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Ethical Biz

Sustainability is core to Epson, with products made to be kinder to environment

Across the business today, Epson continues to leverage on its efficient, compact, and precise technologies to drive innovations that will make the world a better place. In fact, the company has taken their commitment to sustainability one step further to ensure that each new generation of core products are ever better for the environment.

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Over the last decade, we have seen a growing preference for products made by companies that have built purpose and sustainability into their business model.  Some of the world’s most successful and fastest growing companies have adopted care for the environment and a commitment to work to help solve some of society’s most pressing problems so that purpose and sustainability have become hallmarks of successful and respected businesses.

Research shows that consumers are willing to change their consumption habits to lessen their negative impact on the environment. In fact, millennials and Gen Z are especially willing to pay more for products that contain sustainable ingredients or products that have social responsibility claims.  

Harvard Business School Professor Rebecca Henderson explains it simply in her online course on Sustainable Business Strategy: “Doing well and doing good are intertwined, and successful business strategies include both”. 

Being able to communicate that your company does good in the world is a competitive advantage that attracts and retains employees, helps protect against issues, and creates trust so that people will choose your services and your products over others again and again.    

Epson had the foresight to create a company built on purpose from its early years as a watch manufacturer in the 1940’s. Guided by the keywords “integrity and effort”, and inspired by the character of Epson’s founder Hisao Yamazaki, the drive to innovate, the creativeness and willingness to take on challenges, and a strong commitment to both local and global environmental preservation took root throughout the growing organization. Beginning with a pledge to keep Lake Suwa in the Nagano prefecture clean, Epson later became the first company in the world to declare that it would eliminate ozone-depleting CFC’s from its operations, which it did across the group in 1993.  Epson joined the United Nations Global Compact in 2004, and later declared a commitment to contribute to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Products designed to be better for the environment

Across the business today, Epson continues to leverage on its efficient, compact, and precise technologies to drive innovations that will make the world a better place.  In fact, the company has taken their commitment to sustainability one step further to ensure that each new generation of core products are ever better for the environment. 

From conception to completion across the complete product range, products are designed to be more eco-friendly by eliminating hazardous substances. You will see this in the ‘heat-free technology’ employed by Epson printers to eliminate heat from the printing process, thus consuming far less electricity compared to laser printers.  You will also see this in high-capacity ink tanks which significantly reduce environmental impact while boosting operational efficiency.

“We are committed to transform the way businesses work and drive the circular economy,” explains Siew Jin Kiat, Epson SEA Senior Director for Regional Marketing.  “Within the office space, we designed our inkjet printing products to offer more cost-efficient printing that is better for the environment.  Our printers today offer one-tenth average printing costs, use one-eighth the average power consumption and can print 100 pages a minute. In the future, we will be able to provide an office-based paper recycling loop using our water-free dry fiber technology that can make new paper from used copy paper on the spot.” Epson’s revolutionary Paper Lab is the first office-based papermaking system that will shrink the office’s environmental footprint by repurposing used paper and using 60% less water in the process.

On the shop floor, products developed by Epson teams based on customer feedback are enabling better productivity, efficiency, and lower environmental impact.  Epson’s reliable robotics solutions are automating processes in labor-intensive industries to enable employees to leave behind harsh working conditions and long hours. Piezoelectric inkjet systems in digital textile printers are also driving a technology shift from analog, help textile manufacturers cut waste material by up to 95%, enable faster turnaround and the flexibility to run short-run jobs on a wide range of material.  

Purpose in the way teams work and the activities that we embark on 

This desire to make the world a better place is embraced and evident in the Epson work ethic which embraces the desire to build purpose and sustainability “into the details” of innovation and the “everyday”. Nowhere is this more evident than in Epson’s new office and solution centers where its own products are used to support a hybrid workplace while reducing power consumption, waste and caring for the environment. Workspaces are designed to be more energy efficient with layouts that allow resources to be better shared, enabling collaboration across teams that produce their best work.

