The Takasago Group recognizes reduction of environmental impact as a materiality under Vision 2040 “Care for People, Respect the Environment” and focuses on various initiatives.
| Basic Guidelines for Environmental Initiatives Establishing clear accountability for policy implementation Ensuring continuous improvement of environmental performance Setting targets and objectives to reduce environmental impacts Consulting external stakeholders in the development or implementation of the environmental policy Providing training for employees to understand the impacts of the company on the environment |
To ensure activities aligned with the above guidelines, the Takasago Group has obtained ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification globally. Within this management system, environmental measures and objectives are planned, and their progress is managed.
Energy
At Takasago, most of the energy used is electricity purchased for use in production sites and offices.
Takasago has been working through various methods to reduce use of energy related to CO2 emissions, such as by adopting energy-saving and resource-saving equipment and processes and by controlling air conditioning temperature settings properly. To further reduce CO2 emissions, Takasago is proactively considering switching to energy sources with lower CO2 emissions such as renewable energy through analyzing the condition and situation of each site as well as business and stakeholder needs.
| Takasago Group Energy Management Guidelines ●Quantified targets to address energy savings ●Monitoring energy consumption and formulating action plans to reduce energy consumption ●Switching to clean or green energy ●Energy audits to identify opportunities for improving energy performance ●Investing in research and development and introducing equipment and processes that conserve energy and resources ●Raising energy conservation awareness through employee training |
Takasago accurately aggregates data on fuel consumption and electricity usage from each our site and discloses the environmental data in sustainability reports and on our website.
In Japan, we are implementing various energy consumption reduction activities with the target of reducing energy intensity by 1% annually. Our sites in Germany and Spain have acquired ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification in addition to ISO 14001 certification. We are confirming, evaluating, and improving our energy performance and compliance with our action plan by understanding the actual state of energy use.
Water and Effluents
As a chemical products manufacturer, Takasago requires sufficient quantity and quality of water. Therefore, we recognize the importance of securing a sufficient quantity and quality of water for the group’s operations.
Though currently Takasago manufacturing sites have secured a sufficient quantity and quality of water, Takasago has to anticipate a decrease in the available quantity and quality of water due to changes in situations such as the climate. Takasago manages water resources appropriately and is promoting the reduction of water usage throughout the entire group.
| The Takasago Group Water Management Guidelines ●Establishment of quantitative targets for reducing water withdrawal ●Development of action plans for monitoring and reducing water withdrawal ●Application of water recycling ●Investment in R&D and introduction of water-conscious equipment and processes ●Measures to improve wastewater quality ●Enhancing water management awareness through employee education |
Takasago accurately aggregates water withdrawal and wastewater discharge data from each site and discloses it as environmental data in sustainability reports and on our website. Water withdrawal data has undergone third-party verification starting with fiscal 2023 data. Regarding water withdrawal reduction, Takasago is implementing water reduction activities under the target of reducing water withdrawal by 10% by 2030 (compared to fiscal 2020 levels).
Water Security
Water Stewardship Guideline
The Takasago Group believes that water resources are extremely important for our business. The water environment is associated with an array of environmental issues and social issues such as water rights (proprietary rights to water, the distribution of water resources, etc.). Recognizing these water-related issues and its need to contribute to solving them, The Takasago Group has formulated the Water Stewardship Guideline in reference to the Global Compact CEO Mandate and the WWF Stewardship Guidelines. Following the guidelines, we will address water- related issues.
Water-related Risks
The Takasago Group is focused on addressing water-related risks. The world’s focus has fallen on water-related risks due to climate change. We assess water-related risks which may affect our business and manage them appropriately. Specifically, we evaluate the water-related risks faced by each affiliate using the WWF-DEG’s Water Risk Filter and establish business continuity plans (BCPs).
Disclosure on Water Security
The Takasago Group discloses water-related information through the CDP Supply Chain Program every year. The results of the CDP Water Security evaluation in 2021 was an A- score. We believe that we received this high evaluation for our efforts toward water resources. We will continue to strive to strengthen our management of the water environment and pursue the sustainable development of society.
Please see our Water Guideline from the below button.
Waste
Takasago continually challenges itself to reduce the total amount of waste generated by promoting the entire group’s proper sorting of Waste to recover valuable resources, recycling some waste to avoid disposal in landfills, and improving product designs and production processes. In addition, Takasago properly manages contracted waste disposal companies to prevent the inappropriate disposal of waste, such as illegal dumping.
| Takasago Group Waste Management Guidelines ●Establishment of quantitative targets for reducing waste generation ●Formulation of action plans for monitoring and reducing waste generation ●Promotion of recycling activities with the goal of zero landfill disposal ●Introduction of resource-saving equipment and processes, investment in research and development ●Conducting waste audits ●Raising awareness of waste management through employee education |
Takasago accurately aggregates waste data from each site and discloses it as environmental data in sustainability reports and on our website. Regarding waste reduction, Takasago is implementing waste reduction activities under the target of reducing waste generation per unit by 5% by 2030 (compared to fiscal 2020 levels).
Approximately half of the industrial waste generated by us is plant and animal residue that is inevitably generated in the process of manufacturing products, such as coffee grounds, tea leaves, and fruit peels. Because it is difficult to control the generation of this waste, we aim to maintain a recycling rate of 99% or more. Takasago also focuses on compliance regarding waste. In Japan, it properly implements the waste manifest system to clarify the waste treatment process and responsibility, thereby preventing illegal dumping and improper treatment.
Environmental Compliance
Compliance is one of the most important management issues.
Environmental compliance is managed based on the processes of the ISO 14001
environmental management system (“EMS”), which clearly defines applicable items, applicable standards, measurement standards, and application requirements.
Takasago has put in place a process for obtaining the latest information about EHS, safety, disaster response, legal and regulatory requirements, the needs of society, and other trends.
To ensure compliance with environmental initiatives, our group conducts audits from various perspectives, including internal audits by the Audit Department, internal audits based on ISO 14001 and external audits during certification maintenance, as well as EHS audits by EHS HQ.
Environmental Initiatives Across the Value Chain
The Takasago Group recognizes that our responsibility extends beyond our own operations to encompass the entire value chain. We are broadening the scope of our environmental initiatives accordingly. Through various efforts—including ecofriendly initiatives with suppliers and partner companies and developing environmentally conscious products with an end-point perspective—we pledge to further reduce the environmental impact across the entire value chain.