Reviewing Safety Information on Chemicals and Conducting Risk Assessments

• Performed risk assessments for 749 products to date and publicly released safety summaries for 58 substances. (https://www.jcia-bigdr.jp/jcia-bigdr/en/material/icca_material_list)

LRI^*1 Initiatives

• Promoted research by actively participating in the LRI program implemented by the Japan Chemical Industry Association as a member of the steering committee and research strategy planning group. Furthermore, we participate in the microplastics task force, which has close ties to the LRI program, and provide feedback.

Enhancing Information Disclosure and Risk Communication

• Published the Annual Report, Sustainability Data Book, the Report on the Environment and Safety (at all worksites), local PR newsletters, etc., made information publicly available on the official website, made school visits, accepted student interns, and engaged in dialogue with local residents.

Considering Appropriate Water Treatment Methods and Standardizing Methods for Assessing Various Process Waste Water Expelled from Works

• In light of current operating conditions, we finished considering the standardization of each Works’ methods for assessing and treating effluent from new manufacturing processes. We have prepared manuals and are promoting the adoption of standardized methods at each Works.

Using Microbiota Analysis, Microbial Immobilization, and Other Proprietary Technology to Increase the Sophistication of Activated Sludge Treatment

• We perform biota analyses on activated sludge used for water treatment using molecular biology methods that employ cutting-edge equipment. From this, we have gained data on microbial community structures. Using this data, we are now able to fully grasp the relationship of microbial communities in sludge to water treatment. In addition, we are working to enhance operational management and improve the effectiveness of treatment by mining this data within various parameters for active sludge treatment. One such result of this is the use of an active sludge treatment utilizing microbial immobilization for process wastewater that contains substances that are difficult to break down through the conventional incineration methods that formerly were the only viable option. This has allowed us to stabilize water treatment and reduce treatment costs. We also established a method for managing the microbes that help break down the sludge using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Going forward, we will continue working to uncover and resolve relevant issues to ensure safety and stability.

Promoting Sumika Sustainable Solutions

• We are promoting Sumika Sustainable Solutions, which are initiatives to internally designate products and technologies that contribute to global warming countermeasures and environmental impact reduction. A total of 57 products and technologies have been designated, with combined sales of ¥463.3 billion in fiscal 2020 (consolidated). They are estimated to have contributed to a collective 62 million tons CO₂ equivalent reduction in greenhouse gases throughout their life cycles in fiscal 2020.^*2

Improving Energy Efficiency

• Unit energy consumption in fiscal 2020 improved 15% compared with fiscal 2005 but worsened 2.7% year on year.
  (Goal: Improve unit energy consumption 15% by fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2005 levels (Improve 1% per year on average))
• Unit CO₂ emissions from energy in fiscal 2020 improved 13% compared with fiscal 2005 but worsened 2.2% year on year.
  (Goal: Improve unit CO₂ emissions from energy use 15% by fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2005 levels (Improve 1% per year on average))

Holding Dialogues with Internal and External Stakeholders

• Explained to internal and external stakeholders the importance of the Company helping to create a sustainable society and the Company’s related measures, thereby deepening mutual understanding through dialogue.