Konica Minolta's Environmental Strategy

Konica Minolta’s environmental strategy is an integral part of its business strategy.  As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of copiers, laser printers, cameras, medical and graphic imaging equipment, and industrial instruments, Konica Minolta’s environmental programs include zero waste targets in manufacturing, extensive component recycling, reductions in greenhouse gas emission and water usage, and decreased usage of hazardous chemicals.  

The success of these and other programs is the result of many years research and development. Konica Minolta established its Environmental Control Department in 1972 - the same year Konica Minolta's products were first sold in Australia and more than 10 years before environmental issues became of widespread public concern. 

Internationally Konica Minolta was one of the first companies to be presented with the “Blue Angel” award in recognition of low noise, ozone emission, heat emission and component recycling in its products. Konica Minolta is also a holder of ISO 14000 International Standard for the Environment.   

Konica Minolta’s environmental strategy is built around the concept of becoming a ‘sustainability-orientated’ company. Sustainable development recognises three interdependent and mutually supporting areas; economic development, social development, and environmental protection. More than 30 years experience in managing environmental issues means that Konica Minolta’s business machines are among the most environmentally efficient available.   

Konica Minolta concentrates its environmental efforts on energy saving and recycling. Environmental targets set each year include zero waste in manufacturing to minimize waste sent to landfill, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 

Konica Minolta was the first company to develop technology enabling the re-use of used toner in copier machines and Konica Minolta business machines use less energy, less toner, and produce less ozone than ever before. The components for copier toner cartridges, for example, are 95.5% reusable while in the last six years CO2 emissions during copier use have been reduced by 70%. Konica Minolta has also been using reusable crates for some time, while up to 74% of cardboard used in packaging Konica Minolta’s latest business machine products is from recycled materials.   

In Japan, the United States and Europe Konica Minolta operates recycling programs for toner cartridges. In Australia Konica Minolta has joined the ‘Cartridges 4 Planet Ark’ program, which provides a sustainable solution for the disposal of inkjet and toner cartridges. Within the program, toner cartridges are recycled into new products, where nothing goes to waste. Even the ink and toner is recycled!  

Konica Minolta’s long term aim is to ensure that all its products achieve the same high rate of recycling and greenhouse emission control. Good environmental policy is good business.