01732 759725 34 dominant target for full net zero, many manufacturers are setting ambitious 2030 goals for significant reductions across Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Scope 3 emissions, which typically account for more than 80% of a company’s carbon footprint, remain the most challenging area. Some vendors, however, have committed to achieving net zero across all scopes by 2040. Across the market, manufacturers are introducing design improvements, packaging changes and innovations aimed at improving device sustainability and providing customers with the data they need to make informed decisions. Lifecycle assessments (LCAs) are becoming more common, with Xerox targeting LCAs for 100% of newly launched products and its entire portfolio by 2028. Other notable initiatives include HP’s Carbon Emission Sync Service, Canon’s Discovery Assessment Service, Epson’s Optimisation Tool, Ricoh’s Sustainability Services dashboard, Lexmark’s Co2mpute lifecycle assessment tool and Toshiba’s Encompass Green Report. Recycling and reuse Recycling and reuse remain central to green manufacturing. Vendors continue to increase the proportion of post consumer recycled plastics and metals in devices, with new products incorporating higher percentages. Hardware remanufacturing and refurbishment programmes are also gaining momentum. Supplies are also under scrutiny. Vendors are expanding cartridge remanufacturing programmes and improving OEM cartridge and component recyclability. In 2024, Xerox introduced four new remanufactured toner cartridge families, Epson Europe launched an ink cartridge refill initiative and Brother opened an ink cartridge remanufacturing line at its Wales recycling centre. www.quocirca.com corporate strategy. More than eight in ten organisations (82%) are accelerating their sustainability plans, and 77% have a company-wide sustainability strategy in place. For the first time, corporate reputation has entered the top three drivers for sustainability initiatives, alongside operational efficiency and compliance with industry standards. Nearly half of respondents (49%) say their organisation’s sustainability commitments significantly influence their choice of print supplier. At the same time, concerns about greenwashing continue to rise, reinforcing the need for transparent, data-driven reporting on device performance and environmental impact. Vendors must act decisively Quocirca CEO Louella Fernandes says vendors must act decisively. “To remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of their customers, print vendors must accelerate their sustainability goals and demonstrate strong environmental credentials through transparent reporting on performance, including carbon emissions, waste reduction and energy efficiency,” she explained. “Vendors must also enhance sustainability across their products and services, providing clear data on performance, and collaborate with suppliers and partners to promote sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.” Customer education remains a critical gap. Louella continued: “There is a notable gap in understanding around issues such as remanufacturing and refurbished devices where, despite vendors offering as-new and betterthan-new devices with full guarantees, customers remain concerned about hidden costs, reliability, and security.” Momentum is building Momentum is building as vendors work towards net zero. While 2050 remains the Quocirca’s Sustainability Leaders 2025 report provides a comprehensive view of how print manufacturers are accelerating environmental goals and embedding sustainability across products, services and channel programmes. The study complements the analyst firm’s Sustainability Trends 2025 report, which examines how IT decision-makers are prioritising sustainability within their print infrastructure strategies. According to Quocirca, the sustainability landscape is being reshaped by shifting political priorities, delays in regulatory implementation and ongoing economic pressures. These factors are creating a complex environment for vendors, who must balance commercial realities with the need to demonstrate measurable progress across Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, reduce lifecycle impacts and provide customers with credible, accessible environmental data. Despite these challenges, the print industry continues to evolve. Longstanding experience in circular economy practices and product innovation provides a strong foundation, but vendors are under pressure to do more across the broader IT ecosystem. The rapid emergence of AI, ongoing market disruption and pressure on traditional business models add further complexity. Sustainability embedded in corporate strategy Quocirca’s latest research, conducted across IT decision-makers in the UK, France, Germany and the US, shows that sustainability is firmly embedded in Quocirca’s Sustainability Leaders 2025 report highlights rising customer expectations, regulatory uncertainty and growing demand for transparency across the print ecosystem Print vendors accelerate sustainability efforts SUSTAINABILITY
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