Responding to Water Risks
Suppliers and Other Trade Partners, Local Communities, Global Environment
Basic Approach
In the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Reports, water-related risks are consistently ranked among the most significant global risks.
The Sumitomo Riko Group uses substantial amounts of water in processes such as cleaning and surface treatment of metal components used in our products, as well as the cooling of manufacturing equipment and molded plastic products. In addition, our analysis based on the TNFD* recommendations has identified water dependency and water-related risks as material issues for our business activities.
To address these challenges, we are working to reduce water use through process improvements and wastewater recycling. We also assess water-related risks at each operating site and region where we operate to help ensure business continuity.
*TNFD: Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
The Sumitomo Riko Group uses substantial amounts of water in processes such as cleaning and surface treatment of metal components used in our products, as well as the cooling of manufacturing equipment and molded plastic products. In addition, our analysis based on the TNFD* recommendations has identified water dependency and water-related risks as material issues for our business activities.
To address these challenges, we are working to reduce water use through process improvements and wastewater recycling. We also assess water-related risks at each operating site and region where we operate to help ensure business continuity.
*TNFD: Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
Related Information
Efforts to Reduce Water Consumption
We employ counter-current multi-stage washing systems for product cleaning to reduce water consumption while maintaining cleaning performance. In addition, water is commonly selected as the cooling medium for equipment such as rubber kneaders and extruders that generate heat during processing. Since once-through use would result in unlimited water consumption, we employ cooling towers and chillers to cool heated water so that it can be recirculated and reused. This approach contributes significantly to reducing water consumption.
Water Withdrawal and Discharge (Sumitomo Riko Group)
FY2025 Target: 3% reduction in water withdrawal (vs. FY2022)
FY2025 Actual: 12.8% reduction in water withdrawal
FY2025 Actual: 12.8% reduction in water withdrawal
*The denominator used for the intensity calculation is net sales within the reporting boundary, excluding intercompany transactions.
Understanding and Reducing Water Risks
The Sumitomo Riko Group uses Aqueduct, an internationally recognized water risk assessment tool, to evaluate water-related risks in the regions where its domestic and overseas production sites are located. In addition, we conduct direct interviews with each site to gain a more accurate understanding of local water-related risks.
In light of the rapidly changing global environment, we will continue to strengthen our efforts to address a wide range of water-related risks, including water scarcity, water quality deterioration, flooding, and increasingly stringent regulations.
In light of the rapidly changing global environment, we will continue to strengthen our efforts to address a wide range of water-related risks, including water scarcity, water quality deterioration, flooding, and increasingly stringent regulations.
Future Issues and Responses
Water-related risks vary by region and include challenges such as water shortages driven by population growth and increased flooding risks associated with climate change. As a company with manufacturing sites around the world, the Sumitomo Riko Group recognizes these risks as an important management challenge.
To address these risks, we are working to minimize water use in our production processes, prevent leaks, and promote the reuse of wastewater. We are also developing new production processes that eliminate the need for water. In addition, we are strengthening information sharing among our global sites and proactively working to identify emerging risks and develop action plans to mitigate them.
To address these risks, we are working to minimize water use in our production processes, prevent leaks, and promote the reuse of wastewater. We are also developing new production processes that eliminate the need for water. In addition, we are strengthening information sharing among our global sites and proactively working to identify emerging risks and develop action plans to mitigate them.
