Epson, 5 Gyres partner to battle plastic pollution

By Omolola Dede Adeyanju

Epson, a global technology leader has announced a partnership with The 5 Gyres Institute, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering action against the global crisis of plastic pollution through science, education, and advocacy. Through the partnership, Epson will focus on raising awareness of plastic pollution and identify solutions for customers to reduce plastics in their work and home.

“There is no change without dedicated corporations that will make it part of their mission to reduce plastic usage in their supply chain and support scientific innovation” said Development Director, 5 Gyres, Sara Mais.

“Epson is a strong partner because of our shared commitment to bettering this world, and together we will be able to motivate others to truly affect positive environmental and social change.

“5 Gyres is a leader in the global movement against plastic pollution with nearly 15 years of expertise in scientific research and engagement on plastic pollution issues. The team leads research to drive upstream solutions, vet innovation, and support good policy measures that address the many sources of plastic pollution.

“At Epson, we are dedicated to being part of the solution when it comes to taking care of our world,” said Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, Epson America, Inc, Kendra Jones.

“This partnership will help us learn from the experts and inspire Epson and our customers to further reduce our plastic footprint.”

Epson’s philosophy of developing efficient, compact, and precise technologies – or “Sho-Sho-Sei” as it’s known in Japan – has been infused into every Epson product since the beginning. Designing for low energy consumption, minimized waste, small footprints, high reliability, and minimal moving parts results in outstanding solutions for customers.

Epson EcoTank printers are an example of this effort. Producing zero cartridge waste, EcoTank printers include supersized, easily refillable ink tanks and EcoFit ink bottles to help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills. Epson’s Environmental Vision 2050 outlines its commitment to specific goals and actions supporting global efforts to achieve sustainability.

Through this partnership, Epson will support 5 Gyres leading solutions-focused research in 2023 by investigating the environmental fate and toxicity of bioplastics, determining the release of nano- and microplastics from everyday items, and assessing novel materials in waste management streams, including compost.