Tokyo, May 23, 2024, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) will successfully reduce CO₂ emissions from packaging materials by approximately 69%, or about 45 tons per year¹, by switching packaging material used to protect in-house manufactured photo-media, including ink ribbons and printing paper, from plastic to paper. Such products target dye-sublimation photo printers², and this latest move by DNP is the first initiative of its kind in the dye-sublimation thermal transfer photo media industry. The switch will be applied to photo media produced in Japan from May 2024, and then be rolled out to overseas production bases on a serial basis. 

Image of the DNP photo media packaged in paper (Back: printing paper. Front: ink ribbon)

DNP ink ribbon in packaged state (Top: plastic. Bottom: paper)

Image of user inserting ink ribbon into dye-sublimation digital photo printer

Effect of Switch to Paper

DNP's photo media continues to hold the top class global share, and while seen mainly in America, Europe, and Japan, is used for photo prints and ID photos in stores around the world.

• By changing photo media packaging material from petroleum-based plastic to the biomass plant-based renewable resource paper, we will reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 69%, or about 45 tons per annum in terms of annual production. 
• Simple packaging using paper will improve ease of unpacking.
• Designing packaging in smaller cardboard boxes makes it possible to improve logistical efficiency and save space in storage areas. 
• We have introduced an originally designed automated  packaging machine for photo media production into the process, making it possible to achieve the same quality and lead time as when using plastic materials. 
• We will push ahead with the switch from plastic packaging to paper in order to reduce the environmental impact of photo media, which is seeing increased shipment volume. We have been considering this changeover and automatic packaging since 2022, and with this latest development have established a framework for this purpose. 

Comment from DNP Corporate Officer Mr. Kazuo Murakami

“DNP is committed to providing our customers with quality products and services while minimizing our impact on the environment. We hope that this new initiative will help encourage everyone who uses photo media to make sustainable choices.”

Going Forward

By reducing the amount of plastic used in packaging materials at each photo media manufacturing site, DNP will further reduce its environmental impact and contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society.

 1: Estimated material-derived CO₂ emissions as a result of switching packaging materials from plastic to paper 

2: For more information about DNP dye-sublimation photo printers, please visit:  https://www.global.dnp/biz/solution/products/detail/10162341_4130.html

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*Product specifications and service content listed in this news release are current as of the date of publication. They may be changed at any time without notice.