Environmental Management
Policy for Environmental Management
The Kewpie Group, in response to the increasing importance of environmental conservation worldwide, established the “Fundamental Environmental Policy” in December 1998 to implement environmental-friendly initiatives throughout our business operations. Furthermore, the policy, which is comprised of “Environmental Philosophy” and “Action Principles”, has been revised twice and acknowledged as our global initiative of the Kewpie Group.
How we will solve environmental issues
Achieving environmental balance and usability
To solve environmental problems requires a thorough consideration of various factors and maximum effects caused by our actions.
Therefore, we, the Kewpie Group, strive to maintain a balance between the environment and usability in accordance to our “Put Product Quality First” as the groundwork.
Significant Environmental Initiatives
| Effective Use of Resources | We will work towards the effective utilization of resources related to production centered on food resources, and aim for the realization of the circular economy. |
|---|---|
| Initiatives on Global Warming | We are working towards reducing CO2 emissions for the realization of a carbon-free society. |
| Conservation of Biodiversity | We recognize that the natural capital is one of the vital resources of our business activities. Therefore, we are committed to the sustainable use of resources to respect the biological diversity. |
| Sustainable Use of Water | We acknowledge that water is an essential resource for the survival of all species. Therefore, we will enhance the sustainability of water usage in our business activities. |
| Environmentally Friendly Products | Under the “Put Product Quality First”, we will design our products to be less environmentally damaging throughout procurement to consumption levels. |
Environmental Management Promotion Structure
At the Kewpie Group, we hold the sustainability committee chaired by the director for sustainability twice a year. With a goal of solving “Material Issues for Sustainability,” we address the two environmental material issues, “Efficient Use of Resources and Sustainable Procurement,” and “Reduction of CO2 Emissions (Response to Climate Change).” We consider solutions for those debated issues at subcommittees and collaboration projects as an effort to promote problem-solving throughout the whole Kewpie Group.
Environmental Management Systems
To provide basic tools for operating a plan-do-check-act cycle for environmental conservation activities, the Kewpie Group has introduced systems based on ISO14001 or its own equivalent standards at each of its facilities.
ISO14001 Certification Acquisition Status
19 of the 74 Group production locations in Japan have obtained ISO14001 certification. (As of the end of November 2019)
Compliance with Environmental Legislation
Each location of the Kewpie Group complies with environment-related regulations and operates under its own standards.
* In FY2019, there were no accidents or violations of related regulations.
Environmental Audit
The Kewpie Group has its criteria for legal compliance, development of management and promotion procedures, and facility management standards. We conduct regular internal audits based on the above criteria and promote environmental conservation activities accordingly. Furthermore, we conduct standard-based audit by external institutions at locations with ISO14001 certification to ensure a proper compliance to those standards.
Environmental Impact of Business Activities
In the production process, we consume natural resources, such as raw materials, ingredients, water, and energy, including electricity, gas, and heavy oil that cause industrial waste products, wastewater, and CO2 emissions. In addition, we recognize the environmental burden due to product transportation and consumer waste, such as disposed containers and packaging.
Therefore, we recognize that it is our responsibility to identify the environmental burden caused by our business activities and product development, procurement of raw materials, production, selling, and distribution. Based on the recognition, we strive to promote environmental conservation activities on energy and resource conservation, waste reduction, improvement in containers and packaging, streamlining transportation, and pollution control.
Energy and material flows in Kewpie Group production divisions
We strive to utilize resources effectively throughout the value chain.
Energy and material flows in Kewpie Group production divisions (Fiscal 2019)
Input
| Energy use | Electricity purchased | 2,218,000GJ（222,698,000kWh） |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel*1 | 1,290,000GJ | |
| Total energy | 3,508,000GJ | |
| Water use | Water (groundwater, piped water) | 8,508,000m3 |
Output
| Atmospheric emissions | CO2 | 178,600 Tons |
|---|---|---|
| NOx | 32.7 Tons | |
| SOx | 8.87 Tons | |
| Emissions to waterways*2 | Emissions | 6,708,000 m3 |
| Emissions of waste | Volume of waste (recycling rate) | 50,800 Tons（97％） |
*1: Including fuel used to generate electricity
*2: Including rivers and public sewer systems
Applicable facilities: Kewpie Group factories
Consideration for Local Environments
Kewpie Group production facility operations consider nearby residents and local environments.
Preventing Water Pollution
We have set voluntary water quality standards for discharge of water after purification in wastewater treatment facilities, and comply with standards applying in each region. We also ensure that tanks for liquid ingredients, fuel, etc. are leak-proof, and conduct exercises to prepare for the unlikely eventuality of such substances seeping into public water areas or groundwater.
Preventing Atmospheric Pollution
Operation of equipment such as boilers and co-generation systems is managed appropriately, and we carry out regular checks, maintenance, and smoke measurement. We are progressively shifting to fuels for boilers, etc. that emit low levels of soot, dust, and sulfur oxide.
Controlling Noise and Odors
We deal with odors arising from wastewater treatment and cooking by improving processes and installing deodorizing equipment. To prevent noise, we install soundproof walls, conduct noise assessments when introducing new equipment, and issue instructions and guidelines to employees and contractors.
Environmental Communication
All business activities at the Kewpie Group have never been feasible without the existence of rich nature. To ensure a sustainable society in the future, we provide our stakeholders with the information of our efforts to identify negative environmental impacts caused by our business activities, reduce its burden, and conserve the environment.
Environmental Education
At the Kewpie Group, we raise employees’ awareness towards environmental conservation and conduct environmental education to put their awareness into practice.
Our efforts also include seminars specifically designed for environment-related operations among departments within the Group, as well as supervisions on wastewater and waste management on a regular basis.
Furthermore, at each location, we offer general education regarding environmental issues and hold drills to prepare for environment-related emergencies.
Lectures at new-employee training
As part of the new-employee training program: “Your Role as a Member of Society” in FY2019, we held a lecture on the Kewpie Group initiatives and surrounding social issues.
Food loss as a familiar example, we discussed our expectations for sustainability-conscious behavior not only at work but also in daily life for our employees. Overall, as we work toward a sustainable growth of the society and Kewpie Group itself, each employee is expected to work and act with awareness to social issues and responsibility.
Environmental activities at factories and facilities for touring
Panel Permanent Display
At Mayo-Terrace (Chofu, Tokyo), our environmental activity panels are displayed as permanent exhibits for visitors.
Environment Events
June is our Environment Month every year, and we publicly introduce our environmental activities at five factories in Japan (Goka, Fujiyoshida, Koromo, Kobe, and Tosu) as well at Mayo-Terrace (Chofu, Tokyo). (reach in 2019: approx. 5,800 people)
We introduced three initiatives to this year’s visitors: “Effective Utilization of Egg Shells,” “Recycled Bags Made from Mayonnaise Bottle Chips,” and “Effective Utilization of the Unused Parts of Vegetables” as part of our effort to raise awareness toward the importance of the environment.
An environment event at the Mayo-Terrace