Wherever they are in the world, Epson teams work to make significant contributions to global corporate climate change and social issues advocates championing human rights, environmental action, workforce diversity, and sustainable sourcing in supply chain management.  In Indonesia, for example, Epson launched an initiative that encouraged young students to take the lead in managing waste through the ‘3 R’s’: reduce, reuse, recycle. 

In the Philippines, partnered with the Rotaract Club’s ‘Juan Bottle at a Time’ project, Epson shared the basics of proper waste management and eco-brick making with the youth community of Santa Ana, Manila.

The Philippine office also partnered with the local Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its youth arm, GREENducation Philippines, for a film competition that aimed to raise public awareness on environmentalism.

In Thailand, Epson worked with the Better Thailand Foundation, to encourage underprivileged and disabled children to find self-appreciation through art.  

Says Siew Jin Kiat: “Our mission is to build stakeholder trust as we grow and prosper with communities and to help create a better world.  Aligned with our vision of a sustainable future, we are dedicated to laying the groundwork for a low-carbon society and will journey to keep educating the public and engaging the youth for longer lasting impact.”

Ethical Biz

FedEx Cares helps 2,400 Filipino students start the school year healthier

This initiative is part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program, and aims to improve the health and well-being of Filipino students ahead of the upcoming school year.

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Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, collaborated with international non-profit Feed the Children to address health challenges by donating hygiene kits to 2,400 grade school children from fishing and farming communities in Bohol and Zamboanga del Norte.

This initiative is part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program, and aims to improve the health and well-being of Filipino students ahead of the upcoming school year. A total of 14 FedEx employees supported the effort by assembling and delivering the kits, which include soap, shampoo, face towels, toothbrush and toothpaste – helping children maintain proper hygiene and stay focused on their education.\

Beyond providing essential supplies, the program promotes lasting behavior change through school-based orientation sessions in 11 schools, encouraging consistent, daily hygiene practices among students. Studies show that handwashing with soap can reduce diarrheal diseases by up to 30% and acute respiratory infections by up to 20%, underscoring the importance of early education and access to basic hygiene tools. Oral health remains a growing concern, with the Philippine Dental Association reporting that 72% of Filipinos suffer from tooth decay, with school-aged children among the most affected, making it a leading cause of school absenteeism.

“At FedEx, we believe that access to basic hygiene is fundamental to a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Through this initiative, we are not only delivering essential supplies but also fostering healthier routines and stronger foundations for learning,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Philippines. “By providing hygiene kits and health education, we aim to create a lasting impact and empower Filipino children to stay in school and reach their full potential.”

Since 2023, FedEx has worked with Feed the Children to deliver resources that support the needs of more than 5,000 children across the Philippines.

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Ethical Biz

AXA Philippines mobilizes over 2,000 employees nationwide to support communities through volunteerism

This year’s celebration underscored the company’s belief that they can achieve more meaningful change when they work as one, while marking a shift toward long-term partnerships that empower communities to grow sustainably.

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AXA Philippines, one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, reaffirmed its commitment to create lasting social impact through AXA Week for Good (AWFG) 2026, bringing together over 2,000 employees nationwide under the theme “AXA on a Mission: Together We Move Forward.”

This year’s celebration underscored the company’s belief that they can achieve more meaningful change when they work as one, while marking a shift toward long-term partnerships that empower communities to grow sustainably.

“When our employees come together, the impact multiplies. This year, we’re investing more into partnerships that can help communities thrive in the long run. We wanted volunteerism to go beyond participation and become part of a sustained journey with our partners through livelihood initiatives, skills sharing, and learning and sustainability programs,” said Sharon Hernandez, Chief Human Resources Officer of AXA Philippines.

From Volunteerism to Sustainable Community Development

A key milestone of this year’s AWFG is the continued development of the Medinilla Café, a livelihood project in Siniloan, Laguna that grew from AXA’s tree-planting and forest restoration efforts last year in collaboration with Fostering Education and Environment for Development Inc. (FEED). Through the first-ever “Declutter for a Purpose” initiative, AXA employees raised cash donations by selling preloved items to help sustain the café’s operations and create livelihood opportunities for local residents. The unsold goods will be donated to partner communities to extend the initiative’s impact and minimize waste.

