Ricoh 2012 Annual Report Download - page 43

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Ricoh Group Sustainability Report 2012 42
Top Message About us Our Activities
Innovation
Data
Technologies for a Sustainable Society
We have been engaged in activities that accommodate public requests, address environmental issues and social challenges
and help foster the next generation through innovation, which leads to create new technologies and business models.
Ricoh conducts R&D activities that will reduce the environmental impact
of its products at all stages of their lifecycle. At the product technology
development stage, we focus on LCA-based design and energy-saving
technology and have been making an effort to develop products with
lower environmental impact. Regarding technology development at the
production stage, we are developing new production processes and
recycling technology that can further lower environmental impact while
retaining high quality. In addition to technology development that is
directly related to its products, Ricoh has been dealing with R&D themes
that contribute to reducing negative impacts across society.
Environmental technologies
Technologies aimed at reducing the
use of virgin resources
Closed water recycling system based on
the application of ozone micro/nano
bubble technology
Electric furnace steel sheets used for MFP
Technology aimed at reducing environmental impact
during production
Low-cost but safe and high-quality polymerization method of obtaining metal-
free poly-lactic acid
Technology with which users can reduce environmental impact
Energy-saving function for printing with Quick-Start-UP technology (QSU)
Major achievements in FY 2012
(ended March 31, 2012)
FY 2012
0
12)
Part made from
electric furnace steel
sheets
See page 69
See page 70
See page 63
ick up
P
For more details www.ricoh.com/environment/
WEB
The Ricoh Group is developing products and services that “simplify your
life and work” under the Ricoh Brand Benefits, taking into consideration
social challenges and increasing diversity. Information devices have
been further sophisticated with higher and wider functionality and have
been used by increasingly more people in various situations in recent
years, which are even leading to changes in customer lifestyles. At the
same time, in many cases a higher level of literacy in freely using such
devices is expected. For instance, as MFPs become more convenient and
useful with the addition of many extra functions, they become more
difficult for some users to operate since much time is required to learn
how to use them. To address this problem, Ricoh has been conducting
technology development that allows as many customers as possible to
feel comfortable with using its products and to recognize good usability
regardless of physical disabilities or age, and has been incorporating such
technologies into many of its products and services.
Technologies that contribute to solve social challenges
Improving accessibility of MFP
MP C5002 series (released in 2012) designed to improve accessibility and usability
● The scanner unit is detachable
so that it can be placed on
a desk where everyone,
including wheelchair-bound
users, can comfortably
operate the machine.
● The angle of the control
panel is adjustable so that
users can easily access
various functions even when
they are seated in a chair.
● With CUD (color universal
design)-incorporated printer
functions, users can easily
select a type of printing
that utilizes colors that are
easier to see for those with
impaired color vision.
Major achievements in FY 2012 (ended March 31, 2012)
ick up
P
For more details www.ricoh.com/csr/activity/integrity/userfriendly.html
WEB
Ricoh Science Caravan
www.ricoh.com/about/sustainability/topics/social/05_01.html
WEB
The Ricoh Group has conducted a variety of programs related to various
technologies, which are designed to inspire youth to inquire into
technology and science. For instance, the application programming
competition targeting university students, launched in 2008. The Ricoh
Science Caravan, which was designed to let children have hands-on
experience with the wonders of science with the aim of inspiring them
to become more interested in science, have both been attracting an
Ricoh’s technology-based nurturing programs of
the next generation
increasing number of participants every year. In particular, the Ricoh
Science Caravan is positioned as a program unique to the Ricoh Group
that leverages the group’s resources as well as collaboration with local
communities in Japan.