Imaging and audio products
Marketing and distribution of Olympus consumer products in Australia and New Zealand and through appointed agents in the South Pacific region. Imaging products include cameras, accessories, binoculars and audio products include voice recorders, Linear PCM recorders and dictation systems.
Company Ownership
Olympus Imaging Australia Pty Ltd
AUS
Olympus Corporation
owns 100% of Olympus Imaging Australia Pty Ltd
JPN
Cameras and medical equipment
Established in 1919, today they are the world's #1 digital camera maker (along with Sony). The company also makes binoculars, medical equipment such as endoscopes, and industrial imaging systems.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Jun 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Olympus Imaging Australia Pty Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
Previous Packaging Covenant signatory
This company was a signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant, a voluntary agreement to encourage waste minimisation. However in 2017 they were withdrawn for not meeting one or more of their APCO Member obligations.
Source: APCO
(2024)
CSR claims
This company has Corporate Social Responsibility claims on its website, including ethical standards, working with the environment and contributing to society.
Source: company website
(2020)
Olympus Corporation
Praise
Criticism
Information
CDP Climate Change score of B
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of B.
Source: CDP
(2023)
76/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 76/100 in the Health Care Equipment & Supplies category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 18 Nov 2022). The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
Source: S&P Global
(2022)
58/100 in TIME rankings
World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024 by TIME and Statista recognises the Top 500 most sustainable companies in the world. From a selection of 5,000 of the world's largest companies, non-sustainable businesses were excluded, and the remaining companies were rated on Commitment & Ratings, Reporting & Transparency, and Environmental & Social Stewardship. This company received a total score of 58.1/100, ranking 354th overall.
Source: TIME
(2024)
Duodenoscope lawsuits
Duodenoscope lawsuits against Olympus and other scope makers claim the devices spread "superbug" infections that killed 35 people and sickened hundreds of others at more than 40 different hospitals worldwide. The lawsuits say the design of duodenoscope models leaves small nooks and crannies in the tip, which could transfer microbial contamination from one patient to another. A jury handed up a $6.6 million verdict in the first trial against duodenoscope makers in 2017. Olympus has settled other cases for undisclosed amounts, and more cases are pending.
Source: Drug Watch
(2017)
Fraud scandal
This company has faced several lawsuits following revelations in 2011 that Olympus had filed false financial statements between 2000 and 2011. The scandal is one of the biggest financial frauds in Japan's history. The largest amount among these civil lawsuits was for a total of 27.9 billion yen ($273 million) in damages, paid to six banks.
Source: news article
(2014)
Supply chain practices in China
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 12.32/100 (retrieved 24 Nov 2023).
Source: IPE
(2023)
Fined for kickbacks and bribery
In 2016 this company agreed to pay at least $635 million to resolve separate criminal and civil investigations into kickbacks and foreign bribery.
Source: news article
(2016)
Most controversial companies of 2012
This company appeared second on RepRisk's top ten "most environmentally and socially controversial companies of 2012". Companies on the list were severely criticised during 2012 by the world's media, governments and NGOs. Criticisms of Olympus include fraudulent activities and supply chain issues. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Source: RepRisk
(2013)
CSR claims
This company has Corporate Social Responsibility claims on its website, including the areas of environment, human rights and working environments.
Source: company website
(2014)
C+ grade at Behind the Barcode
C+ grade in the Baptist World Aid Australia's Behind the Barcode 'Ethical Electronics Guide 2016', which grades companies on their efforts to mitigate the risks of forced labour, child labour and worker exploitation throughout their supply chains. Assessment criteria fall into four main categories: policies, traceability & transparency, monitoring & training and worker rights. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
CDP Water Security score of C
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of C.
Source: CDP
(2023)
Company Details
Type:
Wholly-owned subsidiary
Revenue:
59 million USD
(2012)
Employees:
55
(2012)
Contact Details
Address:
Ground Floor, 82 Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113, Australia
Phone:
02 9886 3992
Website:
Products / Brands
Olympus Australia
Olympus
Cameras/Camcorders