From Excellence to Recognition: Ricoh’s Proud Moments Through the Years

Ricoh's journey began in 1936 as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd., founded by Kiyoshi Ichimura. Initially focused on sensitized paper, the company expanded its horizons, becoming Riken Optical in 1938 and ultimately transforming into Ricoh Company, Ltd. in 1963. Today, Ricoh stands as a global leader in sustainability, technology, and workplace innovation. Throughout its history, Ricoh has upheld a deep commitment to excellence, driven by its "Spirit of Three Loves": love your neighbors, love your country, and love your work. These guiding principles have played a pivotal role in the company's ongoing success and international acclaim.

A Tradition of Innovation

From its early days, Ricoh demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation. In 1975, the company became the first office machine manufacturer to win the Deming Prize for Total Quality Control, marking a major milestone in its pursuit of excellence. In the 1990s, Ricoh introduced recyclable product designs, establishing itself as a pioneer in environmental sustainability. Ricoh’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility continued to gain recognition on the global stage. Here are some of the company’s key accolades over the years in the early days:

• Queen’s Award for Environmental Achievement (1993): Recognized for its leadership in environmental efforts.
• Japan Quality Award (1999): Awarded for excellence in quality management and commitment to customer trust.

Ricoh’s focus on sustainability and digital innovation continued to drive its recognition throughout the years. Later in the 21st century, the company earned numerous prestigious awards, solidifying its position as an industry leader including,

• Oekom Research’s Rating (2002): Ricoh ranked first in corporate responsibility, showcasing its dedication to sustainable practices.
• World Environment Center’s Gold Medal (2003): Ricoh received this prestigious award for its outstanding environmental achievements.
• ENERGY STAR Award (1996–2000): Ricoh was recognized multiple times for its energy-efficient products and sustainable initiatives.
• Nikkei SDGs Management Grand Prix (2020): Awarded for Ricoh’s integration of sustainability into its business strategy, solidifying the company’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
• Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI): Ricoh has been included for multiple years, including 2024, securing a top position in ESG performance within the Computers & Peripherals and Office Electronics industry.
• CDP Climate Change "A List": For three consecutive years (2020-2022), Ricoh has been recognized for its leadership in climate action and ambitious goals for carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Quality Management Excellence (Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers - JUSE) (2022): Ricoh received the highest rating for its exceptional quality management practices, customer trust, and leadership commitment.
• Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations (2023): Ricoh was listed for the 11th time, highlighting its sustainability initiatives and dedication to ESG principles.
• TIME World's Best Companies (2023): Ricoh was ranked for its employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and dedication to sustainability, placing in the top 35% for ESG.
• TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies (2024): Ricoh was ranked 151st overall and 8th in its industry, affirming its leadership in sustainability.
• Asia-Pacific Climate Leaders (2024): Recognized for its emission reductions, Ricoh ranked 27th overall for its efforts to combat climate change.
• Gartner Magic Quadrant for Outsourced Digital Workplace Services ODWS (2024): Ricoh earned recognition for the fourth consecutive year for its cutting-edge digital workplace services.
• iF DESIGN AWARD (2024): Ricoh won awards for three of its innovative, sustainable digital products, including a multifunction printer.
• Financial Times "Best Employers: Asia-Pacific 2025": Ricoh ranked 35th among 500 companies, excelling in employee well-being and engagement within the technology hardware industry.

A Future Focused on Social Responsibility

Ricoh’s ongoing commitment to sustainability is embodied in its "Three Ps Balance” (Prosperity, People, and Planet). This framework guides the company’s ESG goals, with a focus on solving social and environmental challenges while continuing to innovate in the digital workplace sector. Ricoh’s continued recognition, both for its sustainability efforts and its innovation in technology, reflects its long-standing dedication to making a positive impact on the world. With each new recognition, Ricoh strengthens its legacy as a corporate leader in driving a sustainable future.

Source:  RICOH USA