Basic Concept
The Nisshinbo Group's Business Conduct Guidelines include Awareness and Concern towards its environmental impact. The Group is committed to promoting recycling and other activities with a view to improving the quality of resource recycling, and faithfully realizing a safe and secure society for all people. The Group manages key performance indicators (KPIs) as part of systematic measures to achieve its environmental target for improvement of the recycling rate.
【Main measures】
- ① Proper disposal of industrial waste through ISO 14001 activities while ensuring proper waste disposal governance
- ② Reduce waste emissions by promoting the 3Rs (Reduce*1, Reuse*2, Recycle*3)
- ③ Promoting reuse and reduction of packaging materials used
- ④ Selection and consignment of outstanding waste recycling companies and activities to promote the recycling and reuse of waste at overseas sites where the conditions for waste treatment differ
*1 Reduce: Reduce waste by using items carefully
*2 Reuse: Use repeatedly what is available.
*3 Recycle: Reuse garbage as a resource.
Please refer to "Promotion System" in "Environmental Management" for the promotion system.
Specific Initiatives of The Nisshinbo Group
Volume of Waste Generated
The Nisshinbo Group generated 52.4 thousand tons of waste in FY2023, a slight increase from the previous year. The amount of waste generated per unit of sales was 0.099 t/million yen, a slight decrease from the previous year.
In November 2021, PT. Nikawa Textile Industry, in the Textiles business, stopped using coal boilers and switched to purchasing electricity, which resulted in a decrease in both the amount of waste generated and the amount of waste generated per unit of sales from FY2022 onward with the amount remaining roughly the same in FY2023.
The recycling rate of FY2023 was 88% (an increase of 4% recycling rate in the previous fiscal year). This was due to an increase in the recycling rate of brake friction material polishing powder at overseas Automobile Brakes business sites.
Trends in the Volume of Waste Generated and Volume of Waste Generated per Unit of Sales
*1 Because of the transfer of all shares of TMD FRICTION GROUP S.A. (TMD), a subsidiary in the Automobile Brakes business, on November 30, 2023, and for other factors, TMD and 21 other companies were excluded from the scope of consolidation. Therefore, TMD and 21 other companies are included in the data until November 2023.
*2 On December 27, 2023, HVJ Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. and 7 other companies were included in the scope of consolidation, but are not included in the data for FY2023.
Trends in the Recycling Volume and Recycling Rates
*1 Because of the transfer of all shares of TMD FRICTION GROUP S.A. (TMD), a subsidiary in the Automobile Brakes business, on November 30, 2023, and for other factors, TMD and 21 other companies were excluded from the scope of consolidation. Therefore, TMD and 21 other companies are included in the data until November 2023.
*2 On December 27, 2023, HVJ Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. and 7 other companies were included in the scope of consolidation, but are not included in the data for FY2023.
Trends in Volume of Waste Generated by Business and Recycling Rate by Business
The Nisshinbo Group has set the target of achieving a 95 % recycling rate by FY2030. To this end, The Group is engaging in initiatives to reduce the amount of waste generated by each business.
The Automobile Brakes business accounted for 48% of all waste generated by the business. Processing of brake friction material polishing powder at overseas sites is an issue, and the Group is studying reuse methods and recycling destinations.
Trends in Volume of Waste Generated by Business and Recycling Rate by Business
*1 Because of the transfer of all shares of TMD FRICTION GROUP S.A. (TMD), a subsidiary in the Automobile Brakes business, on November 30, 2023, and for other factors, TMD and 21 other companies were excluded from the scope of consolidation. Therefore, TMD and 21 other companies are included in the data until November 2023.
*2 On December 27, 2023, HVJ Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. and 7 other companies were included in the scope of consolidation, but are not included in the data for FY2023.
Examples of Nisshinbo Group
Zero Emissions
Throughout the Nisshinbo Group, the Group is working toward zero emissions (a recycling ratio of 99% or more). Of its locations that generated 10 tons of waste or more in FY2022, 31 locations achieved zero emissions.
Sites that have Achieved Zero Emissions
- Nisshinbo Holdings Inc. R&D Center
- Japan Radio Co., Ltd. Nagano Plant
- Japan Radio Co., Ltd. Kanto Logistics Center
- Japan Radio Co., Ltd. Ueda Logistics Center
- Japan Radio Co., Ltd. Hokkaido Branch
- Japan Radio Co., Ltd. Kansai Branch
- Nagano Japan Radio Co., Ltd. Head Office & Factory
- Shenzhen NJRC Technology Co., Ltd.
