Tokyo, May 23, 2024 — Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) made headlines by cutting CO2 emissions from its packaging materials by approximately 69%, or about 45 tons annually. The company achieved this by switching from plastic to paper for packaging that protected its in-house manufactured photo-media products, including ink ribbons and printing paper. This initiative, which targeted dye-sublimation photo printers, was a pioneering move in the dye-sublimation thermal transfer photo media industry. The change was first applied to photo media produced in Japan starting in May 2024, with plans to roll it out to overseas production bases in a phased approach.
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) continues to lead the global market with its top-tier photo media, widely used for photo prints and ID photos in stores across America, Europe, and Japan.
In a groundbreaking move, DNP is transitioning its photo media packaging from petroleum-based plastics to renewable, biomass plant-based paper. This change is set to cut CO2 emissions by around 69%, or approximately 45 tons per year, reflecting a significant environmental gain.
The new paper packaging offers several advantages: it simplifies unpacking, enhances logistical efficiency, and saves space in storage areas by utilizing smaller cardboard boxes. Additionally, DNP has introduced a custom-designed automated packaging machine that maintains the same high quality and production speed as their previous plastic packaging.
With this shift, DNP is not only reducing the environmental impact of its photo media but also adapting to the increasing shipment volumes. The company began considering this transition and the development of automated packaging in 2022, and the recent implementation marks a major step forward in their sustainability efforts.
"DNP is dedicated to delivering top-quality products and services while reducing our environmental footprint. We believe this new initiative will inspire users of photo media to embrace more sustainable practices." - DNP Corporate Officer Mr. Kazuo Murakami
Looking Ahead
By cutting down on plastic in packaging materials at its photo media manufacturing sites, DNP will further lessen its environmental impact and help advance the goal of a decarbonized society.
