Ricoh's Innovations

Our past was built on imagining change, and so will our future

The way people work constantly evolves, and as it has, Ricoh’s products and solutions have helped revolutionize the modern office. Learn about our past achievements and accolades, and see why, for nearly 80 years, we've been at the forefront of workplace innovation — and why we'll continue to redefine and improve the way you work.

2015
For the sixth time in seven years, the Ethisphere Institute recognizes us as one of the world’s most ethical companies.

2014
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awards us the ENERGY STAR^TM Excellence in Energy Efficient Product Design for our contribution to designing energy efficient products and educating consumers about energy efficiency.

2013
We release Integrated Cloud Environment, our expansive cloud services solution, to provide mobile workers with instant, remote access to important content.

Ricoh Canada is awarded the Canada Order of Excellence (COE) from the Canada Awards for Excellence (CAE).

2012
Thomson Reuters names us one of the Top 100 Global Innovators based on our global portfolio, reach, overall patent volume, grant success rate and influence as evidenced by citations.

2010
Our Unified Communications System debuts as one of the world’s smallest and lightest portable video conferencing systems.

2009
The first biomass toner becomes available as a genuine manufacturer’s supply item.

2007

We are awarded the Gold trophy for the Canada Award for Excellence.

2006

We secure the Silver Award from the Canada Award for Excellence program.

2005
We are named one of the 100 most sustainable corporations in the world by Corporate Knights, Inc., and would stay there for the next 10 years.

2003
The World Environment Center (WEC) recognizes us with their gold medal award for corporate achievement in sustainable development.

2002
Ricoh’s U.S. manufacturing facilities become Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL).

1999
The International Energy Agency awards us the Demand-Side Management Award of Excellence in the Copier of the Future division for energy-saving technologies.

1996
We launch the first mass-produced CD-Rewritable drive.

1993

Ricoh starts business in Canada as Ricoh Canada Inc.

1991
The Ricoh California Research Center develops the world’s fastest color imaging compression algorithm.

1990
As the world’s fastest digital full-color copier, the ARTAGE 8000 becomes the mainstream technology for color printing.

1989
We establish the Ricoh California Research Center (currently Ricoh Innovations) in Silicon Valley to develop innovative technologies and create new businesses opportunities.

1981
We release the first solar-powered SLR camera, Ricoh XR-S.

Photo of an old printer, phone, and camera.

1975
We’re awarded the coveted Deming Prize for our Wide Quality Control (CWQC) program — the first in the office equipment industry to win. The program went on to win the award a second time in 1979.

1974
We release the RIFAX 600S (U.S. name: Rapifax R100), the first high-speed digital fax system for office use.

1962
Ricoh starts business in the United States as Ricoh Industries, U.S.A. Inc.

1955
We launch our first office copier utilizing diazo sensitized paper, which earns us a Mechanical Engineering Heritage certificate.

1936
Ricoh Company, Ltd. introduces photosensitive paper.