- Ueda Japan Radio Co., Ltd. Head Office & Main Factory
- JRC Tokki Co., Ltd. Main Plant
- NJ Components Co., Ltd. Sanyo Office
- NJ Components Co., Ltd. Okazaki Office
- Nisshinbo Micro Device Inc. Kawagoe Plant
- Nisshinbo Micro Device Inc. Yashiro Plant
- Nisshinbo Micro Devices Fukuoka Co., Ltd.
- Nisshinbo Brake Inc. Tatebayashi Plant
- Nisshinbo Mechatronics Inc. Miai Machinery Plant
- Nisshinbo Precision Instrument & Machinery Hiroshima Corp.
- Nisshinbo Mechatronics India Pvt. Ltd.
- NISSHINBO COMPREHENSIVE PRECISION MACHINING (GURGAON) Pvt. Ltd.
- Nanbu Plastics Co., Ltd. Susono Plant
- Nanbu Plastics Co., Ltd. Oigawa Works
- Kyushu Nanbu Plastics Co., Ltd.
- Nanbu Philippines Inc.
- Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. Chiba Plant
- Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. Tokushima Plant
- Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. Toke Development Center
- Nisshinbo Textile Inc. Tokushima Plant
- Nisshinbo Textile Inc. Yoshinogawa Plant
- Nisshinbo Do Brasil Industria Textil LTDA.
- PT. Naigai Shirts Indonesia
Specific Activities of the Group Companies
Resource-saving Activities Through the 3Rs of Waste
Most of the industrial waste at Japan Radio Glass Co., Ltd. is glass waste (more than 98%). This glass waste includes overflow from glass melting, glass fragments from glass cutting and other processing, and other product defects. All of these are mixed with the raw glass material as glass cullet and remelted.
A maximum limit is set because a large percentage of glass cullet can cause glass defects. The glass waste that exceeds the upper limit is disposed of as industrial waste (glass waste). This glass waste is sorted into two types: high purity (the same type of glass is produced in an electric furnace) and low purity (different types of glass are produced in a pot furnace). The high purity glass is recycled by the industrial waste contractors as other glass cullet, and the low purity glass is recycled as civil engineering and construction materials.
Eliminated the Use of Stretch Film During Product Transport
Ueda Japan Radio Co., Ltd. head office and main factory used to use stretch film to prevent products from collapsing during transport from the production line to the shipping location. However, stretch film is disposable as plastic waste after transport and when packed for shipment.
Therefore, to reduce waste, Ueda Japan Radio Co., Ltd. changed to a method of conveying products using reusable anti-unloading covers or green belts. As a result, waste equivalent to 23 rolls of stretch film, or approximately 7,128 m, was reduced, and approximately 309 kg-CO2, equivalent to the amount of CO2 generated during the stretch film production process and incineration, was saved. Ueda Japan Radio Co., Ltd. will continue to make improvements throughout shipping operations to contribute to waste reduction and CO2 emissions reduction.
3R Practices at Business Sites
The Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. Tokushima plant is engaged in environmental preservation activities in line with the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) activities promoted by Tokushima Prefecture.
In the manufacturing process, equipment must be cleaned with a cleaning solution (solvent) each time synthesis is performed, which generates a large amount of waste cleaning solution that is collected and distilled for recycling at a recycling company. By sorting out and reusing the less contaminated waste cleaning solution, Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. was able to reduce the consumption of the cleaning solution by more than 30%. Energy associated with the reclamation process was also reduced.
As a result of these efforts, in March 2017, Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. received certification from Tokushima Prefecture as a Tokushima Prefecture Certified 3R Model Business Office. The certification system recognizes business sites in Tokushima Prefecture that actively promote the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) and have achieved remarkable results. Twenty-seven business sites in Tokushima Prefecture are currently certified. The company undergoes a renewal audit every three years, and the company is certified through March 2026.
Conversion of Carbon Waste into Valuable Resources
The Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. Chiba plant has been working to convert carbon waste into valuable resources.
The company's bipolar plates for fuel cells manufacturing process generate carbon waste in the form of scrap materials, defective products, waste raw materials, waste sub-materials, and collected dust. These used to be disposed of as industrial waste. After researching effective utilization methods and problems with Japan's Waste Disposal and Public Cleansing Law, Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. found that they could be used as feedstock for steel production by crushing and classifying them. In addition, the company was able to confirm once again that items that have material value do not fall under the legal definition of waste.
After 2022, all carbon waste generated has been converted into valuable resources as a secondary material that improves the performance of manufactured products in the steelmaking process.
Resource Conservation in Purchasing Transactions
Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. promoted the reduction of paper and containers used in purchasing transactions. The company eliminated the practice of stamping and mailing paper delivery and invoice forms designated by Nisshinbo and replaced it with data transmission of invoices in the form of supplier forms. In addition, in 2024, the printing of supplier invoices for internal procedures will be eliminated and replaced with data confirmation only. By reducing the amount of printed materials, the company will also reduce the amount of stationery, such as clear files, used to store documents.
