Océ, a Canon Group company, has once again achieved gains in all five of its strategic sustainability focal areas: energy, reuse, paper, product responsibility and employer of choice. The results are documented in the Océ Sustainability Report 2011 published today. Highlights include a substantial further reduction in company carbon footprint compared to 2010 and the launch of a uniquely clean new imaging technology.

• In addition to further reducing energy consumption of products, Océ reduced the total company carbon footprint by 13% compared to 2010
• The company launched the Océ VarioPrint DP Line of production printers based on highly sustainable technologies that eliminate ozone emissions and greatly reduce energy usage
• Océ once again placed in the Leading Group of companies in the Dutch Transparency Benchmark
• Océ reached its target on waste “going to landfill” one year ahead of schedule with less than 2% of total waste from production facilities now disposed in landfills
• Océ began sales of the first Cradle to Cradle paper developed in close cooperation with waste processing partner Van Gansewinkel

“Our customers demand a printing and document management supplier that contributes to their sustainability objectives. The Sustainability Report 2011 provides measurable evidence that Océ is a strong partner to help them achieve their goals,” said Anton Schaaf, Océ President & CEO.

Five sustainability focal areas

The Océ Sustainability Report 2011 describes Océ’s sustainability strategy based on its five focal areas. It presents the actions taken during the year to ensure the company meets current requirements of its stakeholders without compromising the needs of future generations. The report is part of the ongoing dialogue with stakeholders regarding the sustainability of key aspects of Océ’s operation.

The company’s inherent commitment to sustainable management practices and processes is clearly visible in product development and reuse, partnerships and specific achievements. As a Canon Group company, Océ has continued to work towards achieving more of the sustainability targets it had set itself whilst adding challenging targets to aim for. Based on the achievements in 2011, new sustainability targets have been set for 2012.

Paper

Reducing paper waste through misprints is an important part of Océ R&D activities. In 2011 Océ launched the first product integrating the Océ PRISMA®sync workflow controller with Canon cutsheet production printers. This significantly reduces misprints due to incorrect paper usage or color settings.

The company began sales of the first recycled Cradle to Cradle paper in 2011, developed in close cooperation with waste processing partner Van Gansewinkel. The 100% recycled office paper is certified by the scientific Cradle to Cradle institute, EPEA. Océ also continued efforts to supply paper from sustainable, renewable sources. By the end of 2011, nine countries in which Océ operates were FSC/PEFC Chain-of-Custody certified.

Energy

New products launched in 2011 included the energy-efficient Océ VarioPrint DP Line. It's based on the unique new Océ DirectPress® technology, a 100% digital technology that produces zero ozone, and on the new Océ HeatXchange® technology. The Océ VarioPrint DP Line has the lowest TEC (Typical Energy Consumption) value in the mid-production market. In addition to reducing the energy consumption of its products, Océ also worked to further improve the energy efficiency of its own operations. Compared with 2010 the company carbon footprint decreased by 13%.

Reuse

Océ’s R&D engineers design parts and modules that are not type-specific and so can be used and reused in a range of printing systems. The Océ Prémia Class Certificate, introduced in 2011, describes the remanufacturing process and guarantees that the products perform as newly built. Océ also reached its target on waste going to landfill one year ahead of schedule with less than 2% of total waste from production facilities now disposed in landfills.

Product responsibility

In 2011 Océ furthered efforts to increase the sustainability of its product offering and maximize benefits to its customers. The company introduced two new Océ Arizona®  flatbed printers. Among other sustainable features, the Océ Arizona 360 GT and Océ Arizona 360 XT consume less than half of the electricity of many competing systems. 
The Océ Arizona printers also use UV curable inks that emit significantly fewer volatile organic compounds than solvent-based inks. The company also developed the Océ HeadSafe concept for the Océ ColorStream® 3500 to save ink and prevent unnecessary cleaning procedures.

Employer of choice

A number of teams worked hard on preparing for the integration with Canon. Joint product roadmaps, Research & Development programs and the future structure have been defined as Canon and Océ move towards creating the overall number one presence in the printing industry. For the fourth consecutive year, Océ-Nederland was awarded the “TOP employer” of the year certificate in research accredited by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.

Océ in Leading Group of transparent Dutch companies 

For the fourth consecutive year Océ has been included in the Leading Group of Dutch companies in the annual Transparency Benchmark. The Transparency Benchmark is an initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation to assess companies' transparency in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The company was also featured on Green Magazine TV produced by Worldwide Digital Communications Corporation. Océ was highlighted in the topic “Industry Leaders Pioneering the Future of Environmental Sustainability.” 

For more information, please contact: 
Nick Gale 
Manager Media Relations 
Tel +31 77 359 5628 
Email [email protected]