#Sustainability #circular economy #ESG Management

Exploring Sustainability on Reuse Day: The Role of Reuse Toner in Achieving a Circular Economy in Japan

On August 8th, a live-streamed event was held by the OSAKA Zero Carbon Smart City Foundation (OZCaF) on its YouTube channel, marking Reuse Day. The broadcast, in two parts, began with discussions from executives of three leading companies in the toner cartridge reuse industry focused on sustainability and the practicalities of reuse.

Part 1: Taking Initial Steps Toward Sustainability Through Printing

Tatsuya Yui, the moderator, emphasized the significance of environmental and decarbonization efforts even for small and medium enterprises. He introduced the top executives from three member companies of the Japan Cartridge Recycling Industry Association (AJCR). These executives discussed how businesses can initiate their environmental efforts, with a spotlight on toner cartridge reuse.

Leaders in the Industry Speak

Yoko Hojo, CEO of DS Japan, highlighted her company's 40-year journey focusing on selling reusable toner while aiming to enhance office environments. Her mission prioritizes creating a more enjoyable work atmosphere while striving to realize a symbiotic society. She elaborated on their involvement in the CO2 visualization project within OZCaF, collaborating with several companies to propose measures for reducing carbon emissions.

Eisei Aoyama, CEO of KTK Corporation, explained that their toner products, based in Nagoya, support a circular economy by reusing materials, even before the term SDGs became popular. The company's vision emphasizes contributing to a sustainable society through their offerings.

Masato Emori, CEO of Hara Trading Company, discussed their support for the reuse toner sector. With roots in the textile industry, they have evolved to provide the necessary components for laser printer cartridges. Emori shared their commitment to environmentally-friendly business practices and efforts to engage in educational endeavors on decarbonization.

Analyzing the Demand for Reuse Toner

Yui raised the question of why reuse toner is particularly relevant today. According to Emori, the concept of