Sustainability initiatives around Europe: Kyocera Document Solutions

At Kyocera Document Solutions Europe Management B.V., sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that protecting the planet is not just a responsibility but a fundamental part of our mission to create a better future. Our colleagues at Kyocera Document Solutions across Europe are joining the movement by implementing eco-friendly practices across their operations and making a concerted effort with local institutions to support endangered species.

From reducing CO2 emissions and minimising waste to offering energy-efficient products, our colleagues around the continent are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. Their dedication to sustainability goes beyond compliance – it's about taking proactive steps to ensure a greener tomorrow for generations to come.

Toner recycling initiatives

Across Europe, our company is partnered with local recycling partners to facilitate a toner take-back service. This allows Kyocera customers to send back their used toner cartridges for recycling to lower their impact on the environment. This initiative is just one of many ways we and our colleagues around Europe prioritise sustainable business practices.

LPR collects empty toners in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Austria. Meanwhile, local collectors provide toner recycling in France (ECOLOGIC), Italy (ENRION), Spain (Recyclia), Switzerland (SWICO), and Sweden (El-Kretsen). In the U.K. a local zero waste to landfill partner, OEMReturn provides the service.

Spain: Saving the turtles

As an Official Printing Service Supplier of Oceanographic Valencia, Kyocera Document Solutions Spain supports one of the largest aquariums in Europe as it conserves endangered wildlife. Within this partnership framework, our company has collaborated on the re-release of a loggerhead sea turtle into the sea. Our Spanish colleagues worked with the aquarium to name the endangered turtle Victoria.

UK: As sweet as honey!

One of our favourite initiatives taken by Kyocera Document Solutions UK is the honeybee paradise they’ve created to help these little guys thrive and flourish. Bees are vital components of nature, maintaining an essential balance of biodiversity in our world, and thanks to Kyocera, there are more of them buzzing around!

The roof of the Reading HQ is home to over 120,000 bees in the height of summer, spanning two hives. These honeybees range about 2 miles every day to gather pollen before returning home to their Kyocera hives, named ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘Let it Bee’. Find out more about Kyocera Document Solutions UK’s bee hives (looks like the page has moved) and how they help fulfil United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UK: Investing in a greener tomorrow

Kyocera Document Solutions UK puts its money where its mouth is, partnering with MyClimate and PrintReleaf to make a difference.

Carbon offsetting initiative

Not only does Kyocera Document Solutions Germany offset its Corporate Carbon Footprint but it also works with local dealers to do the same by providing a solution that allows dealers to calculate their Corporate Carbon Footprint and invest in climate protection projects for offsetting.

The priority of their climate protection commitment is the continuous avoidance and reduction of CO2 emissions, for example through the use of renewable energies and the purchase of 100% green electricity.

Germany and Austria: CO2 compensation for genuine Kyocera toner

As part of the "Print Green" climate protection initiative, Kyocera Document Solutions Germany and Austria are selling Kyocera original toner with CO2 compensation* by financing a Gold Standard climate protection project. They invest in a specific climate protection project for the amount of greenhouse gases generated during raw material generation, production, transport and recycling of the toner.

*This Kyocera Climate Initiative applies to all toners sold by Kyocera Document Solutions Germany and Kyocera Document Solutions Austria since 01.05.2013.

Germany: Nature conservation: Living Rivers

For more than 30 years, since 1987, Kyocera Document Solutions Germany has been working together with German Environmental Aid to protect nature and endangered species.

They are committed to protecting the "Living Rivers" network. This is an initiative for the protection of rivers and the renaturation of river landscapes in Germany.

Awards and certifications in sustainability 

Our company has been recognised internationally for its sustainability efforts, and these prestigious certifications reaffirm our commitment to being an ethical, socially responsible company.

Blue Angel Certificate

The Blue Angel is a globally respected environmental label created by the German government to protect people and the environment. The Blue Angel recognises particularly environmentally friendly products and services. It is awarded by the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Labelling (RAL) according to detailed criteria set by the Federal Environment Agency.

Kyocera was the first manufacturer to receive Blue Angel certification for a laser printer, and we continue to innovate to these high standards today, all across Europe.

German Excellence Prize

In 2020, Kyocera Document Solutions Germany was awarded the German Excellence Prize in the “Sustainable Companies” category for its commitment to climate protection. 

We are proud of our colleagues in Germany for their unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation and eco-friendly initiatives. It speaks to the wider value system of Kyocera Document Solutions Europe Management B.V.