Basic Approach

The Nitto Group positions 'Conserving Biodiversity' as a key sustainability issue. Regardless of the degree of dependence on or impact on nature, we consider it our corporate responsibility to realize 'Nature Positive,' which aims to minimize the negative impact of corporate activities and promote the recovery and regeneration of nature. Based on this idea, we collaborate with all stakeholders across the entire value chain to work towards realizing a sustainable society.
Guided by this principle, we strive to avoid activities in areas of importance for biodiversity, especially legally protected areas, from the procurement of raw materials to the use and disposal of products, and to prevent adverse effects on endangered species and protected subjects. Furthermore, we will promote a phased approach to mitigate environmental impacts in accordance with the internationally recognized 'mitigation hierarchy'.^*1
We support the vision of "a world living in harmony with nature" set forth in the "Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework" and the "Keidanren Declaration on Biodiversity and Action Guidelines." We regard the prevention of air pollution, reduction of waste, and conservation of water resources as key issues. We have set specific activity targets for manufacturing sites, including priority areas, and are advancing initiatives to address these issues.

*1 Mitigation hierarchy... An international principle for minimizing the impact of development and business activities on the natural environment.

Prevention of Air Pollution

[Reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)]

We are working to reduce VOC emissions to minimize the impact of volatile organic compounds (VOC) on the environment around our facilities and the health of our employees.

[Reduction of Chemical Substance Usage]

As part of our efforts to reduce VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), we are promoting the use of solvent-free UV-curable adhesives and water-based adhesives, thus advancing the solvent reduction. Furthermore, based on our voluntary management standards, we strive to reduce environmental impact and ensure a safe working environment by limiting the use of highly hazardous chemical substances.

Waste Reduction

[Promotion of 3R for Waste and Efficient Use of Resources]

The Nitto Group considers the sustainable use of Earth's limited natural resources as its corporate mission and is working on efficient resource utilization and waste reduction. In addition to thorough waste management at each manufacturing site, we are promoting the 3Rs of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to aim for the realization of a recycling-oriented society.
Regarding plastic waste, which accounts for about half of the Nitto Group's waste, we have set improving the recycling rate as an environmental goal and are developing plastic material recycling technologies, such as separation techniques for composite materials. For example, we are aiming to establish separation technology for adhesives and substrates in tape products and recycle them into new products and auxiliary materials through resource recovery.

Conservation of Water Resources

[Reduction of water intake, response to water risks, contribution to society]

The Nitto Group recognizes the sustainable use of water resources as a critical environmental issue and is committed to their conservation. To this end, we conduct water resource surveys and risk assessments at all our sites worldwide.
We are actively working to reduce water intake through efficient usage practices, including water recycling and continuous evaluation of water consumption. In response to water-related risks such as pollution and water stress, we have established monitoring and surveillance systems to prevent the discharge of pollutants and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Furthermore, we contribute to society by promoting water recycling through membrane separation technologies. These efforts help conserve freshwater ecosystems, provide safe water for local communities, and prevent environmental degradation.

Monitoring of Water risk

Water used in manufacturing processes can significantly impact local water sources. Excessive water withdrawal and pollution pose risks to ecosystems and local communities.
The Nitto Group recognizes the importance of managing these water-related risks and places strong emphasis on monitoring and managing water resources at its manufacturing sites.
Specifically, we continuously monitor and evaluate both water usage (intake) and water quality. This is achieved through the use of external tools such as Aqueduct, which assesses flood, drought, and water resource conditions, as well as internal environmental performance data (EPD), including metrics such as water intake, water discharge, and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD).
*For more details, please refer to Sustainability Data Book.

Water Recycling Technology Using Membrane Separation

In addition to monitoring water intake, the Nitto Group is actively promoting water reuse and pursuing Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) to optimize water resource utilization and reduce the risk of operational disruptions caused by extreme weather and water scarcity.
At our Shiga Plant, we have implemented advanced water treatment technologies using Nitto Group’s proprietary reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, which effectively filter out all impurities except water. This system enables the reuse of wastewater and effluents generated on-site, achieving a wastewater reuse rate of 90% since 2022.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand the deployment of our water treatment products and operational models—developed and validated in-house—particularly in developing countries and regions facing high water risk. By integrating these technologies with other environmental solutions, we aim to contribute to solving global challenges such as ensuring access to safe and reliable water and conserving water resources through our business activities.

Raising awareness among employees

To promote environmental initiatives, the understanding and cooperation of every employee, including management, is essential. Therefore, we aim to continuously raise environmental awareness through educational programs focused on preventing air pollution, reducing waste, and using water resources efficiently in our business activities.