June 9, 2008 - Epson has pledged to slash greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2050, focusing primarily on reducing the environmental impact from parts manufacturing.

The commitment is part of Epson's "Environmental Vision 2050," which calls for key initiatives to tackle global warming, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.

Epson will begin its carbon reduction efforts by addressing its highest-emitting business operations - parts design, manufacture, and shipping. Parts account for the highest percentage of carbon emissions in the product lifecycle, according to Epson. The company says it will review its product designs both to shrink parts sizes and weights and to reduce the total number of components in each product.

Another key target are the energy-hungry "cleanrooms" where products are tested. (They account for 40% of the company's greenhouse gas emissions, according to Epson.) The company is deploying a team of experts to develop new technologies that will help limit cleanroom energy requirements "by assuring that energy is used only at the times, in the spaces, and in the amounts necessary," Epson says. The company will also cut energy use by consolidating the number of cleanrooms it operates.

Also included in Epson's 2050 vision are efforts to extend the life of Epson products and encourage their recycling and reuse at end of life.

Find more information on Epson's "Environmental Vision 2050" here.