Canon Virginia Named As First Manufacturer to Earn Responsible Recycling (R2) Certification

Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Canon Virginia, Inc. (CVI), is the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to achieve Responsible Recycling Practices for Electronics Recyclers (R2) certification. This certification is a result of an independent audit of CVI’s facilities in Newport News, Va., confirming that it’s facilities meet the R2 Standard, a comprehensive set of best management practices governing the environmental, health, safety and security aspects of the electronics recycling industry.

Electronic manufacturing companies typically employ third-party recyclers, however, the majority of the recycling at the CVI facility is done on site. This practice helps to reduce the environmental footprint of the product and is another example of Canon’s dedication to maximizing efficiency and environmental practices. While other recycling companies have been recipients of the R2 Certification, CVI is the first OEM to receive this distinction. “Achieving R2 certification is a major accomplishment and supports our commitment to the environment,” said Toru Nishizawa, president and chief executive officer, Canon Virginia. “We work very hard to ensure the recycling side of our business complements Canon’s research and development efforts to help minimize the environmental impact of our products.

As an OEM, Canon is combining manufacturing and recycling under one roof to strengthen our profile and offer a unique business value to our customers and society.” R2 is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-recognized accreditation standard that helps to ensure electronics recyclers remain accountable for their processes while also helping to protect supply chain employees, and others, who are exposed to e-waste. The R2 audit involves a seven-step process that evaluates over 50 areas of operational performance. The certification ensures the highest levels of compliance in environmental practices, procedures and data security and implements strict recycling and material disposal regulations.

This certification, covering the Canon facilities in Virginia responsible for the testing, refurbishment and repair of returned copiers, printers and cameras, is one example of Canon’s dedication to maximizing sound environmental practices while continually looking for ways to reduce consumption throughout all aspects of the business. Recently, Canon U.S.A., Inc. became one of the first electronic equipment manufacturers with qualifying products in the new imaging equipment category of EPEAT, a global registry for greener electronics. CVI’s R2 Certification helps support Canon’s efforts to promote various environmental initiatives more effectively throughout the product life-cycle, supported by Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s Environmental Management System and ISO 14001 certificate. Canon U.S.A., Inc., and more than 700 additional Canon sites worldwide, adhere to the ISO 14001 standard which acts as a guideline for organizations to develop effective Environmental Management Systems.