Sustainability
FROM CARTRIDGES TO CARBON CUTS
As sustainability expectations rise across the channel, vendors are under pressure not only to decarbonise their own operations but also to support partners and customers on their journeys. To understand how Epson is approaching the challenge, and what it means for the channel, we sat down with Taran Rai, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Epson UK.
W
hat drew you into sustainability? I always loved geography at school, and that interest evolved into studying geology at
university. But I quickly realised I was just as interested in the human side of environmental issues as the physical side. My first job was in compliance, which taught me a lot
but didn’t give me the chance to have the conversations I wanted to have, conversations about going beyond compliance and driving real change. I worked in oil and gas before joining Epson, where
those conversations were tough. Coming to Epson was refreshing – the sales team wanted me in the room, proactively talking to customers about sustainability. Seeing people genuinely engaged, asking questions, wanting to learn, has been incredibly rewarding.
What do you see as the most significant sustainability challenges facing the print and imaging sector today? Te biggest challenge for everyone, regardless of size, is keeping pace with legislation. Sustainability regulation is evolving incredibly fast, especially in Europe, and companies are being asked to report more, disclose more, and prove more. Tat applies not only to manufacturers but also to suppliers, who now need to provide far more detailed information than before.
12 | January/February 2026 In the UK, we sometimes see legislation lag behind
what’s happening in Europe. Tat can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it gives companies more time to prepare. On the other hand, if we’re serious about hitting the UK’s 2050 net zero target, we need policy to move faster. Another major challenge is the rise of green claims
regulation and the crackdown on greenwashing. It’s a positive development because accountability is essential, but it also means companies must be cautious about the claims they make. For Epson, that means ensuring every
sustainability message is backed by evidence, whether that’s through certifications, lifecycle data, or transparent reporting. Consumers are also changing. Tey’re more informed, more
sceptical, and more demanding. Tey want to understand what a sustainability claim actually means, and they expect brands to be transparent. Tat shiſt is driving a lot of the change we’re seeing.
How is Epson working with its supply chain? Tere’s what we can control, and there’s what we can influence. Te supply chain falls into the latter category, but influence can be powerful. Epson is a member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), which sets out standards on human rights, ethics, health and safety,
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