ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF TECHNOLOGY

Consumers often overlook the hidden environmental costs of the technology they rely on daily, such as the energy use and material consumption of printers. To drive meaningful change, the tech industry needs to rethink its approach when designing products. At Epson, product development has been guided by the Japanese principle of Sho-Sho-Sei, a commitment to creating technology that is efficient and precise.

This philosophy was the driving inspiration behind its EcoTank printers, and they have also developed an alternative approach to printing that focuses on reducing energy consumption. Its heat-free technology uses precision and pressure to place ink directly onto paper and as a result, the heat-free printers use up to 96% less energy than laser printers.

Creating precise mechanical systems also includes supporting more resource-efficient paper usage and recycling processes, for example the company’s dry fibre technology, which can break down paper back to fibres without having to dissolve it in water.  Its paper recycling system, PaperLab, uses this technology to turn wastepaper into new paper while requiring minimal additional water to maintain system humidity.

Sustainability remains central to Epson’s technology strategy, with EcoTank devices incorporating 30-35 % recycled materials. The company is also actively decarbonising its value chain by switching to high-cube containers for shipping. In 2024, they partnered with Maersk to use alternative fuels such as biodiesel and green methanol on key shipping routes. This initiative is estimated to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 230 tonnes in its first year.

www.epson.co.za