Canon: Supporting our Customer’s Sustainability Goals

With changing consumer attitudes driving demand for more environmentally responsible print solutions, the print industry is rapidly adapting to become more sustainable. With many businesses across the industry looking at ways that they can support their customers with more sustainable solutions, as well as putting in place initiatives to help them meet their own net-zero and carbon footprint goals.

Many print service providers (PSPs) are aware that sustainability should be an important part of their wider business strategy. However, as with any operational decision, introducing such practices must be balanced against wider business and operational needs.

For PSPs who want to steer their operations towards becoming more environmentally responsible, the good news is that growing profitably in this area lies not in a single change, but instead, a series of small incremental steps.

Together with the right partners and technologies, these steps can help print businesses to be more efficient, responsible and profitable for the long term.
Canon: Supporting our Customer’s Sustainability Goals
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How can print on demand enhance sustainability?

Although some PSPs may already be working on activities, such as reducing their waste by using minimal and/or recyclable packaging, the shift towards digital printing also offers further possibilities to be more sustainable. By its very nature, digital printing makes operations more sustainable when compared with analogue printing and combined with automation, it also allows customers to print shorter runs more efficiently and cost-effectively. This helps to eliminate excess stock by allowing PSPs to only purchase what’s needed to fulfil their confirmed orders.

Beyond eliminating excess stock: how to get the most from suppliers for more efficient operations

Combined with operational changes, the right partners and suppliers can make an enormous difference in helping PSPs to run their businesses in a more efficient and sustainable way. For example, by providing counsel on the ways that a business can use less resources, achieve lower energy use and generate less waste, whilst maintaining productivity.

We believe we have a responsibility as a manufacturer to limit the environmental impact of our own operations, but also the entire lifecycle of our products.

Our inkjet presses are developed with sustainability at their core, delivering a combination of sustainability benefits, thanks to the use of ultra-long life print heads, water-based pigment inks and lower energy consumption levels to name but a few. Further benefits, which can be seen across our full portfolio, include:

  • The varioPRINT iX3200 delivers approximately 15% lower relative energy consumption than competitive toner presses based on productivity. The press produces 0% ozone emissions and offers high recyclability of output thanks to the high deinkability properties of Canon’s water-based inks.
  • Our remanufactured Arizona devices deliver a 32% lower CO2 footprint when compared with newly manufactured models.
  • The ColorStream 8000 series also has 5-15% lower power consumption versus its predecessor models as well as a 30% reduction in ink consumption. Its unique, waste-free print pause further minimizes environmental impact by treating paper as a valuable resource, preventing unnecessary waste during production pauses.
  • The ProStream 2000 series needs an average of 29% lower power supply, produces an average of 36% lower exhaust volumes than its predecessor, the ProStream 1000 series, yet has the same speed/grammage range.

Canon also has a number of relevant global and in-country certifications and accolades, such as our recent Ecovadis Platinum rating, an accolade which recognises our sustainability efforts, placing Canon in the top 1% of companies assessed globally. GREENGUARD and CDP accreditations also recognise our commitment to sustainability across our organisation.

In addition, the PRISMA software suite helps customers to optimise energy, media and ink/toner use across their fleets by minimising print job errors and showing the status of each printer within a fleet.

Guidance in action: Improving Output and Enhancing Sustainability

Irish Print Service Provider, McGowans, described their need for investing in a partner who shared their vision for reducing its carbon footprint as a key reason for their investment in Canon’s Colorado presses.

The company is one of the largest digital print companies in Europe, specialising in delivering high-quality solutions through 100% digital production. It invested in 3 Canon Colorado printers to help achieve their goals of offering efficient printing and reducing waste. The presses use Canon’s unique UVgel technology to deliver increased productivity and speeds and use up to 50% less energy compared with traditional offset inks.

Taking steps towards more sustainable operations: Canon as a partner of choice

As the print industry evolves to reach its sustainability goals, print service providers should have the ability to collaborate with partners and suppliers to help them achieve their operational and environmental sustainability objectives.

By adopting advanced printing technologies and working together with like-minded technology partners, like Canon, PSPs can take more informed operational steps to reduce their overall carbon footprint and address key challenges such as waste reduction and energy efficiency.

We work closely with our partners and customers to demonstrate how to embrace and leverage customisation opportunities. This includes print-on-demand models, tools for personalised marketing solutions and energy-efficient equipment - opening up opportunities for new revenue and increased profitability without compromising on quality.

Want to learn more about how Canon can support you with your sustainability goals?