Japan Partnership for Circular Economy

Japan Partnership for Circular Economy

casestudy

Remanufacturing of Multifunction Devices

[Company / organization] Canon Inc.

Starting period

Since 1992, Canon has undertaken remanufacturing of used multifunction devices.


Description of technology and business model

We collect used devices and break them down into parts, which are washed and cleaned using optimal techniques. Following strict reuse standards, we replace any parts that show wear or deterioration. The production line and inspection processes used are on a par with those for devices made only with new parts. When a remanufactured device is shipped, it is guaranteed to offer the same level of quality as a new product.


Targets and achievements

 We market remanufactured devices from the imageRUNNER ADVANCE series under the Refreshed series brand in Japan and under the EQ80 series brand in Europe. 

 In 2019, Canon launched sales of a new product under the Refreshed series brand, the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C3330F-RG, a special environmentally conscious model with an increased reused parts ratio. Using meticulous washing and cleaning processes, with sandblast polishing* to remove the smallest imperfections and other special treatments, a reused parts ratio of over 90% has been achieved.

 Given this achievement of one of the industry’s highest reused parts ratios, and also in recognition of the highly developed reuse technology, the imageRUNNER ADVANCE

C3330F-RG was rated highly as a product symbolizing the circular economy, and was awarded the distinction of Eco of the Year at the Ecomark Awards 2020 sponsored by the Japan Environment Association.

* A technique for polishing resin surfaces by blasting with microparticles


URLs that introduce the initiative

https://global.canon/en/csr/report/pdf/canon-sus-2021-e.pdf

https://global.canon/en/environment/circulation.html