Canon and the Sustainable Development Goals - Business Insight - Canon Singapore

    Canon and the Sustainable Development Goals

    In 2015, the United Nations adopted a series of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that act as a blueprint for companies and governments for the development of a sustainable future. With a strong foundation of advanced technology cultivated over the years, Canon recognises the value in expanding our operations that contributes to the SDGs. Not only can it potentially lead to new business opportunities, it also encourages a sustainable and viable enterprise for the long-term, aligning with our corporate philosophy of ‘kyosei’.

    Each year, Canon releases a Sustainability Report that updates our stakeholders, partners and consumers on the various initiatives we’ve undertaken as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. Our aim - to realise a better, sustainable society. Here are some of the steps we’ve taken to achieve this.

    What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

    Set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, the SDGs are a collection of 17 goals that address the global challenges we face, with the aim of achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. You can read more about the SDGs here.

    In line with our corporate philosophy, ‘kyosei’, Canon is committed to making sure that our activities contribute towards the SDGs.
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    ​​​​​​​Sustainable Business, Sustainable Communities

    With the rise of urbanisation and more densely populated cities, Canon has been contributing to the safety and security of society with innovations in camera imaging solutions, including video analytics software and facial recognition technology.

    For example, the ME20F-SHN network camera is an ultra-high-sensitivity device equipped with Canon’s proprietary 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, enabling image capture in dark or low-light environments. Where this may have been difficult for conventional network cameras, the ME20F-SHN caters for effective monitoring of facilities, waterways, border crossings and more. The camera can also detect unusual or abnormal events automatically, highlighting instances of illegal trespassing or camera-related vandalism. Canon’s solutions ensure the safeguarding and protection of people day and night.

    Find out more about Canon’s network video solutions here.


    Promoting Healthcare in a Growing Healthcare Sector

    Ageing populations are becoming one of the most significant social issues of the 21st century. By 2050, 1 in 6 people will be over the age of 65, according to data from World Population Prospects. With life expectancy and longevity increasing, there is a higher demand for healthcare services particularly in the developed world.

    Since 2016, Canon has expanded to include medical operations as our new core businesses. Canon Medical is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic imaging technology used for CT, MRI and ultrasound systems, providing highly detailed images for better medical diagnoses. Combining AI with our proprietary image-processing solutions, Canon uses technological innovation to improve medical equipment, in turn empowering our healthcare industry.

    Protecting and Conserving the Global Environment

    One of the major challenges modern society faces today is climate change. Canon has been working to lower CO2 emissions caused by our business activities and to make our production sites more energy efficient. The Life Cycle Assessment initiative is one example, with the goal of reducing emissions at every stage of our product’s life cycle, from material procurement to manufacturing, distribution and disposal or recycling. Our continual improvements resulted in a reduction in CO2 emissions in the average life cycle per product of more than 35% in 2017 compared to 2008.Find out more about our environmentally-friendly programmes here.



    Technology is constantly evolving - and so is our society. In this rapid age of change, Canon is dedicated to maintaining business excellence as a corporation while committing to sustainable practices for the good of our community.

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