Ricoh 2012 Annual Report Download - page 61

Ricoh Group Sustainability Report 2012 60
Top Message About us Our Activities
Supply Chain Management
Data
Reducing environmental impact through “eco
packaging”
The Ricoh Group has been promoting the introduction of “eco packaging,”
which uses less cardboard. In 2001, we introduced “resource-recirculating
eco packaging” using resin materials that can be re-used repeatedly.
During fiscal 2012 (ended March 31, 2012), about 72% of MFPs, or
61 models out of a total of 75, that were shipped within Japan were
packaged with resin-based materials. The use of eco packaging helps
reduce about 1,451 tons of packaging materials
annually, equivalent to about 1,900 tons of
CO2. The Ricoh Logistics Group has adopted
RFID technology* in managing and collecting
packages under the “resource-recirculating
eco packaging” system. A series of arterial and
venous logistic flows are managed with the
help of the RFID technology to ensure collection
and recycling.
Optimization of logistics with the milk run
system
The milk run system, in which one truck makes scheduled visits to more
than one supplier to pick up parts, has been established. The system is
designed to gather advance information on the number of parts to be
collected from each supplier to ensure that collection is made in a well-
planned manner. The adoption of this system has helped improve cargo-
carrying efficiency and to reduce vehicle trip distance.
Product collection system
(Venous logistic flows)
We have established a logistics system that integrates
both arterial logistics flows that deliver our products to
customers and venous logistics flows that collect used
products. In the collection network, we apply Ricoh’s
original recycling information system using the bar code
on each product, which allows us to share information
on the amount of used products and parts that have
been collected as well as the rate of collection. Based on
data obtained from the network, we develop sales plans
for recycled products and reuse collected parts.
Resource-recirculating eco
packaging
In logistics, with focus placed on the five areas of packaging, transportation, space, transshipment and storage,
the Ricoh Group surveys all processes and promotes efforts on a global scale, including the improvement of cargo-carrying efficiency
through modal shifts, direct deliveries to customers, and by optimizing transportation routes,
so that we can simultaneously reduce costs and environmental impact.
Transportation/Installation
Port Shipment
Scheduled visits
for parts collection
Improved
cargo-carrying
efficiency
Supplier A
Supplier B
Supplier C
Delivery company
Supplier D
Supplier E
Supplier F
■ Milk run system to improve cargo-carrying efficiency
Direct delivery
of containers
The Ricoh Group, which has been promoting recycling-oriented business since the 1990’s,
has a product collection network to achieve highly efficient recycling.
Through the integration of arterial and venous logistics into the network,
we have improved the efficiency of the entire logistics process and reduced environmental impact.
Collection
Efforts to reduce environmental impact in logistics www.ricoh.com/environment/office/logistics/01_01.html
* www.ricoh.co.jp/thermal/recoview/
For more details www.ricoh.com/environment/product/resource/03_01.html
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See page 67
Recycling CenterGreen CenterUsed product
Sales subsidiary
Recovery Center
Recycled parts/
recycled products
Agreement
Customer
R
RR
Ricoh’s
Management Division
R
Reporting the
completion to
the customer
(Depending on the
customer’s request)
Material
recycling
To be used as
recycled
materials
Chemical
recycling
To be used as
deoxidizing
materials for
blast furnaces
Landfill
To be reduced as
much as possible
For more details www.ricoh.co.jp/ecology/recycle/system/index.html
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