OUR COMMITMENT
To sustainable printing at Mimaki
Our Commitment to Sustainable Print
Beyond breakthrough innovations, true sustainability requires commitment at every level. At Mimaki, this means aligning our entire operation – from product development to daily practices – with the highest environmental and social standards for lasting change.
New Industry Standards
Our commitment to sustainability is validated by the industry’s most rigorous certifications. Our UV-curable inks hold the GREENGUARD GOLD certification, ensuring they meet the world’s strictest standards for low chemical emissions – making them safe even for sensitive environments like schools and healthcare facilities. In the textile sector, our inks are OEKO-TEX® certified, while our sublimation inks have achieved bluesign® APPROVED status with ZDHC MRSL Conformance Level 3, the highest standard for environmental textile production.
New Industry Practices
Since 2022, we’ve been revolutionising even the basics of printing supplies. By transitioning our ink cartridges from plastic to paper-based packaging, we’ve achieved a remarkable 68% reduction in plastic use. This initiative demonstrates how rethinking even fundamental components can create significant environmental impact.
Leadership Through Innovation
Our Neo-Chromato Process represents perhaps our most ambitious vision toward a circular economy in printing. This revolutionary technology enables the decolorization and reuse of polyester textiles, eliminating the need for incineration and significantly reducing energy consumption in textile recycling. By making textile reuse practical and efficient, we’re helping create circular solutions for the printing industry. The technology is being further developed.
European Initiatives
In our own European operations, we’re taking a leading role in environmental responsibility. Our interaction with the natural world is guided by clear priorities: enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and minimizing waste. This commitment has led to concrete actions across our organization, from reducing product packaging to developing environmentally-friendly water-based and UV inks.
Our alignment with the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive shows our commitment to responsible product lifecycle management. As one of the first printing technology companies to fully embrace these standards, we’re helping establish new benchmarks for the industry.
ESG Framework in Action
Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework guides every decision we make:
Environmental: We’ve transformed our product development process to prioritize sustainability. From reducing CO2 emissions through improved packaging to supporting digital on-demand production that minimizes environmental impact, every innovation is evaluated through an environmental lens.
Social: Our commitment extends beyond our walls. We’re actively supporting local communities through environmental conservation projects, fostering industry education through our internship program, and promoting diversity through initiatives like Girls Who Print.
Governance: Our SDGs Promotion Office ensures organization-wide commitment to sustainability goals. Annual compliance declarations and regular internal audits maintain the highest standards of ethical business practices.
Future Commitments / Clear Targets
Looking ahead, we’re setting ambitious targets for sustainable innovation:
- Continuous reduction in CO2 emissions through improved product design and operations
- Ongoing development of energy-efficient technologies
- Regular assessment and improvement of our environmental impact
- Active engagement with industry partners to promote sustainable practices
Future-Focused Innovation
Our research and development continues to focus on breakthrough solutions. Whether it’s advancing UV-LED technology for even greater energy efficiency, developing new waterless printing methods, or creating innovative recycling solutions like Neo-Chromato, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable printing.
Industry Collaboration
We recognize that true transformation requires industry-wide effort. That’s why we actively share our knowledge and collaborate with partners across the printing ecosystem. Through industry events, technical workshops, and open innovation initiatives, we’re helping build a community committed to sustainable printing.
As we continue developing technologies like Neo-Chromato and TRAPIS, we’re creating possibilities for a more sustainable future in printing.
What Sustainability Means To Us
Innovation
Developing solutions that minimise environmental impact.
Operation
Implementing policies that improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Community
Supporting our communities to create positive social impact.
Ready to print different?
Connect with our experts to discover how Mimaki’s sustainable printing solutions can help transform your business. Whether you’re looking to reduce water use, cut energy consumption, or minimize waste, we’re here to help.
Social Impact and Governance
We understand that true sustainability encompasses social responsibility and ethical governance. Our approach to social impact starts with our people. We’re actively building a more diverse workforce, implementing comprehensive training systems, and ensuring fair labor practices. Our prohibition of discrimination and commitment to human rights is fundamental to who we are.
Our participation in the SDGs partnership program in Nagano prefecture, home to our headquarters and major factories, exemplifies our commitment to both global standards and local action. Through our SDGs Promotion Office, established in 2022, we’re aligning our innovations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our inkjet technologies contribute to nine specific SDGs, from reducing water pollution in textile production to creating more sustainable communities through eco-friendly printing solutions. Regular reporting to Nagano prefecture ensures transparency in our environmental impact reduction efforts.