Search within the siteEffective Use of Resources at Production Sites
Initiatives related to Effective Use of Resources
Resource Conservation and Recycling in Production Activities
Konica Minolta views resource inputs and waste generated in its production processes as key environmental impacts and is working to reduce resource consumption while making more effective use of resources. These efforts simultaneously reduce environmental impact and production costs.
Key Focus Areas
Production sites promote resource conservation and recycling primarily in the following areas:
- Reduction of material loss
- Reduction and circular use of packaging materials
- Reduction of auxiliary materials and waste liquid
- Optimization of logistics materials
Main Measures
The following are examples of specific measures implemented under each initiative.
| Category | Specific Measure |
|---|---|
| Reduce material loss | Improve yield rates for materials, parts, and products |
| Reduce packaging materials | Introduce simplified packaging and increase the quantity of items per package |
| Reuse packaging materials | Circulate packaging materials within production sites, between production sites, with parts suppliers, and internationally |
| Reduce molding scrap | Introduce molds designed to eliminate molding scrap; minimize molding scrap and recycle it internally |
| Reduce press scrap | Minimize feed pitch |
| Reduce auxiliary material loss | Reuse cleaning solvents; reuse molding machine oil |
| Reuse pallets | Reuse pallets for parts through circular use; resize parts pallets for product shipment |
Examples of Initiatives
Reducing Waste Through the 3Rs for Plastic Scrap
At production sites, Konica Minolta is applying the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) to plastic scrap generated during the molding process for plastic parts. Konica Minolta Business Technologies (Dongguan) Co., Ltd. in China has introduced scrap-free molds, reducing material consumption. In addition, the plastic scrap that is generated is crushed and reused or repurposed into materials such as parts storage boxes, promoting the effective use of resources.
Promoting Packaging Material Reduction and Circular Use
Production sites are working to reduce packaging materials used during the procurement of materials and parts. In addition to introducing simplified packaging and reviewing purchase quantities, the following initiatives are being advanced.
First, as part of transitioning to reusable packaging methods, stretch film is being replaced with strapping bands. Parts boxes are also being switched from cardboard to foldable containers made from plastic scrap, which are collected and circulated with the cooperation of suppliers. Furthermore, cushioning materials and pallets used in transport are collected and reused rather than discarded, or shared using common standards, thereby reducing packaging material usage both domestically and internationally.
Additionally, Konica Minolta Business Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. collects ABS resin scrap generated in production processes and reuses it as material for parts boxes and pallets. This achieves both waste reduction and a decrease in new material input.
Moreover, consolidating procurement bases allows for the aggregation and bulk shipment of parts, optimizing transport frequency and packaging units. As a result, excess packaging previously generated during individual deliveries has been reduced, leading to increased overall logistics efficiency and lower packaging material consumption. In addition, switching from wooden pallets to slip sheets reduces weight and reduces resource inputs.
Waste Reduction and Cost Optimization Achieved Through Internal Waste Liquid Treatment
In 2025, an initiative was launched to process waste liquid discharged from Konica Minolta IJ Products Co., Ltd. at Konica Minolta Chemical Co., Ltd., which operates wastewater treatment facilities. This promotes internal processing within the Konica Minolta Group, reducing the discharge of industrial waste outside the group while keeping treatment costs in check.
Improving Yield Rates Using Data
Konica Minolta is working to improve yield rates by utilizing various data collected from production equipment. For example, Konica Minolta Mechatronics Co., Ltd. continuously monitors production equipment data and inspection data to identify parameters highly correlated with defect occurrence. By detecting changes in these parameters, defects are prevented before they occur, enabling highly efficient manufacturing.