We recognize that Suntory Group's business activities are part of the natural water cycle. For over 20 years, we have collaborated with diverse stakeholders to conserve water resources. As a member of watershed communities, it is essential for Suntory Group to transition to more sustainable water resource management to achieve continuous business growth. Our engagement strategy focuses on working with stakeholders to spread sustainable water use practices throughout society. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the sustainable development of regional communities and the maintenance of rich ecosystems, facilitating a broader societal transition toward sustainability.
Process
To achieve our water replenishment targets outlined in our Environmental Targets toward 2030, Suntory Group collaborates with local stakeholders to identify water-related issues in the watersheds where our plants are located. With the agreement of key stakeholders, we advance initiatives to conserve water resources that address these challenges. Additionally, Suntory Group seeks to facilitate a transition toward a society with sustainable and healthy water cycles by participating in international rule-making and building cross-industry alliances that extend beyond the value chain.
Stakeholder Engagement
Water is a local resource, meaning water-related issues vary from region to region and from watershed to watershed. Local water-related stakeholders are diverse, ranging from local governments and authorities in charge of water services, to NGOs, experts (university researchers and consultants, etc.), and local residents.
Through dialogue, Suntory Group seeks to understand the needs and capabilities of these diverse entities. We consider the most effective cooperation framework and approach to advance our initiatives, starting from building consensus. This process forms the basis of our regional engagement efforts.
Identification of Watershed Issues
The insights gained by Suntory Group over more than 20 years of water resource replenishment activities in Japan also represent a significant advantage in our community engagement efforts.
Our earnest dedication to the "Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries" as a core business has fostered trust among local communities, helping them understand our commitment to solving water-related challenges. Additionally, the data and scientific knowledge accumulated at the Institute for Water Science greatly assist in accurately identifying issues in each watershed, facilitating consensus-building with stakeholders.
Community Engagement Initiatives Related to Water
Japan
Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture: Over Two Decades of Groundwater Monitoring
In Yamanashi Prefecture's former Hakushu Town (now Hokuto City), the Hakushu Town Groundwater Conservation Ordinance was established in 1996. Following a request by the then-mayor for the cooperation of the first plant manager of the current Suntory Tennensui (Mineral Water) Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant in 1998, we established the Hakushu Town Groundwater Conservation and Utilization Council together with other large-scale companies and local businesses. This Council, funded by contributions from participating businesses, has set up observation wells to continuously monitor groundwater levels. Independent evaluations have concluded that groundwater levels have remained stable over the long term, indicating no significant issues.
Suntory Group has participated in this Council since its inception and has been cooperating with groundwater level monitoring efforts for over 20 years.
In recognition of these efforts as well as water stewardship activities*1, such as water resource cultivation at Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Minami Alps and the Mizuiku next-generation environmental education program conducted in collaboration with local governments in Yamanashi Prefecture such as Hokuto City, Suntory Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant received the highest “Platinum” certification from the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) in 2025.
- *1Comprehensive water resource management undertaken continuously in cooperation with local governments and local communities from the perspective of the entire watershed, not just within our own factory or other places of business.
For more information, see Achieving the AWS Certification for Water Stewardship.
Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture: Supporting Groundwater Visualization and Building Corporate Cooperation Frameworks
Past Initiatives
In the water- and greenery-rich Kumamoto region, citizens, government, and businesses have long collaborated to conserve and utilize groundwater. This initiative has been recognized worldwide, having received the UN ‘Water for Life’ Top Award (Water Management Category) in 2013.
Suntory Group has also restored more than twice the amount of groundwater withdrawn by our plants in Japan through initiatives such as water withdrawal management and water conservation activities on the grounds of its Kyushu Kumamoto Plant, as well as groundwater conservation and restoration activities (Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries) in upstream areas and “winter water paddies” (an initiative to conserve and restore groundwater by flooding fields in the winter) in downstream areas.
