Environmental Management
Approach to Environmental Conservation
Mindful of growing environmental awareness in Japan and around the world, the Kewpie Group established a basic environmental policy in December 1998, and conducts business in environmentally responsible ways. Following two rounds of revisions, the basic environmental policy—which consists of environmental principles and a code of conduct—has evolved into a global Kewpie Group policy.
Environmental Principles
We strive to consider the environment in all aspects of our business and products, from production to sales.
Code of Conduct
- 1.We will strive to conserve resources and energy, reduce waste, promote recycling, and develop new technologies.
- 2.We will encourage environmentally responsible product development and appropriate containers and packaging.
- 3.We will set voluntary standards for environmental conservation initiatives and establish and enhance environmental management systems capable of meeting societal demands as well as complying with relevant laws and regulations.
A United Nations summit in 2015 agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as international objectives for achieving a sustainable world. The Paris Agreement on climate change, adopted in the same year, heightened expectations that enterprises would strive to reduce environmental burden through their business activities. The Kewpie Group has summarized our basic approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and set material issues for sustainability. We will develop and implement plans based on the mid- to long-term goals of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.
Systems for Promoting Environmental Conservation
The Kewpie Group previously established an Environmental Committee consisting of environmental managers from divisions and group companies to promote group-wide environmental conservation activities.
In fiscal 2017, this committee formed the basis for the launch of a new CSR Committee, which is responsible for promoting group-wide social and environmental initiatives. Aiming to resolve material issues for sustainability, the CSR committee will address two environmental priorities: effective use of resources and sustainable procurement, and reduction of CO2 emissions (to address climate change). With a view to resolving each of these issues, sub-committees will be established to consider goals and initiatives.
Obtaining ISO14001 Certification
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. Out of 82 production facilities in the group, 19 have obtained ISO14001 certification (as of November 30, 2018).
Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations
Each Kewpie Group facility complies with environmental laws and regulations applicable in its own country or region. In fiscal 2018, there were no infringements of relevant laws or regulations, and no accidents occurred.
Environmental Audit
The Kewpie Group sets standards for matters including compliance with relevant laws and regulations, development of management systems, and facility management, and conducts an annual internal audit to ensure that these are strictly adhered to and encourage environmental conservation activities. Facilities that have obtained ISO14001 certification are also inspected by external bodies based on that standard.
Environmental Impact of Business Operations
Inputs to Kewpie Group production processes include resources such as raw ingredients, materials, and water as well as energy in the form of electricity, gas, heavy fuel oil, etc., and our production processes create industrial waste, discharge water, and emit CO2. Energy used to transport our products also has an impact on the environment, and waste is created by containers and packaging discarded after use by customers. We strive to accurately understand the impact that our business operations have on the environment, consider the sustainability of the global environment in all our activities—from product development to raw ingredient procurement, production, sales, and distribution—and engage in environmental conservation activities to conserve energy and resources, reduce waste, improve containers and packaging, make transportation more efficient, and prevent pollution.
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 2018)
Input
| Energy use | Electricity purchased | 2,445,000GJ（245,669,000kWh） |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel*1 | 1,473,000GJ | |
| Total energy | 3,918,000GJ | |
| Water use | Water (groundwater, piped water) | 9,322,000m3 |
Output
| Atmospheric emissions | CO2 | 200,300 Tons |
|---|---|---|
| NOx | 37.9 Tons | |
| SOx | 9.35 Tons | |
| Emissions to waterways*2 | Emissions | 7,246,000 m3 |
| Emissions of waste | Volume of waste (recycling rate) | 60,500 Tons（95％） |
*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.