural resources; implement processes that are efficient and environmentally friendly; and, have a low carbon footprint. They are also the businesses that ensure that the product of their business can, once used, be re-introduced where possible at the start of the production process – moving towards a minimal waste production system and away from the previous “make, use, dispose” (more linear) model. Business activities affect both people and the planet and are impactful across society, and as such all businesses are indispensable in starting to make these positive changes to support the move to a more circular economy.

As a provider of workplace technology, Epson is helping organisations as they endeavour to support this vision with technologies, products and services that redefine industry practices to further reduce the environmental footprint of an organisation. A good example of this is Epson’s PaperLab - our new technology that enables businesses to recycle and reuse paper in the office using our patented dry fibre technology. This means that our customers can reduce paper purchase and CO2 emissions produced by transport. It is in innovative technology such as this that we can enable businesses to transition to more sustainable practices and to start implementing the very nature of the circular economy within their own four walls.

Within Epson, we have integrated sustainability into all levels of our organisation, and we have created a CSR Management Group globally to support this. We aim to reduce the carbon footprint not only of our own business, but also of our customers through the services and technology we provide, with the hope that their behaviour and business will be influenced by more sustainable practices.

I have confidence that the move to a circular economy will benefit us all in the long term, and as such, we must all play a role in supporting the transition. However, the influence and scope of modern business means that there are substantial changes organisations across the industry can take to help drive the EU’s Circular Economy Package. Epson strives to produce technology that is indispensable to society, and this means closing the production loop to benefit the planet. I am keen to continue this dialogue with people across the industry and to explore what the next steps will be and what else businesses can do, and I look forward to seeing how this discussion will evolve in the coming months and years.