Material CSR Issue
Environmental protection
Why is it important?
We process aluminium made from the mineral bauxite to produce materials for various products. That takes huge amounts of natural resources, energy, and chemicals in operations that we realize impact the environment. That’s why we ensure that our operations are in harmony with the global environment.
Our Approach
Environmental preservation is an important field of our business activities, to which we contribute not only by means of our products but also through reduction of environmental loads in our operations. In our daily operations, for example, we promote reduction of energy used in each manufacturing reduction, reuse, and recycling of generated wastes. For prevention of global warming, in particular, we have set a long-term target of reducing CO2 emission by 30% (compared with the 2013 level) by 2031, the centennial year for the Toyo Aluminium Group, based on the Paris Agreement and SDGs, and will promote specific actions to attain the target. We have also obtained ISO14001 certifications at 15 business locations, which are mostly production sites. Through effective implementation of the environmental management system, we will prevent environment-related problems and comply with the relevant laws and regulations, reduce environmental loads, and promote sustainable business activities that are harmonious with the global environments.
[Message from the Responsible Person]
OUR PERFORMANCE
Active promotion of recycling activities (Yao Works)
In March 2018, Toyo Aluminium K.K. dismantled an incinerator at the Yao Works. Despite the elimination of the environmental loads due to the discharges of traces of dioxins within the legally approved limits, the total amount of wastes has become a new problem. To reduce the final waste amounts (landfill amounts), recycling activities are aggressively promoted. For example, in fiscal 2018, 11 tons of paper wastes were recycled into toilet paper; as many as 2,400 rolls were used in a year at the Yao Works.
Dismantled incinerator at the Yao Works
Toilet paper produced from recycled paper
Establishing a system to recover and reuse exhaust heat (Gumma Works)
At the Gumma Works, aluminium foils are colored and films are combined. As these operations require organic solvent, VOC processing devices are installed; the heat energy produced in the process used to be wasted as exhaust heat. In 2018, an exhaust heat recovery boiler was introduced to recover the exhaust heat generated from the processing device as steam, which is then reused as a heat source for drying and oven heat source at production facilities. As a result, the electric power usage has been reduced by 2%; the city gas usage has been down by 4%, respectively in a year.
Gumma Works: Exhaust heat recovery boiler
Development of entirely biodegradable paper containers and consideration of possible future alliances(Toyo Aluminium Ekco Products Co., Ltd.)
To solve the problem of plastic wastes in the sea, which has become a global challenge, significant efforts are now required, including proper management of wastes, enhancement of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and development and dissemination of highly biodegradable plastics, paper, and other alternative materials.
Against this global background, Toyo Aluminium Ekco Products Co., Ltd. has made consistent corporate efforts for sustainable development through enhanced manufacture/sale of paper-based containers, including development of pulp-mold(*1) containers and other types of paper containers.
Currently manufactured/sold paper containers cannot be entirely returned to the soil, as they are coated with plastic materials. One of our new initiatives includes development of paper containers based on biodegradable plastics, which is scheduled to be launched in fiscal 2019. We are also planning to participate in “Clean Ocean Material Alliance*2” established as a forum to accelerate these innovative initiatives.
In order to solve the problem of plastic wastes in the sea, we would like to further promote our business of paper containers, expected to replace disposable plastic containers, and contribute to global environmental preservation.
*1 Molded pulp: A paper mold products made of pulp solved in water, strained with wire work, and dried: It is easily molded into various shapes, and capable of satisfying a wide variety of needs as plastic food trays, etc.
*2 Clean Ocean Material Alliance: Established by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, participated by 159 companies and associations (as of January 11, 2019); aimed at promoting various alliances among companies and associations to solve the problem of plastic wastes in the sea. More details are presented in a news release of the Ministry (January 18, 2019) titled, “Clean Ocean Material Alliance Established.”https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2018/01/20190118007/20190118007.html
CSR Employee Message
