San Diego - April 29, 2014 - Kyocera Communications, Inc. a San Diego-based provider of wireless phones in the Americas and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., today is being recognized as the "2014 Recycler of the Year" by the City of San Diego's Environmental Services Department (ESD). The award was presented at a ceremony aboard the USS Makin Island, a San Diego-based Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. This is the fourteenth consecutive year Kyocera has been awarded by the City for its recycling efforts and seventh time since 2000 that it has received the top "green" business award from the City. Overall, Kyocera (which operates multiple divisions in San Diego) has earned 21 annual awards from the City for recycling programs and other environmental efforts - more than any other business in San Diego.
"It is extremely gratifying to be recognized by the City of San Diego for our commitment to green business practices for the fourteenth straight year," said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. "We strive to be an example for other San Diego companies to follow, proving that businesses can be environmentally responsible without having to compromise the bottom line."
Founded 55 years ago, Kyocera Corporation holds environmental responsibility as a key corporate tenet, tied to the company's philosophy of "harmonious coexistence" and a commitment to social responsibility. In 1985, the company created a dedicated "Environmental Management Division" at its headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, with oversight responsibilities for environmental efforts across the company's diversified global businesses. Kyocera Communications was one of the first companies in San Diego to earn ISO-14001 certification for its Environmental Management System.
Kyocera showcased innovative green opportunities at its second annual Earth Expo on April 17 at the company's North American headquarters in Kearny Mesa. Kyocera held its first annual Earth Expo on April 19, 2013 with approximately 50 exhibitors sharing Earth-friendly tips, products and services under Kyocera International's "Solar Grove" of energy-generating parking shelters. Kyocera also has conducted city-wide e-waste recycling campaigns with the support of STAR 94.1, NBC San Diego and numerous Irvine Company properties. Recycled mobile phones were donated to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a non-profit organization that recycles donated phones to provide deployed and returning members of the U.S. military cost-free methods to communicate with family while serving. In 2013, Kyocera was able to provide 29,220 minutes of long-distance phone service to troops and their families via the Armed Services YMCA at southern California's Camp Pendleton.
In 2013, Kyocera Communications recycled more than 8,605 pounds of paper, plastic, electronic and other waste materials otherwise destined for landfills. Kyocera employees also participated in a volunteer beach cleanup at La Jolla Shores, sorting and disposing of trash and recyclable materials. Other recycling and environmental efforts included:
Recyclables: White and colored paper was collected in offices, copy rooms and labs, while confidential and proprietary documents were collected and securely shredded. Kyocera separates cardboard from landfill-trash and recycles it for reuse. Overall, approximately 3,696 pounds of mixed paper, aluminum and glass were recycled.
E-Waste: 4,909 pounds of miscellaneous electronic scrap were recycled from Kyocera Communications Inc. labs and offices, including e-waste collected at the 2013 Earth Expo.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: Fossil fuels used in the shipping process were again reduced through the ongoing adjustments to the supply chain and distribution of products.
Packaging: Kyocera makes it a priority to sell its mobile phones in recycled cardboard materials printed with natural soy inks when possible, and all packaging is recyclable.
Cell Phones: Collection bins were placed in Kyocera facilities to encourage recycling of mobile devices throughout the year, and especially as part of the company's e-waste recycling program benefitting Cell Phones for Soldiers. Additionally, up to 80% of materials in the mobile phones the company makes can be recycled, and battery chargers provided with Kyocera phones are designed to stop drawing electrical current once the devices are fully charged.
Information about sustainability efforts and achievements at Kyocera Communications Inc. is available at kyoceramobile.com/sustainability. For additional information about Kyocera Corporation's global environmental and social responsibility efforts, visit http://global.kyocera.com/company/csr.
About Kyocera Communications, Inc.
Kyocera Communications Inc. is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas. Designed with durability, dependability and long-term value as priorities, Kyocera mobile phones help people feel comfortable with new technology and use it to connect, perform and outsmart life's challenges. At the heart of Kyocera's products is a belief that one size doesn't fit all and that people should do more with phones instead of being confused by them or having to alter their lifestyles to accommodate them. For more information, follow the company at facebook.com/KyoceraMobile or twitter.com/kyoceramobile.
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) (global.kyocera.com), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine (or "advanced") ceramics. Kyocera specializes in combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, such as solar power generating systems, printers, copiers, mobile phones, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial components. During the year ended March 31, 2013, the company's net sales totaled 1.28 trillion yen (approx. USD13.6 billion).
Kyocera Communications, Inc.
John Chier
phone: 858.882.3543
e-mail: john.chier@kyocera.com