CANON
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| Comprehensive company philosophy inspiring social and environmental policy. Within its region, strong in the field of initiatives for a better combination of work and private life. | |||
| Activities |
Canon is one of the
world leaders in the field of office equipment and optic machinery.
Canon is known in Belgium for its bubble jet and laser printers, photocopiers,
fax machines and cameras. However, its range of products includes
a whole range of applications for private, office and industrial use
in the field of photography, telecommunications and computers. Canon's activities in Belgium were brought together under Canon Benelux in 1994 with the opening of three branches including one in Diegem employing 220 people for sales and after-sales service. |
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| Company philosophy | Canon adheres to a comprehensive company philosophy which emphasises mutual respect and understanding (indicated by the Japanese term 'kyosei') and on contributing to a society in which everyone can develop. Kyosei inspires company policy in all areas. | ||
| Social policy |
Canon actively takes on responsibility
for its employees' development. In Japan, Canon is among the top socially
responsible companies. Canon scores particularly well for its openness
and consultation with employees and for family policy and social commitment.
Its maternity and parental leave policy can be described as very good
according to Japanese standards. In Belgium, Canon is known as a company that demands a lot from its employees but rewards them accordingly. Relations with trade unions is described as fairly good - something that cannot be taken for granted for a Japanese company. Although the company prefers negotiation within the company, Canon signed a Collective Labour Agreement with the unions in 1997 to set up a works council. |
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| External social policy |
Canon carries out a definite policy when
it comes to international solidarity. By setting up branches in third
world countries, technology transfer and imports from these countries,
Canon tries to correct trade and income discrepancies. 'Kyosei' assumes that a society should live in harmony with nature. Social policy is particularly characterised by lending support to environmental initiatives and organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund. Canon supports projects aimed at maintaining cultural heritage in social progress and local community initiatives. |
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| Environmental policy |
In 1993, Canon formulated its environmental
policy, based on the principles of 'kyosei'. Sustained development
and a balance between company activities and the natural environment
are its core elements. There are 77 full-time staff employed in the
environmental department of its main office. Its environmental care system is based on ISO14001 and targets the complete life cycle of a product. Every component is judged on its environmental impact. 38 plants have been granted ISO14001 certification. In 1999 for the first time, information was gathered about environmental costs and effects. The company pays a great deal of attention to environmental education especially for new staff. Suppliers are judged on the quality of their environmental policy. Environmental care is one of the bases for all research activities and Canon is known for a number of innovative environmental techniques. Canon has branches all over the world devoted to the collection, dismantling and recycling of old photocopiers. |
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| Arms trade |
Research and activities in connection with weapons are in conflict with Canon's 'kyosei' philosophy. | ||
| Disclaimer | The
company described here is registered in the investment register of
ETHIBEL and is investigated following specific criteria and procedures.
The above text is only a brief summary of detailed technical specifications.
The facts are valid on the date this sheet was drawn up and does not
provide any guarantee regarding the "ethical behaviour"
of the aforementioned company in the future. |
© Stock at Stake - 15/08/01