In addition, through discussions with suppliers, Nisshinbo Chemical Inc. changed the containers of drums of procured raw materials to lease drums for repeated use. The company will continue to promote the use of returnable drums in cooperation with suppliers.
Shirt Recycling Project
Nisshinbo Textile Inc. developed a technology to recover used shirts, dissolve the cotton components, and reincarnate them as cellulose fiber, thereby engaging in horizontal recycling to recycle shirts.
The ionic liquid used to dissolve the shirts (researched by the New Business Development Division of Nisshinbo Holdings Inc.) is a liquid consisting solely of ions and is called the third liquid after water and organic solvents. The liquid is expected to be used in many fields due to its features of low volatility, incombustibility, high ionic conductivity, and specific solubility. Adopted by the NEDO Leading Research Program in FY2022, Nisshinbo Textile Inc. is conducting R&D to establish the basic technology in collaboration with Shinshu University and others.
A pilot plant started operation in April 2023, and in 2024, the company received a subsidy from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (a demonstration project for strengthening the resource recycling system) to expand its facilities and accelerate development. By continuing to establish production technology, Nisshinbo Textile Inc. aims to establish a circular economy model with Tokyo Shirt as the contact point in FY2024 and beyond.
Used Shirt Collection Campaign
Tokyo Shirts Co., Ltd. is conducting the Used Shirts Collection Campaign in collaboration with JEPLAN, INC.
In addition to participating in the activities of BRING, which is operated by JEPLAN, INC. and based on the concept of making clothes out of clothes, collection boxes are placed and collected at 10 stores, and in fiscal year 2023, a total of 49 days of collection were conducted at all stores three times a year from February 17 to March 5, June 30 to July 17, and December 8 to December 17. Tokyo Shirts conducted its collection campaign, and a total of 18,137 garments were collected from 4,875 customers, including both in-house and third-party products.
The collected garments were reused and recycled according to the materials, and those made of 100% polyester fiber were recycled into recycled polyester using JEPLAN, INC.’s proprietary chemical recycling technology, BRING TechnologyTM to be used as raw materials for new garments and other products.
Amidst the recent increase in environmental awareness, this initiative has been well received by customers who have been struggling to dispose of clothing.
Obtained Recycling Certification RCS and GRS
In November 2020, PT. Nikawa Textile Industry in Indonesia obtained the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claims Standard (RCS). These are standards set the requirements for third-party certification of recycled products and are international certification programs that verify that products have been properly recycled.
The two programs are run by the Textile Exchange, an American nonprofit organization. GRS certification verifies the recycled content of a product based on a minimum of 50% recycled content and certifies that the product is produced in an environmentally friendly and other socially responsible manner. GRS certification requires the submission of the applicant company's energy use performance and reduction plan and includes an examination of working conditions and internal controls. RCS certification is based on the standard of 5% or more recycled content in the product along with verification and certification of the input amount, history, and storage conditions of certified materials contained in the product.
Participated in the Upcycle Association
Nisshintoa Iwao Inc. joined the Upcycle Association, a general incorporated association that brings together companies from across industries to develop new initiatives that transcend the boundaries of conventional recycling.
The Upcycle Association was established in February 2023 by 14 participating companies and organizations, including Nisshintoa Iwao Inc., Nestle Japan, and the City of Kobe, with the goal of creating a sustainable society for present and future generations. Currently, 35 companies and organizations are participating in the program, which aims to promote the improvement of recycling rates for resources and food residues, and to create new value.
The first project, Tsumugi, is an initiative to transform paper resources collected mainly from supermarket stores, offices of participating companies, and environmental awareness facilities in Kobe City, as well as unused thinned cypress wood generated from the maintenance of Mt. Rokko, into paper yarn. Paper yarn is characterized by its softness, light weight, and moisture absorbency and desorbency, which are only possible with natural fibers, and gives the wearer the gentle feeling of being in nature.
In response to the many requests for products using paper threads, Nisshintoa Iwao Inc. has now begun selling the products to the general public under the concept of "Kobe" and "Mt. Rokko." A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the products will be used for forest conservation, and the project Tsumugi is also linked to the creation of a sustainable society by weaving thoughts and traditions into the future.
Nisshintoa Iwao Inc., which publishes alterna, a business information magazine on the theme of sustainable management and the SDGs, and the Finger Sustainer Management Association jointly sponsored the event. Tsumugi, a paper yarn produced by Upcycle, was selected as a one-star product in the Sustainable Selection given to products and services developed with sustainable principles and methods.
