KYOCERA Document Solutions
From evolving circular design models to greener IT systems, sustainability trends are emerging fast across every sector. They may touch on different areas, but one key message rings true: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are no longer simply a compliance exercise; they have become a central strategic priority for businesses across Europe.
At Kyocera, this work is guided by a simple idea: for the world around us. It reflects our global commitment to acting responsibly, designing thoughtfully and making decisions that create positive impact for society and the environment.
With 2030 targets approaching and 2050 climate goals on the horizon, businesses are taking stock of their progress while managing geopolitical uncertainty, rising climate pressures and growing dependence on artificial intelligence (AI).
This renewed focus has raised a central question for many organisations: what does an effective CSR strategy actually look like?
Why a CSR strategy matters
CSR is important for any business that wants to help build a stronger, better society. According to the European Union, it’s the responsibility of enterprises for their impact on society. At its core, CSR initiatives are about doing the right thing for the world around us by integrating social, environmental and ethical considerations across strategy and operations.
Doing the right thing for the world around us.”
Top sustainability trends to watch
As CSR becomes more deeply embedded in business strategy, several trends are rising to the forefront. Research shows that many leaders expect the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to make sustainability central to decision-making. In fact, confidence in the business case for sustainability has surged to 63%, up from just 21% in 2022.
Let’s take a look at the CSR initiatives shaping that shift.
AI supporting sustainability progress
Over 64% of companies are now using AI to support sustainability goals, from tracking resource use to forecasting risk.
Kyocera integrates AI across its document solutions and devices to reduce energy consumption and support more sustainable ways of working. Devices offer scanning with AI-powered image correction, reducing unnecessary energy use. AI-driven automation cuts manual tasks such as data entry, making workflows more streamlined and less resource-intensive. Predictive maintenance prevents downtime and waste, helping users lower their environmental impact while improving productivity.
Although AI is not a standalone sustainability solution, when applied thoughtfully, it can help organisations avoid redundant processes and unnecessary energy or device use.
Clean energy continues to grow
Clean energy investment now outpaces fossil fuels, driven by advances in solar, battery storage and electric vehicles.
Kyocera is advancing decarbonisation through its global operations. Our Vietnam Plant now operates a solar power system expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 4,210 tonnes per year (equivalent to planting 300,694 trees). The installation of this system will cover approximately 41% of the electricity used by the Plant.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Kyocera Document Solutions UK has committed to a Carbon Reduction Plan. Their premises use 100% renewable electricity and have installed rooftop solar and green curtains to reduce cooling needs and energy use. These efforts also support broader European sustainability objectives such as the EU Green Deal, which aims to cut emissions across industries.
Circularity becomes standard practice
Circular-economy models based on repair, reuse, and recycling are growing rapidly. By 2031, the sector is projected to grow to $2,8 trillion.
Kyocera has long led in this area. Durable long-life components form the core of our ECOSYS concept – a design philosophy built around durable engineering, minimal consumables and lower environmental impact. Unlike traditional printers, ECOSYS devices use a separate drum and toner system, meaning users only replace the toner, not the entire plastic cartridge each time. This extends product lifespan and keeps materials out of landfills.
This commitment is also supported by a toner take-back programme, which ensures responsible collection and recycling of empty toner containers.
Long-life printing cuts waste and supports sustainable product design
ECOSYS devices help organisations cut waste and gain long-term value from their printers. With fewer consumables, less downtime and stable performance over many years, businesses reduce their environmental footprint while improving efficiency.
Digital sustainability
Digital sustainability is rising fast, with digital tools now accounting for 35% of sustainability budgets. The global digital sustainability market is projected to reach $34 billion by 2027, driven by the need to optimise energy use and strengthen efficiency across IT systems.
Kyocera supports this shift through multifunctional printers and digital document solutions that streamline workflows and reduce unnecessary print jobs. Reliable output and workflow automation help teams work with less paper and lower energy use.
Cloud connectivity strengthens this further. Kyocera devices integrate with leading cloud platforms as well as Kyocera’s own cloud solutions, such as Kyocera Cloud Capture and Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan, helping reduce the need for local servers and the dependence on paper.
A new era of socially conscious leadership
Social considerations are becoming a core priority as workforce demographics shift and stakeholder pressure increases. Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that nearly two-thirds (63%) believe businesses can drive social equality and are increasingly drawn to employers that demonstrate a genuine commitment to societal impact.
These expectations are evident in how Kyocera’s teams invest in people and communities.
Kyocera Document Solutions France has partnered with France Judo to help broaden access to sport and community programmes. Through France Judo’s programmes, from creating dojos in rural communities to school visits, Kyocera helps promote inclusion and community upliftment across the country.
In South Africa, Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa has supported the Potters House Training Centre for nearly two decades, helping disadvantaged individuals gain technical skills and access employment. By providing equipment, training support and access to job placements, the partnership has enabled more than 250 young people to build their skillset in the repair of office automation equipment.
Progress with purpose
As these trends show, sustainability is no longer a separate initiative but a core part of how organisations operate and grow. Whether through cleaner energy, smarter digital tools or stronger community engagement, businesses have a real opportunity to turn their CSR strategy into meaningful progress. Kyocera supports this shift by providing solutions that help organisations work more efficiently and responsibly.
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