Canon Neon Signage at International airports to be switched off - Observes De-light days on Wednesdays as a yearlong extension of the Earth hour

Canon India supports WWF for global ‘Earth Hour’ campaign

-          Canon Neon Signage at International airports to be switched off

-          Observes De-light days on Wednesdays as a yearlong extension of the Earth hour

Gurgaon, Friday, 22^nd March, 2013: Canon, a world leader in digital imaging, continues its journey in the eco-friendly revolution by extending its support to the WWF for Earth Hour being observed from 08.30 – 09.30 PM on 23^rd March, 2013.

Canon India Employee & partner participation for Earth Hour Ø  Pledge Cards and Earth Hour Ballet Boxes at Canon Image Square shops and Master Service Centers for customers to sign up for Earth Hour Ø  E-mailers to the employees and staff making them aware of this global event Ø  Earth Hour mailers sent to partners as well

As a part of this support and commitment, all employees at Canon India have pledged to observe the Earth Hour on 23^rd March, 2013. All lights at Canon’s offices and Canon Neon signage at international airports will also be switched off during this time.

As a yearlong extension of the Earth hour, Canon India also observes De-light days on Wednesdays, where Canon employees leave office at sharp 05:30 pm every Wednesday with an aim to save electricity.

Earth Hour is WWF's global campaign inspiring governments, businesses, communities and individuals to take a stand against climate change. It is that one crucial hour uniting the world and building synergies through the collective action of switching off non essential lights in celebration of life and our planet.

Elucidating his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Kazutada Kobayashi, President and CEO, Canon India, said, “As a responsible business, Canon India takes pride in being socially inclined and focuses on sustained and effective CSR projects. It is an honor for us to support the global Earth Hour campaign as a part of our CSR initiative towards creating a healthy environment by saving electricity.”

“We have always encouraged our employees to volunteer time for CSR causes. The more support we get, the stronger voice we present for concern on our environment. Doing several small, environmentally-friendly actions every day not only saves the environment, but also helps protect species and their habitats and peoples' livelihoods in other parts of the world. Such small steps can make a positive difference. Canon India believes in acting now and getting more people acting too.” he added.

Last year, in observation of the Earth Hour, Canon’s Neon and Outdoor signage were switched off. Mailers were sent throughout the month to encourage participation by Canon’s employees and partners. Approximately 30,000 people including CIPL employees, dealers, vendors and customers at CIS stores, QRC and website viewers were influenced. This year too, Canon India aims to enhance the participation since Earth Hour is not just about saving energy for that one hour, but it symbolizes the first step in the direction of adopting environment friendly activities into everyday life, which will lead the way towards a cleaner environment and a sustainable lifestyle.

About Canon Inc.

Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon’s extensive range of products includes copying machines, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video equipment, medical equipment and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. Originally established in 1937 as Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd., a camera manufacturer, Canon has successfully diversified and globalized to become a worldwide industry leader in professional and consumer imaging systems and solutions. With over 200,000 employees worldwide, Canon has manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon’s consolidated net sales for fiscal 2011 (ended December 31, 2011) totalled $45.6 billion (at an exchange rate of 78=US$1). Visit the Canon Inc. website at: www.canon.com

Canon in India

Canon India achieved a growth of Rs. 1850 crore in 2012 which is 21% growth over last year. Canon focuses on multiple market segments of consumer, SME, B2B, Government & Commercial. Canon’s product portfolio extends over a vast variety such as copier MFDs, fax-machines, printers, scanners, All-in-ones, digital cameras, DSLR, Cinematic imaging products,  camcorders, cable ID printers and card printers.

Canon India Pvt. Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary of Canon Singapore Pvt. Ltd., a world leader in imaging technologies. Set up in 1997, Canon India markets over 140 comprehensive range of sophisticated contemporary digital imaging. The company today has offices in 10 cities, warehouses in 13 cities across India and employs over 1100 people. Canon has approximately 400 primary channel partners, 14 National Retail Chain partners, and over 6000 secondary retail points. Canon has over 93 own retail stores called the Canon Image Square across 48 cities in the country.  Canon’s service reach extends to over 2800 towns with over 200 service engineers, 7 Canon owned service centers and 37 Canon Care Centers.

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour was launched in Sydney, Australia in 2007, where 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour. Just a year later, Earth Hour reached 370 cities and towns in more than 35 countries across 18 time zones, and the campaign shifted from a ‘Sydney Event’ to a ‘Global Sustainability Movement’.

New Delhi has always been the epicenter of the Earth Hour movement in India. This year too, the city is expected to rise to the challenge as many schools, colleges, organizations, government buildings, residential colonies, clubs, and individuals will switch off the lights at 08.30 PM. Canon will be capturing these awe-inspiring moments which will be posted on the official website of WWF.  

India has celebrated Earth Hour for three consecutive years since 2009, with each year breaking its own records of participation from the citizens of the country. In 2011, individuals from more than 130 Indian cities switching off their lights, showing how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause. In 2012, Earth Hour reached more than 150 Indian cities, and touched important milestones.