ENVIRONMENT
LEGAL COMPLIANCE AND POLLUTION PREVENTION: ACTIONS
Environmental Compliance
Our operations in Japan are currently subject to 29 environmental laws and regulations. In June every year, we evaluate the status of our compliance with these laws and regulations. In 2024, there were no cases in which we committed a major violation of, or were fined or penalized under, an environmental law or regulation.
Response to Water Risks
Water is an indispensable resource to every individual and organization on this planet, while water-related risks are increasing as the world population grows. Understanding just how vital water is, we are committed to using water as efficiently as possible and to identifying and addressing water-related risks.
Awareness of Water Risks
We have assessed the level of water risks in accordance with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). More information is available here (Disclosures Aligned with the TNFD Recommendations).
Water risks, such as the impact on business from a shortage in water, have not yet materialized in relation to our business at the present time. Nevertheless, we will continue to grasp local information in that area to analyze water risks. Together with that, we will appropriately manage business so that our business activities do not have an adverse effect on the environment.
- Disclosures Aligned with the TNFD Recommendations
- Water usage across KOKUYO Group and water usage in production sites located in water-stressed areas
Compliance with Water-related Laws, Regulations and Standards
We comply with all laws, regulations, and standards that apply where we operate. In FY2024, there were no cases in which we committed a major violation of, or were fined or penalized under, a water-related law or regulation.
Initiatives to Save Water
Of the water used by KOKUYO Group, over 50% is used in Japan. Among the manufacturing processes, steel product painting accounts for much of the water usage. As part of our efforts to save water, Shibayama Plant (Chiba), our main manufacturing plant for office furniture, recycles cleaning water. The cleaning water is evaporated by heat exhausted from a deodorizing furnace. Basically, none of the cleaning water is discharged. Sludge generated during the treatment process is reduced in volume and disposed of appropriately.
Prevention of Pollution
Managing Chemical Substances Included in Products
We recognize that every supplier has a moral responsibility not only to avoid the use of prohibited substances but also to handle hazardous substances (substances that could harm the environment or health) safely and to communicate the hazard information. We also recognize that there has been a clear global shift in the regulation of chemical substances. Specifically, countries around the world are moving from the traditional hazard-based approach, which focuses on the inherent properties of a chemical substance that make it potentially hazardous, to a more scientific risk-based approach, which focuses instead on the circumstances in which these potential hazards may cause harm. We, too, have shifted toward risk-based assessments over the past several years. In 2014, we listed up the hazards in the chemical substances we use. Referring to this list, we started examining the risks of the substances in 2015 on a priority basis. In 2017, based on our findings, we assessed hazards and exposure risks of those substances, before developing and implementing Guidelines for Managing Chemical Substances Included in Product (Stationery Edition). In 2024, we held seminars on management of chemical substances included in products, while revising this guidelines in accordance with Japan’s Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances and overseas chemical substances regulations. We will continue to improve the capabilities of our employees to meet the demands of our customers such as for compliance with chemical substance regulations and safety information disclosures.
(KOKUYO Head Office)
(KOKUYO Shibayama Plant)
