We are implementing necessary measures to address environmental risks recognizing that even though we mostly use ingredients of natural origin, they still might produce negative impacts on the environment.
Environmental Risk Management Strategies
As products that Suntory Group offers mainly use agricultural products and water, environmental risk originating from ingredients are low compared to other industries. Nevertheless, chemicals are used for cleaning and sterilizing equipment in the production process, which may pollute surrounding environment. Thus, we consider every possibility of abnormalities and emergencies, evaluate risks and implement countermeasures.
Preventing Air Pollution
Suntory Group manages substances that pollute the air in gas emission of boilers, etc. by transferring to gas fuels that does not include sulfur content, introduces low-NOx burners, etc. and reduce SOx and NOx emission and also sets voluntary standards that are stricter than required by the law.
SOx emissions
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions (t) | 12.6 | 14.4 | 16.4 |
| Per Unit (g/kL) | 2.7 | 3.0 | 3.4 |
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*25 production plants in Japan
NOx emissions
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions (t) | 132.0 | 134.6 | 147.0 |
| Per Unit (g/kL) | 28.3 | 28.5 | 30.1 |
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*25 production plants in Japan
Preventing water pollution
We manage waste water through setting voluntary standard values that are stricter than required by the law at each plant.
Preventing Soil Pollution
Suntory Group plants use chemical substances for cleaning equipment, etc. These are strictly managed to avoid any leaks but for in case there are any leaks of cleaning agents or chemicals, liquid control dam are placed surrounding chemical tanks in each factory to prevent and regular inspection are done to prevent polluting soil.
Measures for Alcohol Evaporation
Some amount of alcohol escapes from the cask during the storage of whisky. We place collection equipment to prevent any evaporated alcohol from escaping the plant. In addition, regular monitoring (concentration measurement, etc.) is done to determine if alcohol evaporation is being reduced.
Chemical Substance Management
Suntory Group manages chemical substances according to Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Law, a law that promote the understanding of emission of specific chemical substances to the environment and improving their management, Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act, Fire Service Act and other related laws and in-house guideline on chemical substance management based on PRTR Law (established 2003).
Proper Management and Treatment of Waste
We are promoting electronic manifest for the purpose of enhancing compliance of manifest systems and unified management of information of waste for the proper management of waste. We also hold lectures, on-site confirmation and role-playing training for production, sales, cultural sites, headquarters and Group companies such as a waste management seminars and on-site confirmation of waste seminars to increase knowledge and skills on waste management and continue initiatives for proper treatment of waste.
Management of PCB Disposal
We store PCB wastes appropriately and report their storage status to the local government based on Law concerning Special Measures for Promotion of Proper Treatment of PCB Wastes. We have registered Japan Environmental Storage & Safety Corporation (JESCO) as a subcontractor for the disposal of PCB and began disposal of equipment that uses PCB from 2007.
Status of the use and storage of equipment that uses PCB is as follows.
Quantity of equipment that uses PCB (as of January 2019)
| Stored | Used | Total owned | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacitor | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| Transformer | 9 | 4 | 13 |
| Stabilizer for lighting device | 317 | 0 | 317 |
Claims, Accidents and Lawsuits
There were no claims, accidents or lawsuits related to environment in 2018.