Building on the success of AXA Forest, the company is also expanding support to community gardens in partnership with Project PEARLS, a non-profit organization with a mission to help the poorest of the poor children have a better life by giving them PEARLS: Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love and Smiles through education, empowerment, nutrition, nourishment, and healthcare. The partnership aims to help improve food security and create potential income sources for families.

Learning That Inspires Action

Throughout the week, employees also deepened their understanding of social and environmental challenges through the “Impact for Action Podcast Series,” featuring experts and nonprofit partners who shared practical insights on literacy, sustainability, disaster preparedness, workplace safety, circular economy practices, and environmental stewardship.

Partner organizations included BINHI English Literacy Foundation, FEED Inc., Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), Humble Sustainability, Upstyle, The Soilmate Collective Inc., and AXA Foundation. The series also highlighted volunteer opportunities that extend beyond AWFG, encouraging year-round engagement.

Employees Turning Everyday Actions into Lasting Impact

Additionally,  employees participated in a range of hands-on activities over the course of the week.  An “e-Waste Collection Drive” promoted responsible disposal by collecting used electronic devices for refurbishment or recycling, with proceeds benefiting Project PEARLS.

Meanwhile, remote volunteers contributed through “Learning Buddies,” creating reading activity sheets for young learners, and “Love in Every Bite,” sharing nutritious, budget-friendly recipes with partner communities.

AXA Week for Good is the flagship annual celebration of AXA Hearts in Action, the company’s global employee volunteering program. With a focus on community partnerships, this year’s AXA Week for Good continues to show the impact of collective action, through volunteerism, skills sharing, and supporting livelihood initiatives, reflecting the company’s commitment to helping protect what matters and build more resilient communities.

For more information about AXA Philippines and its community initiatives, visit www.axa.com.ph

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Ethical Biz

Canon Marketing Philippines leads Brigada Eskwela to help prepare Lagro High School for new school year

Beyond the physical improvements, the initiative reflected the collaboration and community spirit that Brigada Eskwela represents each year.

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Canon Marketing Philippines recently led faculty, students, and employee volunteers at Lagro High School for this year’s Brigada Eskwela, helping prepare classrooms ahead of the opening of classes.

The activity brought together Canon employees and the school’s student council to repaint and refresh classrooms, creating a more welcoming environment for returning students. Beyond the physical improvements, the initiative reflected the collaboration and community spirit that Brigada Eskwela represents each year.

Volunteers worked side by side through a morning of paint-streaked shirts, teamwork, and meaningful conversations, all toward a common goal: classrooms where students feel motivated to learn and grow.

Canon Marketing Philippines also donated printers to support the school’s teaching and administrative needs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to empowering educators and students through technology.

“Our participation in Brigada Eskwela reflects Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing Philippines. “We believe education plays a vital role in shaping communities, and through simple but meaningful initiatives like this, we hope to help create better learning environments for students and teachers alike. Kyosei is most meaningful when experienced through collective action and genuine care for others.”

Through initiatives like Brigada Eskwela, Canon Marketing Philippines continues to strengthen its corporate social responsibility commitment by supporting communities and contributing to spaces where people can learn, connect, and thrive.

Canon is a multibillion-dollar company with one of the most extensive product lines of digital imaging devices. 2020 marks the company’s 35th consecutive year it has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and the 16th consecutive year it has been ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents granted. It continues to enrich lives through technological innovation.   

Guided by its commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon provides total imaging solutions to improve personal and professional lives. The brand ranks as one of the top 20 brands in the region according to a 2018 study conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific and Nielsen thanks to its strong reputation on performance and good corporate citizenship.   

Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has offices spread across the Philippine archipelago supported by its vast network of authorized service centers. Recognitions and awards received include the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for providing distinctive service to customers.    

Canon Marketing Philippines reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all its operations and product lifecycle, striving for a greener future for generations to come.    

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