Environment

Fiscal 2008 Targets and Results (CO₂ Emissions during Product Usage)

Achievement of reduction targets by incorporating energy-saving technologies into products

In response to the fiscal 2008 target of reducing CO₂ emissions during product usage to 526,000 tons, Konica Minolta was able to reduce CO₂ emissions in this area to 472,000 tons. This was achieved through the provision of products with energy-saving technologies.
For example, Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc., a core business company in the Group, has developed and released color multi-functional peripherals (MFPs) that boast substantial energy-saving performance. The MFPs feature numerous unique technologies, including a toner with a lower fusing temperature, and IH fusing technology that reduces power consumption during standby mode.
While the drop in the number of MFPs operating in the market due to the recession also led to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, the energy-saving technologies played a major role in the reduction of CO₂ emissions.

Energy-saving Product Design

Working to reduce CO₂ emissions by introducing the LCA method to each product group

Konica Minolta is effectively reducing CO₂ emissions by employing the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. Data is collected on CO₂ emissions throughout the life cycle of products for each of its wide-ranging product groups, and an assessment is conducted to determine which processes have the higher emission rates. Based on the assessment, appropriate measures are then implemented in each process.

Example 1: Multi-Functional Peripherals (MFPs)

During an MFP's life cycle, the end-user operating stage accounts for a major portion of its total CO₂ emissions. When copying or printing text and images output by the MFP, heat is necessary to fuse the toner on the paper. The energy required in the fusing process represents a significant percentage* of the energy utilized by the MFP during the end-user operating stage. As a result, Konica Minolta has focused its efforts on ways to save energy during the fusing process.
* Represents about 60% of the end-user operating stage energy consumption for the bizhub C652.

Color MFP bizhub C652

*1

Landscape letter or A4 size

*2

Figures were calculated by converting the Typical Electricity Consumption (TEC) value, obtained by the measurement method as stipulated by the International Energy Star Program over a 52-week (one year) period.

Simitri HD Toner Fuses at a Lower Temperature

Simitri HD Toner is a proprietary polymerized toner developed by Konica Minolta. Polymerization is a method of toner manufacturing that greatly reduces environmental impact during production when compared to conventional toner manufacturing methods. The toner particles are smaller than regular toner particles, so less toner is required for the same print jobs. In addition, the toner is fused at a lower temperature. All of these features contribute to reducing the amount of energy used.

• Environmental Technologies: Simitri Toner

Using IH Technology to Create an Energy-Efficient Fusing Unit temperature

If the standby temperature is kept high, then the roller can be heated quickly to the proper fusing point. However, this means that a significant amount of energy is consumed during the standby mode. Reducing this energy consumption is key to making an energy-saving MFP. Konica Minolta provides a solution with its induction heating (IH) technology. This technology has been applied as the means to rapidly heat the fusing unit of its MFPs*. By rapidly heating the surface of the fusing roller, a low standby temperature can be quickly increased to printing temperature. This greatly reduces power consumption during standby mode.

*

Applies to some bizhub MFPs

• Environmental Technologies: Induction Heating Fusing Technology

Example 2: Medical X-ray Imaging Devices