Contributing to a Resource-Recycling Society
Environment (E)
- Long-Term Environmental Vision and Environment 2029V
- Environmental Management
- Responding to Climate Change
- Responding to Water Risks
- Contributing to a Resource-Recycling Society
- Contributing to a Society in Harmony with Nature
- Appropriate Chemical Substance Management
- Environmental Communication
- Environmentally Friendly Products
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.
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
The total amount of waste generated by the Sumitomo Riko Group as a whole in FY2023 increased by 6.6% due to the increase in production volume compared to FY2022. However, it decreased by 6.7% in terms of intensity per net sales as a result of continued efforts to reduce defects and improve yield rates. In addition, the amount of waste, excluding valuable resources, remained almost unchanged (up 0.1%) due to aggressive efforts to recycle unvulcanized rubber, resulting in a significant improvement (down 12.4%) on an intensity bases.
Discharge of Waste (Sumitomo Riko Group)
*1 The denominator of the intensity is the sales amount (after elimination of internal transactions) in the scope of aggregation.
Landfill Disposal of Waste (Sumitomo Riko Group)
Examples of Waste Reduction
At the Iwakura Logistics Center of SumiRiko Logitech Company Limited, wooden pallets that were no longer needed used to be crushed by a contractor and made into chips. After Kaizen, or improvement, the pallets are now reused as recycled pallets (material recycling). (Sumitomo Riko FY2024 Environmental Award Application Project)
【Waste reduction: 13 tons/year; disposal cost reduction: 291,000 yen/year】
Plastic Reduction 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 elimination of PET bottle beverages, we are promoting the use of in-house tea dispensers and encouraging people to use their own bottles, or "my bottles."
Starting with the sales discontinuation of PET bottle beverages 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 replace PET bottle beverages sold at our domestic bases with canned beverages or other sustainable options.
～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 elimination of PET bottle beverages, we are promoting the use of in-house tea dispensers and encouraging people to use their own bottles, or "my bottles."
Starting with the sales discontinuation of PET bottle beverages 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 replace PET bottle beverages sold at our domestic bases with canned beverages or other sustainable options.
Reuse of Unused Office Supplies
Sumitomo Riko contributes to the circular economy by operating the "Sumitomo Riko Eco Flea Market," a website for exchanging unnecessary office supplies, equipment and apparatus.
(354 transactions in FY2023)
(354 transactions in FY2023)
Examples of Resource Conservation and Recycling Initiatives
We have been using Epson's PaperLab dry office paper machines since 2017 for the security advantage of in-house processing of confidential documents, in addition to protecting the global environment.
In the process of creating recycled paper from used paper, PaperLab can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, wood resource use, and water consumption compared to paper made on the market. 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. The paper is used for communication documents, bulletins, and pamphlets for school and group activities.
A series of tasks, including document processing and machine operation, are handled by our special subsidiary, SumiRiko Joyful Company Limited*1, which also employs people with disabilities.
In the process of creating recycled paper from used paper, PaperLab can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, wood resource use, and water consumption compared to paper made on the market. 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. The paper is used for communication documents, bulletins, and pamphlets for school and group activities.
A series of tasks, including document processing and machine operation, are handled by our special subsidiary, SumiRiko Joyful Company Limited*1, which also employs 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 Calculated by Epson based on the number of recycled paper produced by Sumitomo Riko.
*2 Calculated by Epson based on the number of recycled paper produced by Sumitomo Riko.
Related Information
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.
Related Information
Future Issues and Responses
Since laws and regulations concerning waste disposal and possibility of landfill disposal differ from country to country, the Sumitomo Riko Group will pursue effective use of resources. Specifically, we will reduce waste generation from production processes through 3R activities and reduce the amount of waste simply incinerated or disposed of in landfills. We will also promote the effective use of natural resources by recovering energy from waste and developing biochemical recycling technologies. In order to realize a circular economy, we will promote resource-recyclable structural design and production processes, including the selection of recyclable materials and structures that allow easy separation of different materials.