We also continue to engage in dialogue with various local stakeholders, striving to foster understanding of our efforts and relationships of trust.
In recognition of these efforts, the Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Plant received the highest “Platinum” certification from AWS in February 2023.
For more information, see Achieving the AWS Certification for Water Stewardship.
Suntory’s Water Stewardship in the Kumamoto Region
Created based on Groundwater Flow in the Kumamoto Region published by the Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation
New Regional Issues and Suntory’s Contributions
In Kumamoto Prefecture, the rapid development of semiconductor-related industries and urban areas is progressing. The introduction of water-intensive industries has raised concerns among local governments and residents about the possibility of groundwater, which is showing signs of recovery, declining again and leading to a critical situation.
Furthermore, with industrialization and urbanization, it is becoming more difficult to secure land to maintain traditional methods of groundwater conservation and restoration, such as flooding winter rice paddies. In response, in 2025, Suntory Group partnered with local universities and financial institutions to launch Kumamoto Water Positive Action*1, an initiative that promotes the expansion of green infrastructure to encourage companies to voluntarily conserve and restore groundwater.
In response to the issue of reduction in the area of rainwater penetration due to land development, this action will utilize green infrastructure*2 such as rain gardens to ensure rainwater penetration functions in areas undergoing development and work to conserve the water cycle by promoting groundwater restoration and flood mitigation. In addition, the initiative supports the voluntary installation of green infrastructure by land development companies. It also promotes research and development of innovative financial methods to create credit from the value of groundwater restoration through green infrastructure, based on the principle of nature credits*3.
By utilizing these financial methods, the initiative aims to further introduce green infrastructure through public-private partnership funding mechanisms.
Furthermore, presenting simulations based on accurate groundwater data is essential to encouraging companies to take action. Suntory Group has in place a joint research agreement between the Kumamoto Groundwater Foundation and our Institute for Water Science. Under this agreement, we are working with the local community to build a simulation model that can predict the future using data sets from the past.
Furthermore, by providing knowledge about visualizing groundwater flow, we will contribute to formulating proposals and policies regarding water and land use in the future.
- *1For this initiative, water positivity is defined as "responding to the negative impacts on water caused by land alteration and water withdrawal within the watershed through conservation of the natural environment that nurtures water, water resource replenishment, and the use of reclaimed water, thereby returning equal or greater amounts of water to the watershed."
- *2Concepts and initiatives that utilize the diverse functions of the natural environment to resolve social issues, such as natural disasters and global warming, and promote the development of sustainable and attractive regions, cities, and nations.
- *3Measurable positive outcomes for ecosystems and biodiversity that result from nature conservation, restoration and responsible management. It is attracting worldwide attention as an economic means to provide funds for the improvement and enhancement of nature and biodiversity.
Southeast Asia
Vietnam: Community Engagement at the National Level
Vietnam is the first country outside of Japan where Suntory Group launched Mizuiku - education program for nature and water. Mizuiku, which began in 2015, will mark its 10th anniversary this year (2025).
In Vietnam, unlike Japan, illegal dumping into rivers near urban and town areas remains prevalent, making river pollution a serious issue. The government also places high importance on this issue. Recognizing that education is key to solving this issue, Suntory Group held ongoing discussions with the government. As a result, an agreement was signed with the Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training in October 2022.
The Ministry of Education and Training is the equivalent of Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. With Vietnam’s government understanding the seriousness of water issues, this agreement demonstrates that the effectiveness of Mizuiku has been seen within the framework of public education and represents an example of advancing environmental education at the national level.
Suntory Group is currently working with the Ministry of Education and Training to provide Mizuiku curriculum training to school teachers across Vietnam and to promote the program's expansion nationwide.
As one concrete initiative, we have compiled a training textbook for teachers (an official educational material equivalent to the textbooks published by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). Based on this textbook, training on how to run Mizuiku classes was provided to school teachers in 63 prefectures across Vietnam in 2024, with many teachers taking part.
