SustainabilitySustainability Top

Energy saving measures

In fiscal 2019, no new offices were added to the scope of non-financial audit data we disclose. Total energy usage increased in some countries (India, Indonesia). We were able to improve energy usage intensity. We will continue promoting energy-saving measures and adding sites for which we disclose environmental information.

Reducing CO2 emissions

In fiscal 2019, no new offices were added to the scope of non-financial audit data we disclose. In terms of our activities, we were able to decrease our CO₂ emissions intensity. The decrease is the result of energy conservation efforts in each country and region, and we will continue to promote activities to lower CO₂ emissions.

Reducing water usage

We were able to achieve a year-on-year reduction of about 4% in fiscal 2019, exceeding our original target of 1% because of reduction efforts at each site.

Waste disposal volume

In fiscal 2019, no new offices were added to the scope of financial audit data we disclose. Our efforts mainly at overseas plants to utilize waste that used to be disposed of by external contractors as a material in cat excretion care products paid off and total waste disposal volume increased but waste intensity is on a downward trend.

Recycling rate

In fiscal 2019, we continued to maintain the high recycling rate of over 99%. The number of other plants that have achieved zero emissions status by attaining a recycling rate of greater than 99% is also on the rise.

Airborne pollutants

We are working to reduce NOX (nitrogen oxide) and SOX (sulfur oxide) emissions through means such as increasing operation efficiency for boilers and other equipment.

Ozone depleting substances (Japan)

We manage CFCs in compliance with laws and regulations and conduct regular inspections in working to protect the ozone layer.

Water quality is evaluated regularly for conformity to Unicharm's proprietary standards and the provisions of relevant laws and regulations. In 2019, there were no violations of the company's proprietary standards or relevant laws and regulations. In addition, there were no accidents linked to soil contamination or offensive odor.
Details related to volume of BOD and COD are reported in the Site Data section.

Small amounts of PCBs are stored at certain business sites awaiting processing for disposal.
Compliance assessments on storage conditions are carried out regularly and no abnormalities were found.

With regard to toluene, we are gradually shifting to the use of toluene-free thinner.