Responding to Water Risks
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, Local Communities, Global Environment
Basic Approach
The Sumitomo Riko Group recognizes the importance of water as a vital resource, particularly because we consume a significant amount of water for cleaning the metal components used in our products, surface treatment, and cooling manufacturing equipment and plastic molded products. Furthermore, in the Global Risk Report published by the World Economic Forum, water risk consistently ranks among the top concerns, highlighting the necessity of responsible water management.
In response to this challenge, we are focusing not only on reducing water consumption by enhancing our production processes and recycling wastewater but also on evaluating regional risks to ensure the continuity of our business operations.
In response to this challenge, we are focusing not only on reducing water consumption by enhancing our production processes and recycling wastewater but also on evaluating regional risks to ensure the continuity of our business operations.
Efforts to Reduce Water Consumption
We utilize counter-current multi-stage washing equipment for cleaning our products, ensuring effective results while conserving water. Additionally, in processes involving equipment such as rubber kneaders and extruders, water is commonly used as a coolant to control the heat generated. To prevent excessive water consumption from continuous flow, we employ cooling towers and chillers to cool the heated water, allowing it to be recirculated and reused. This approach significantly enhances our overall water conservation efforts.
Water Withdrawal and Wastewater Discharge (Sumitomo Riko Group)
FY2024 Target: 2% reduction in water withdrawal (compared to FY2022)
The Sumitomo Riko Group has achieved an 8.2% reduction in water withdrawal.
The Sumitomo Riko Group has achieved an 8.2% reduction in water withdrawal.
*The denominator used to calculate the intensity is net sales (after eliminating internal transactions) within the aggregation scope.
Understanding and Reducing Water Risks
At Sumitomo Riko Group, we use the international water risk assessment tool Aqueduct to evaluate water risks in the regions surrounding all our domestic and international production sites. To ensure the accuracy of our findings, we conduct direct interviews at each location. So far, our assessments have not identified any significant risks that require immediate attention.
However, considering the dramatic changes in the global environment in recent years, we are strengthening our initiatives to address various water risks, including resource depletion, water quality deterioration, flooding, and stricter regulations.
However, considering the dramatic changes in the global environment in recent years, we are strengthening our initiatives to address various water risks, including resource depletion, water quality deterioration, flooding, and stricter regulations.
Future Issues and Responses
The Sumitomo Riko Group recognizes that water risk varies by region, presenting challenges such as water shortages driven by population growth and an increased risk of flooding due to global warming. As a company with a global presence, these challenges are critically important to us. To tackle these challenges, we are implementing a range of initiatives.
Specifically, we are implementing water-saving measures and leak prevention in our production processes while also advancing the reuse of wastewater. In addition, we are developing new process designs aimed at eliminating the need for water. Furthermore, we are enhancing information sharing among our global sites and actively working to identify future risks and formulate action plans for risk reduction.
Specifically, we are implementing water-saving measures and leak prevention in our production processes while also advancing the reuse of wastewater. In addition, we are developing new process designs aimed at eliminating the need for water. Furthermore, we are enhancing information sharing among our global sites and actively working to identify future risks and formulate action plans for risk reduction.