Plant-based Plastics

It is estimated that 185,000 tonnes of toner is consumed globally each year, and the amount continues to increase. Toner incorporates raw materials that are derived from oil, including polymeric resin – in addition, the actual extraction of that oil results in heavy emissions of carbon dioxide, a key factor in global warming.

In order to satisfy the demands of our ‘Planet, People, Profit’ philosophy, we needed to identify a more sustainable alternative. Our research led us to explore the potential for toner made from plant resin. As harvesting crops involves far less CO2 emissions than the extraction of oil, plant-based toner represents a viable solution from the viewpoint of the environment. 

Ricoh went on to develop plant-based toner in 2006, and we plan to become the first manufacturer to commercialise such a product. Replacing the world’s toner inventory with the plant-based resin would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 120,000 tons per year. This is just one example of our ongoing commitment to total sustainability.