WWF & Seiko Epson Advance International Partnership

WWF and Seiko Epson Corporation launched the second phase of their International Corporate Partnership. 

Over the next three years, building on past collaboration, both organizations plan to strengthen their activities in support of “Nature Positive,” the international goal of halting biodiversity loss and shifting toward restoration by 2030.

The company also began efforts to address its environmental footprint and help ensure a responsible supply of forest resources, becoming the first Asian company to join Forests Forward, WWF’s program for private sector action on forests.

In Phase 1, which began in March 2023, Epson donated 240 million yen to WWF over three years to support forest conservation activities, particularly in Southeast Asia and South America. These efforts supported early conservation progress across multiple landscapes, including initiatives to address deforestation pressures and strengthen habitat protection efforts.

Junkichi Yoshida, President and CEO of Seiko Epson, said, “We are deeply honored to be moving our partnership with WWF into its second phase. The situation facing the world’s forests continues to be challenging, and we recognize the importance of continuing to address these challenges and taking action. Through our efforts to date, we have reaffirmed the vital role that forest conservation plays in addressing biodiversity and climate change. Moving forward, we will continue to steadily advance our initiatives in collaboration with WWF toward a future where nature and people can coexist sustainably.”

Ket Initiatives of Phase 2

In Phase 2, Epson will focus on supporting WWF-led forest conservation activities in Indonesia, Thailand, and Brazil, where deforestation pressures are particularly severe and which also have links to the company’s business operations. 

Epson plans to donate 240 million yen over three years, matching the contribution under Phase 1, to support efforts to conserve existing natural forests and accelerate restoration. 

WWF will implement initiatives aimed at protecting forest ecosystems, conserving biodiversity habitats, and addressing the further loss of natural forests, which play a critical role in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

Minimizing the environmental impact of the supply chain has become increasingly important as a part of corporate sustainability efforts. 

Together with WWF, Epson has committed to strengthening responsible forest-resource use to help prevent deforestation and promote appropriate forest management. 

In this new phase, the company plans to formalize and implement its deforestation-free supply chain commitments, including improving traceability and engaging with suppliers, in line with requirements under the Accountability Framework initiative.