NAIROBI, Kenya-Japanese technology firm Epson has stepped up its decarbonisation strategy with a global shift to 100 per cent renewable electricity and new logistics measures aimed at reducing emissions across its supply chain.
The company, which in 2023 became the first manufacturer in Japan to power all its worldwide sites exclusively with renewable energy, said the milestone is part of its target to be carbon negative and resource-free by 2050. The transition covers its production plants, offices and research centres.
Alongside the energy shift, Epson is reworking its logistics operations to cut the environmental footprint of global shipping and freight.
Among the measures are the use of high-cube containers, which have improved loading capacity by 14.3 per cent, reducing shipment frequency.
The firm is also piloting alternative-fuel shipping, with 100 containers moved on vessels running on biodiesel and green methanol, avoiding an estimated 220 tonnes of emissions.
Other steps include the introduction of a new east-coast shipping route to North America, projected to cut overland transit emissions by about 320 tonnes, and the launch of a solar-powered warehouse in Türkiye that incorporates sustainable packaging and freight systems.
In East and West Africa, where Epson runs sales and distribution hubs, the company said the global transition is expected to shape procurement and logistics strategies, particularly as governments push for lower carbon footprints in manufacturing and ICT sectors.
Kenya, which has already achieved more than 90 per cent renewable energy penetration in its electricity mix, is seen as a market that could align closely with Epson’s clean energy agenda.
Industry analysts note that Epson’s shift to renewable-powered operations could spur opportunities for local suppliers of solar and wind solutions, while its greener shipping practices may influence regional logistics firms that serve multinational technology companies.
Epson said the logistics changes are designed to complement its energy transition and accelerate progress toward its long-term carbon-negative ambitions.
