The march towards carbon neutrality is not just an environmental commitment; it’s a strategic imperative that transcends industries, reshaping business models and operational paradigms.
The printing industry, a microcosm of this larger shift, serves as a prime example of how sustainability is becoming integral to business success.
Carbon neutrality: a universal business objective
Global industries are now grappling with the challenge of reducing their carbon footprint. Research by McKinsey shows that the manufacturing sector, of which printing is a part, can address this challenge by mobilising over 350 decarbonisation initiatives across the entire production process.
These initiatives include using low-carbon materials, designing for sustainability, and switching to renewable energy sources.
As industries forge ahead with these initiatives, the importance of setting new KPIs for measuring progress is crucial, with supply chain management playing a pivotal role in reducing Scope 3 emissions.
The printing industry: A case study in sustainability
Achieving carbon neutrality is fraught with challenges, from technological innovation to the management of supply chains.
The printing industry at large acknowledges its historical environmental impact, recognising the critical need for a shift towards sustainability.
Kyocera is among those at the forefront, advocating for the use of 100% renewable energy in its main production sites and striving for energy-efficient equipment as a standard.
Notably, Kyocera has launched carbon-neutral printers and multifunction printers (MFPs) in the UK, offering a comprehensive carbon offset for each device and its consumables over its lifetime, covering production, transportation, and recycling.
Understanding the complexity, Kyocera has taken a proactive stance by including the circular use of consumables, energy-efficient manufacturing, and long-term goals that align with international climate agreements.
They have also introduced product enhancements designed to reduce energy use.
Innovations such as replacing conventional hard drives with solid-state drives in their ECOSYS and TASKalfa ranges and introducing Eco-toner, which fuses at lower temperatures, exemplify their strategy to cut energy consumption and consequently reduce carbon offsetting costs.
A collective effort for carbon neutrality
The movement toward sustainability is not a solo endeavor. It requires the commitment of all players in the industry to make a substantial impact.
As detailed in a study from Frontiers, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies are a significant aspect of the industry’s sustainability efforts.
While transportation technologies for captured CO2 are mature, advancements in utilisation and storage are critical for achieving industry-wide carbon neutrality.
Embracing industry-wide sustainability
Transparency in environmental reporting, in line with the Taskforce for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), sets a precedent for industry accountability.
It’s a model that can catalyse industry-wide collaboration towards a more sustainable future.
All industries, including printing, face a shared responsibility to prioritise sustainability.
There is an imperative for companies to align their operations with the goal of preserving the environment for future generations.
The path to carbon neutrality is paved with consistent innovation, dedication, and the collective action of businesses globally.
For industries and businesses ready to embark on this journey, the time to act is now.
By following in the footsteps of companies that have already made significant progress, industries can contribute to a healthier planet, while positioning themselves as leaders in the new, sustainable business landscape.
By Jimmy De Waal, Sales and Marketing Director at Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa.
