How ESG commitments are driving innovation in Europe

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a framework used to assess a company’s ethical and sustainable practices. It looks at how businesses manage their environmental footprint, contribute to society, and ensure responsible governance structures.

These three components – environmental, social, and governance – are also interlinked. They work as a feedback loop, strengthening one another and creating the conditions for responsible growth and innovation.

In 2024, the average ESG score among major European companies reached 80.6 out of 100, which means they can be considered ESG leaders. Europe’s role as a global ESG leader is no surprise. Mounting pressure to tackle climate change, drive social progress, and tighten governance standards has prompted a surge in ESG strategies from industries and investors alike.

Why ESG matters more than ever

According to the European Environment Agency, Europe is warming
faster than the global average. This reality is driving the urgency for sustainable business practices across the board.

Below are five reasons why ESG matters.

• Competitive advantage: ESG practices help companies stand out in a crowded market. 
• Investor confidence: Transparent ESG initiatives attract long-term, ethical investors.
• Operational efficiency: Sustainable practices often lower costs and increase efficiency.
• Regulatory compliance: ESG measures ensure alignment with ever-evolving regulations.
• Risk management: Anticipating ESG-related risks helps protect long-term business health.

Not only are these practical advantages of ESG, but they are also the same
conditions that encourage innovation. 

Smart solutions for a greener future

At Kyocera Document Solutions Europe Management B.V., sustainability shapes how we do business. Our ESG initiatives focus on reducing environmental impact while supporting ecosystems and green innovation.

One example is our toner recycling initiative. Across Europe, we collaborate with local recycling partners to help customers return used toner cartridges for responsible recycling. LPR leads collection in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Austria. Other partners operate in France (ECOLOGIC), Italy (ENRION), Spain (Recyclia), Switzerland (SWICO) and Sweden (El-Kretsen).

This initiative reflects ESG innovation in action: by rethinking the product
lifecycle, Kyocera offers customers a more sustainable solution while reducing waste across markets. It's a practical example of how environmental responsibility can drive new systems, partnerships, and ways of working.

When you choose Kyocera, it’s easy to go green

 Awareness around the need for sustainable practices has never been higher.

In response, many businesses are quickly turning to green technologies, often without a partner who truly aligns with their environmental goals.

Whether your organisation is just beginning its sustainability journey or looking to go further, we’re here to support you in making informed, impactful choices.

Building stronger communities together

Our social initiatives support education, community development, and employee well-being across the regions we operate in.

One long-standing initiative is our support for Potters House Training Centre in South Africa. For more than 18 years, Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa has helped equip previously disadvantaged individuals with IT skills and hands-on experience in the servicing of office equipment.

By equipping individuals with practical IT and servicing skills, this ESG project offers an innovative, long-term solution to inequality, opening up new opportunities for employment while supporting economic growth.

Responsible leadership in action

Strong governance powers every ESG goal. At Kyocera, we prioritise ethical business practices, robust risk management, and clear accountability across our operations.

This commitment is reflected in our internationally recognised ISO certifications:

• ISO 9001: Quality management of products and services
• ISO 14001: Environmental management systems
• ISO 27001: Information security and data protection

ISO 14001, for instance, sets the global standard for environmental management systems. It reflects our dedication to evaluating and minimising the environmental impact of every internal process.

By putting these standards into practice, we create a stable foundation that makes long-term innovation possible.

The only way forward

Kyocera’s approach shows how ESG commitments can drive meaningful innovation. By embedding sustainable business practices, ethical governance, and impactful ESG initiatives into every layer of our operations, we help shape a future that’s both responsible and resilient. As Europe continues to lead on ESG, innovation will remain the engine powering progress.