Konica Minolta has been named a ‘Leader’ in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Sustainability Programs and Services Hardcopy 2023 Vendor Assessment (doc #US49892223, December 2023). The IDC MarketScape states that, “Organizations should consider Konica Minolta when looking for a supplier that is taking decisive actions to reduce climate impact, while promoting the effective use of resources for customers and within its own supply chain.”

The report notes that, “Konica Minolta’s Intelligent Connected Workplace strategy also provides customers with access to information management solutions that can increase workflow efficiency, storage, security, and compliance by leveraging AI-infused technologies.” It also highlights that the use of digitised content and automated workflows helps customers to gain additional benefits in terms of sustainability, and that the company aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions in its own operations and to make its products from more than 90% circulated resources (recycled materials and biomaterials) by 2050. Management Philosophy: The report gives a number of specific strengths in naming Konica Minolta as a ‘Leader’, such as a philosophy that it can create economic and social value through innovation to support sustainability. This includes Konica Minolta’s expertise in imaging, data processing, and data-based decision making, to help its customers and partners to resolve their specific sustainability needs. Sustainability Assessments: The report also highlights Konica Minolta’s Sustainability Assessments as part of Optimized Print Services. These assessments enable customers to receive an environmental audit of their entire printer fleet through Konica Minolta’s bizWORKPLACE total cost of ownership (TCO) tool. The report praises the use of this tool to enable customers to determine their energy and consumables consumption, whilst identifying more energy-efficient options and the reduction of waste as well as periodic environmental reporting for ongoing optimization. Sustainable Solutions Certification System: The IDC MarketScape report also underlines Konica Minolta’s Sustainable Solutions Certification System and its ability to identify and certify a range of products and services that are designed to specifically address environmental and social issues. Using these baseline standards, Konica Minolta assesses its products via a three-step ranking system. Since the Sustainable Solutions Certification System was implemented in 2019, these solutions have accounted for 77% of total group sales. Refurbished Equipment Program: Finally, the IDC MarketScape report cites Konica Minolta’s Refurbished Equipment Program and specifically the use of refillable toner bottles and cartridges, the extension of the life of consumables, the increased use of recycled materials, and the deployment of refurbished equipment, as key components. The report also highlights the Konica Minolta bizhub Refreshed programme, which provides European customers with high-quality and affordable refurbished MFPs, whilst enabling savings in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to procuring new devices.

Olaf Jonas added, “Whilst we are delighted with the results of this assessment, we are ever mindful that concerted efforts are still required to further increase the sustainability levels of Konica Minolta and our customers. We continue to develop and promote initiatives such as our Clean Planet Program, reduced use of packaging, and use of AIRe Link for remote servicing, with a firm focus on further building upon our efforts to support greater sustainability wherever possible.”

About IDC MarketScape: IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.