Research and Development
Our R&D activities are oriented toward Green Chemistry, based on the well known 12 principles
・Several continuous flow processes have been utilized to realize safer operation with less energy.
・Development of Special Catalysts and efforts toward reduce environmental impacts
Procurement
Promotion of Green procurement (sustainable procurement)
・Staving for sustainable procurement (including conservation of biodiversity, etc.)
・Share environmental and social values with suppliers
Production
Promotion of Green production
・Energy-saving activities and facility renewal
・Promotion of 3Rs
Logistics
Promotion of Green logistics
・Cooperation with environment conscious logistics partners
・Review of logistics networks regularly
Human Resources and General Affairs
Strengthen Green purchasing (procurement of products and services that reduce environmental impact)
・Promote Green purchasing throughout Takasago group when purchasing stationery, etc.
Information Systems
Promotion of Green IT
・Collaboration with environmentally conscious vendors
・To promote the purchase of IT equipment with low environmental impact
EHS・Global Integration Headquarters
Actions on Climate Change, Reduction of Environmental Impact
・Responses in line with TCFD disclosure information (analysis and disclosure of risks and opportunities, development of basic strategies in line with SBTi objectives, data collection, etc.)
・Reduction of environmental impact through actions on water, bio-diversity
Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation
The flavors and fragrances industry has been supported by various benefits from biodiversity. The Takasago Group use more than hundreds of natural ingredients from around the world, and these diverse natural resources are used in the production of flavors, fragrances, and aroma-ingredient products. Biodiversity underpins Takasago's product portfolio, leading to a wide variety of flavor & fragrance expressions. As a well-regarded company that respects the global environment and local communities, we recognize our corporate activities depend upon ecosystem and that our corporate activities have an impact on biodiversity. Therefore, our group promotes the conservation of biodiversity in order to strive for sustainable society.
Policy and Commitment
We have established the Takasago Group Biodiversity Guidelines. Based on these guidelines, we promote various biodiversity-related policies.
| 【Takasago Group Biodiversity Guideline】 1. Incorporate a concern for biodiversity through management engagement recognizing the impacts of our corporate activities on biodiversity and potential affects to our existence. 2. Continuously make efforts to improve raw material procurement for conservation and regenerations of ecosystem and sustainable use. 3. Promote the development and the improvement of technology, product, and process that will contribute to the conservation of ecosystem and biodiversity. 4. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to make advancements in biodiversity conservation. |
We committed to Keidanren initiatives for biodiversity conservation in 2024. And referring to TNFD*, a globally endorsed biodiversity framework, we understand how our value chain uses natural resources, assess biodiversity-related risks, threats, and opportunities, and formulate countermeasures.
※The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, which aims to establish a framework for companies and organizations to assess the impact of their economic activities on the natural environment and biodiversity, and to disclose this information.
Governance
Based on the Biodiversity Guidelines, TAKASAGO has established the following as its fundamental approach: setting biodiversity-related targets, conducting biodiversity risk assessments, implementing mitigation measures, and engaging in dialogue with stakeholders on biodiversity matters, all under the leadership of the Director in charge of Sustainability. Furthermore, TAKASAGO recognizes avoiding operational activities near sites containing globally or nationally important biodiversity as a fundamental responsibility and has incorporated this into our management principles.
Risk Assessment
Referencing the TNFD’s* globally endorsed biodiversity framework, we use the LEAP framework and location-specific approaches to understand how our natural resources are used in our value chain, assess risk, dependency and impact, and formulate countermeasures. The results are integrated into our company-wide risk management processes. Significant environmental risks are discussed by the Risk Management Committee, which is made up of directors and executive officers.
*The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures aims to establish a framework for companies and organizations to assess the impact of their economic activities on the natural environment and biodiversity and disclose this information.
In particular, the loss and reduced availability of natural raw materials is identified as the greatest nature-related risk, as our business is highly dependent on natural raw materials. Risk assessment covers not only direct operational sites but also adjacent areas and the entire value chain (upstream and downstream activities).
Main nature-related risks identified
| Upstream Supply chain | ・Loss/reduced availability of natural raw materials ・Increase in prices of natural raw material |
| Our operations | ・Decrease in available water resources ・Suspension of operations due to severe disasters associated with ecosystem degradation ・Operations impacted by tighter legislation |
| Downstream Consumers, markets, local communities | ・Market changes associated with people being oriented toward sustainability ・Abandonment of corporate brands |
Our Initiatives
The loss of biodiversity, which has become increasingly serious in recent years, causes risks and threats, including the loss and reduced availability of natural raw materials and the accompanying sharp rise in the price of those materials, and we recognize this as our greatest risk. Our group is implementing various measures to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity through our business activities. The progress achieved by TAKASAGO in 2024 includes the group’s establishment of a Safety Committee for Genetic Modification Experiments, etc., in accordance with the Cartagena Laws. We deliberate the safety of genetically modified technology from a scientific point as well as its conformity with laws and regulations and internal standards to promote appropriate R&D activities.
Countermeasures Management of wastewater and waste
Involvement in nature conservation activities in local communities
Integrated activities upstream of the supply chain (TaSuKI program)
Commitment to zero deforestation
Use of certification (use of RSPO certification for palm derivative raw materials)
Appropriate use of genetic resources and compliance with the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)
Opportunities
TAKASAGO will take advantage of various opportunities through these actions and integrate them into our business strategy. We focus on developing low environmental impact products to reduce our dependence and impact on natural resources and to increase sales in markets where consumers’ environmental awareness and preferences are changing. We also promote the use of certified products, including RSPO certified products. Currently, TAKASAGO has four manufacturing sites that have acquired Mass Balance certification, one of the RSPO supply chain certifications, and we plan to further promote the acquisition of certifications.
Through these initiatives, the Takasago Group pledges to contribute to achieving a net positive impact (NPI) on biodiversity.