As of 2024, teachers who completed this training have been conducting Mizuiku in their own classes, reaching approximately 530,000 students.
Thailand: Joint Research with a University
In Thailand, we are conducting joint research with Chiang Mai University. We are conducting research on the water balance of the entire watershed, including Pasak Jolasid Dam, which is the water source for our Saraburi Plant, and how to encourage local engagement. Additionally, we are analyzing how groundwater flows and identifying which areas would most benefit from activities to enhance groundwater recharge.
Based on the knowledge gained, we plan to decide on what initiatives to implement in which areas at Pasak Jolasid Dam and the entire Pasak watershed.
Additionally, we have been implementing Mizuiku since July 2019.
Europe
Toledo, Spain: Joint Research with a University
To assess the future impacts of climate change on the Guajaraz Reservoir, which serves as the water source for the Toledo Plant, we are developing a simulation model and conducting analysis in collaboration with a hydrological research team from the University of Alcala. In this research, we assessed the impacts of climate change on the Guajaraz Reservoir using a hydrological model called SWAT+. Of the climate change scenarios based on future projections of greenhouse gas concentrations by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we made future projections using RCP 8.5, which has the highest greenhouse gas emissions. We are now estimating how much the amount of water flowing into the reservoir from rivers upstream will decrease by the end of the 21st century.
We are also conducting Mizuiku in Spain.
Aiming to Understand the Water Cycle and Improve Water Risk Assessment Taking into Account Water Infrastructure
Recognition of Issues
Monsoon Asia, including Japan, is home to more than 50% of the world's population and is characterized by annual precipitation far exceeding the global average. However, 70 to 90% of precipitation occurs during the rainy season, with little rainfall for long periods during the dry season, making water supplies unstable. In this region, water infrastructure is highly developed, including water storage in dams and water transport between watersheds using canals. This infrastructure is in place to support the robust water needs of local communities and ecosystems.
To accurately understand the supply risks relative to water demand, it is important to evaluate the role of water infrastructure in addition to the natural water cycle. Further, by assessing the potential for annual water shortages on a regional basis, specific countermeasures can be implemented effectively.
Development of Water Security Compass
To address these issues, Suntory Holdings, in collaboration with the Graduate School of Engineering at The University of Tokyo and Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of ID&E Holdings Co., Ltd., established the University of Tokyo Social Cooperation Program called "Global Water Cycle"*1 and jointly developed the online platform "Water Security Compass."
Water Security Compass is the world's first*2 online platform that utilizes a cutting-edge model developed by The University of Tokyo and others to simulate the global water cycle. It takes into account the impact of seasonal changes and infrastructure such as dams on water volume to accurately understand water demand and supply in various parts of the world and then visualizes*3 the current and future water resource shortage situation for each use.
The platform has been available free of charge since the summer of 2024, with the primary aim for it to be used in research on water resources in a wide range of fields across industry, government, and academia*4.
- *1Global Water Cycle Social Cooperation Program was established in 2022 with the aim of combining the knowledge of companies and universities to promote research and development, social implementation of developed technologies, and human resource development. This is an industry-academia collaboration framework involving The University of Tokyo, Suntory, and Nippon Koei.
- *2Based on a survey by The University of Tokyo's Social Cooperation Program called Global Water Cycle.
- *3For Japan, the simulation was performed at a much higher resolution (approximately 2 square km) than before. (Currently, only Western Japan is available.)
- *4The currently released version is a trial version (beta version) prior to the official version. The official version is scheduled to be released in 2025, with further improvements and corrections to data and functions planned for the future.
Toward Actionable Indicators
In corporate responses to water risks, the importance of data-driven hypothesis development and decision-making will continue to grow.
The Water Security Compass aims to assist companies in accurately identifying areas with high drought risk by leveraging data. By serving as an actionable indicator, it contributes to more effective resource risk management.
At Suntory Group, we not only use the Water Security Compass internally but also promote its widespread adoption through engagement with international initiatives.
