Sustainability
Waste Reduction in the Production Process

Waste Reduction in the Production Process

Reducing Raw Material and Water Usage

The 3Rs and waste reduction

The Nitta Group has adopted the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) as the basis for waste reduction, in accordance with the Basic Act on Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society. We are implementing measures in the following order of priority: (1) reducing waste generation, (2) reuse, (3) recycling, (4) thermal recovery, and (5) proper disposal.
Our approach to waste reduction is centered on continuous improvement in conjunction with NS Activities (the Nitta System: action taken to improve productivity and reduce costs through thorough elimination of waste). The results of these activities manifest themselves as improvements in yields and reductions in defective products.
In April 2022, the Plastic Resource Circulation Act (new plastics law) went into effect in Japan, advocating efforts such as recycling of plastic resources at every stage from product design to disposal of plastic waste.
As for efforts at the design stage, we have been studying the development of long-life products and the use of bioplastics since before the new plastics law came into effect, and have put such products on the market. We will continue to develop environmentally friendly products.
The Nitta Group is certified for the ISO 14001 environmental management system, and we comply with environmental laws and regulations and continuously upgrade our environmental efforts. In compliance with the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act, with individual recycling laws, and with ordinances that apply to specific sites, we keep up to date on the permits of waste treatment firms and whether waste treatment contracts match the work performed, and check to confirm manifest-based management and reporting by large-volume waste generators.
We also exchange information with waste treatment contractors as needed, and investigate and review treatment methods with lower environmental impacts.

Disposing of PCBs as required by law (Nitta Nara Plant)

Garbage separation bins and instruction sign

Reducing water usage

Target: 1% annual reduction in tap water and well water usage (company-wide)
The Nara Plant uses tap water for mainly daily and cafeteria use, and well water as cooling water and for utility equipment at the manufacturing stage, and for sprinkling water in green areas. To reduce usage, we are advancing the following initiatives.

    • Reducing well water usage (for cooling) At the Nara Plant, instead of disposing of cooling water, it is circulated (and used as chiller water) to make effective use of water resources. At present, the plant is planning to replace well water by the end of fiscal 2023 with the goal of reducing well water consumption by 90% in the target process. We will continue our efforts to reduce water consumption in the manufacturing process.
    • Reducing tap water usage (by finding and repairing water leaks) Through our energy monitoring system, the Nitta Group examines areas of abnormal usage, constantly checks for unnecessary water use due to leakage, and promptly repairs any abnormalities in order to optimize usage.
    • Effective use of water We strive to cut back on water usage by making use of rain water that we capture in tanks. This is mainly used for sprinkler water in green areas on the premises.

Sustainability