Imaging the future: Our Commitment to Sustainability, Belonging, and Inclusivity

We live in a world where imaging and printing technology is omnipresent. And while innovation remains paramount in gaining a competitive edge, the true distinction for us at Canon lies in our unwavering commitment to purpose. Our journey goes beyond advancing the boundaries of imaging and printing innovations. In fact, our sacred goal is to imbue every endeavor with a profound sense of purpose.

This article marks the first in a series of blogs highlighting our dedication to a corporate philosophy that transcends mere business goals: Kyosei. It is my privilege to be a part of an organization, with this guiding principle, 'living and working together for the common good', which forms the bedrock of everything we do at Canon. It propels us forward with a core motivation that extends far beyond profit margins and market share. It drives us to create a positive impact in the world, foster diversity and inclusion, champion sustainability, and pave the way for transformative growth.

Forging a sustainable future

I’m often requested to share my views on the future of the industry and what tomorrow holds for our company, society and the environment. In my opinion, sustainability is no longer “nice to have” but rather a “must have” for every organization—big or small—and a high priority too. At Canon, we recognize our responsibility to the planet and future generations. Sustainability lies at the heart of our organization's ethos. We are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint, fostering a better future for generations to come. Through innovation, education, and responsible business practices, we strive to make a positive impact on the planet and create a more sustainable world for all.

We have robust plans in place to become a net zero business by 2050 in alignment with Canon Inc. Since 2008, we have been working toward reaching cumulative 50% improvement in the index of lifecycle CO2 emissions per product unit by 2030, of which we have exceeded our targets year on year. We are continuously looking at ways to limit the environmental impact we have across our design, procurement, operations, processes, and distribution. Some of the areas helping drive this is our reuse, refill and remanufacture strategy, and the increasing use of renewable energy in production and on sites. In 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved Canon’s CO2 near term reduction targets aimed at reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 42% and absolute scope 3 GHG emissions (category 1 and 11) 25% by 2030 from a 2022 base year.

Empowering communities, inspiring change

I’m a firm believer in the responsibility and power of businesses to uplift communities and drive positive change. We view our social initiatives as strategic investments in a better future. Whether through educational programs? such as the Canon Young People Programme which encourages young people to use visual storytelling to create positive change in their communities, or initiatives like Aktashif and Miraisha which empowers? and supports young people across Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, providing access to resources, tools, and mentorship to develop their skills in imaging technology that enhance their employability and entrepreneurship opportunities , we are committed to making a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Fostering a culture of belonging and inclusivity

Diverse teams drive innovation, creativity, and resilience. That's why we are committed to creating a work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. By embracing differences and promoting equality, we aim to create a workspace where everyone's voice is heard, valued, and respected. Our approach revolves around five key pillars of inclusive leadership, inclusive employees, inclusive workplace, inclusive business, and inclusive measures. These pillars ensure that diversity and inclusion are embedded in every aspect of our operations.

At Canon, we pride ourselves on our commitment to meritocracy in talent acquisition, internal recognition and career advancement. Our ethos emphasizes providing equal opportunities for growth and development to all. We are proud of our exceptional gender balance, exemplified by a leadership team that boasts a higher proportion of women, reflecting our dedication to diversity and inclusivity.

Our Women in Sales internship program, recognized as the top performer in the technology sector by the Top 100 Talent Programme, or our DE+I award from Capital News, each accolade reaffirmed our dedication to fostering a culture of diversity and belonging.

Empowering Campaigns:

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just restricted to internal practices but extends to external initiatives that make a tangible difference in society. For instance, our recent collaboration with the Dubai Women Business Council exemplifies our dedication to empowering women in business and fostering gender equality. Additionally, our 'World Unseen' campaign exemplifies our belief that everyone, including the blind and partially sighted, should have access to the world of photography and imaging. By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those often marginalized in society.

Embracing purpose, envisioning possibilities

As we chart our course forward, guided by the principles of Kyosei, we are filled with a sense of optimism and possibility. I envisage a future where diversity, sustainability, and growth intersect to shape a world that is prosperous, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.

At Canon, we are helping shape the future beyond the business of imaging technology —a future where purpose illuminates our path, and possibilities know no bounds.