Oekom Research carried out an extensive study of more than 200 IT companies worldwide, and named Ricoh and Intel™ joint number one.

The firm is one of the world's leading rating agencies around sustainable investment, using rigorous evaluation to assess social and environmental sustainability.

Ricoh New Zealand Managing Director Mike Pollok says Oekom Research's top ranking is the latest in a series of independent global accolades Ricoh has received for a focus on its customers, its people, and the environment.

"We are proud to be part of an organisation which has demonstrated real commitment to investing in corporate responsibility since the 1970s, from the environmental impact of its products through to working conditions and community support," says Mike Pollok.

"Oekom noted Ricoh's leadership in terms of the sustainable design of its products and the reduced energy consumption of its printers and multi-function devices in recent years."

As part of its in-depth investigation, Oekom Research focused on key IT-related issues including: working conditions in the supply chain; reduction/substitution of hazardous components; return, recycling, re-use of products; and customer information on potential energy savings and hazardous substances.

"As Ricoh New Zealand's annual sustainability reporting shows, we have a major focus on our innovative toner cartridge recycling programme, and take responsibility for recycling end-of-life machines to an extremely high level.

"These are both areas where we have significantly reduced our environmental impact."

Oekom Research acknowledged the convenient options Ricoh provides for customers to return used appliances and the large quantities of recycled materials or re-used components in certain products. Ricoh was also recognised for gaining ISO 14001 at all of its major production sites.

Mike Pollok says Ricoh's global corporate responsibility combines ecological concerns with best business practise to drive sustainability and profitability.

"Oekom noted that Ricoh is one of the few companies in its industry to commit to an extra-long term environmental vision. By 2050, Ricoh will reduce its environmental impact globally by 87.5 per cent, compared to 2000 levels."

This latest award follows a series of international accolades in 2011:

• Named one of the 'Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World' by Corporate Knights for the seventh consecutive year
• Named one of the 2011 World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the third year running
• Listed for the eighth consecutive year in the FTSE4 Good Index.

Ricoh was the first company worldwide to launch three 100 per cent eco-powered electronic billboards, in New York's Times Square, London, and North Sydney.

"Ricoh is always seeking new and innovative ways to allow us to combine business benefits with socially responsible actions," says Mike Pollok.

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