SUMITOMO RIKO

 

Contributing to a Recycling-Oriented Society

Shareholders and Investors, Suppliers and Other Trade Partners, Employees, Global Environment

Basic Approach

The Sumitomo Riko Group uses nature-based raw materials such as natural rubber and minerals, as well as petroleum based raw materials, such as synthetic rubber and various chemical substances. We recognize that these resources are finite, and that waste generated during production and after use can lead to environmental pollution if not disposed of properly.
To address this issue, we are committed to developing our existing 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) activities to realize a highly resource-recycling (circular economy) society in which there is no waste.

Waste Reduction Initiatives

In FY2022, the total amount of waste, excluding valuable resources, and total waste emissions decreased by 19.0% and 18.1%, respectively, compared to FY2017 throughout the Sumitomo Riko Group. On the other hand, the intensity in FY2022 decreased by 30.6% and 29.9%, respectively, compared to FY2017. This was due to the reuse (valorization) of unvulcanized rubber, along with the reduction of defects and improvement of yield rates.
Waste (excluding valuable resources) emissions (Sumitomo Riko Group)
*1 The denominator of the intensity is the sales amount (after elimination of internal transactions) in the scope of aggregation.
Waste and Other Emissions (Sumitomo Riko Group)
*2 The denominator of the intensity is the sales amount (after elimination of internal transactions) in the scope of aggregation.
*3 Waste and other emissions include valuable resources.
Waste (landfill) emissions (Sumitomo Riko Group)

Examples of Waste Reduction

At SRK-HDB (S Riko Automotive Hose do Brasil Ltda.), all defective products from production were disposed of as waste, and mandrels were thrown away with rubber attached.
We then devised a mandrel separator, which made it possible to reuse the mandrels that had been collected. As a result, the separated rubber can also be reused, reducing waste. (Mandrels: 6.5 tons/year, rubber: 8.6 tons/year)
[Sumitomo Riko FY2023 Environmental Awards]

Plastic-free Initiatives

Eliminating the Sale of Plastic Bottled Beverages at Global Headquarters
~Initiatives to address the problem of marine pollution caused by plastic waste~


In an effort to solve the marine plastic pollution problem, we have started a plastic-free initiative to stop selling beverages in plastic bottles and replace them with aluminum cans. The goal is to reduce to "zero plastic bottles" used at the global headquarters in Nagoya, Japan, from an average of 780 bottles per month, or about 10,000 bottles per year. This activity will enable us to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 g per 500 ml PET bottle, or approximately 748 kg per year. In line with the abolition of the use of PET bottles, we are promoting the use of in-house installed tea dispensers and the use of "my bottle."
Starting with the discontinuation of sales at our global headquarters in FY2019, we introduced PET-bottle-free vending machines at our Saitama Plant in FY2021 and at SumiRiko Yamagata in FY2022. By 2030 (the deadline for achieving the SDGs), we plan to gradually switch over to canned products and other products for PET-bottle sales at the Group's domestic bases.

Reuse of Unused Office Supplies

Sumitomo Riko contributes to the circular economy by operating the "Sumitomo Riko Eco Flea Market," a website for exchanging unneeded office supplies, equipment and apparatus.
(398 contracts were concluded in FY2022)

Examples of Resource Conservation and Recycling Initiatives

In 2017, we introduced Epson's "PaperLab" dry office paper machine for the purpose of protecting the global environment, which is a social issue, as well as for the security benefit of in-house processing of confidential documents.
In the process of creating recycled paper from used paper, PaperLab can significantly reduce "CO2 emissions," "wood resource use," and "water consumption" compared to the process of creating commercial paper. The recycled paper is used for employees' business cards, notepads, and notebooks. The paper is also donated to Komaki City in Aichi Prefecture and to junior high schools and civic groups in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where it is used for communication documents, bulletins, and pamphlets in school and group activities.
A series of operations, including document processing and machine operation, are handled by our special subsidiary, SumiRiko Joyful Company Limited*1, which also provides employment for people with disabilities.
*1 SumiRiko Joyful...A special subsidiary established in November 2013 to promote employment of people with disabilities and contribute to society.
*2 Tree type: "Tall deciduous broad-leaved trees with a breast height diameter of 5 cm and a height of 3 m" (from the Ministry of the Environment website).

Rubber Recycling Initiatives

In order to reuse rubber, resin, and urethane wastes and realize a circular economy for these raw materials, our group is working with LanzaTech, Inc. to research and develop new technologies.

Future Issues and Responses

While laws and regulations concerning waste disposal differ from country to country as well as the severity of landfill disposal, the Sumitomo Riko Group will pursue the effective use of resources. Specifically, we will reduce emissions (waste) from production processes through 3R activities and reduce the amount of waste simply incinerated and landfill disposal. We will also promote the effective use of earth resources by recovering energy and developing biochemical recycling technology using waste materials from waste.
We will also promote resource-recyclable structural design and production process creation, including the selection of recyclable materials and structures that are easy to separate, in order to realize a circular economy.
SUMITOMO RIKO

Global
Headquarters

JP Tower Nagoya 1-1-1, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 450-6316, Japan
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Komaki Head

1, Higashi 3-chome, Komaki-shi, Aichi 485-8550, Japan
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