Sustainability disappointingly low priority

March 10, 2021

Less than a quarter of businesses consider sustainability a top priority, despite customer and employee demand, according to a new report launched by Epson.

The Sustainable Working Environment Indexing Report, launched by Epson, reveals that disappointingly, less than a quarter of businesses (24%) considered sustainability and social issues to be one of their top three priorities. This is despite almost three-quarters (71%) of the general population considering these matters to be of extreme importance.

The survey of over 4,000 respondents across Europe and the Middle East, also shows that more than four in five (83%) claim that the environmental and social credentials of the products and services they personally purchase were important and 70% said environmental factors such as energy efficiency and waste reduction must play a key role in the products provided for home working. While a significant 81% also revealed that they took those of their employer into consideration.

Thankfully, change is on the horizon, with two-thirds (65%) of businesses claiming these issues will receive renewed focus and increased importance in the aftermath of COVID.

Commenting on the findings, Darren Phelps, VP of business sales at Epson Europe stated that “For Epson, sustainability has long been a cornerstone of our business, both in the design and manufacture of the products we make, as well as within our own behaviours and business operations. We don’t believe we’re alone in striving for a more sustainable approach to business, but the pandemic has shifted a lot of priorities.

“Technology can align and help support plans for a more sustainable, economically viable future. We already know that inkjet technology has huge environmental benefits over laser and have advocated the switch for many years. Very simply, if all laser printers with Europe were swapped for Epson heat-free business inkjets, we could save enough energy annually to reduce CO2 emissions by 410m kilograms and cut energy costs by up to €152 million ($180 million) each year. This report shares the insight we gathered, both in terms of current and planned action, and the expectations of stakeholders that can impact business success.”

Find out more and access the Sustainable Working Environment Indexing Report here.