The TOPPAN Group has formulated a set of priority policies towards the building of a recycling-oriented society as a critical challenge for management. We process industrial waste and waste materials in line with the following priorities: 1) First priority is given to reductions of the discharge of industrial waste and waste materials generated in association with business activities; 2) Second priority is given to the reuse or recycling of industrial waste and waste materials discharged in spite of the reduction efforts; and 3) Third priority is given to the application of appropriate treatment methods to industrial waste and waste materials not reused or recycled.

The order of priority may be revised if another order of priority is deemed to be more effective for reducing environmental burden.

In a drive to use limited resources more effectively, we work to reduce the discharge of waste, increase the recycling rate, and apply appropriate waste treatment methods based on the TOPPAN Group Declaration on the Global Environment.

Waste paper derived from operational sites primarily in the Information & Communication and Living & Industry fields makes up the largest portion (63%) of the total waste discharged at Group sites. The next largest portions are waste plastics derived from plants in the Living & Industry field (18%) and waste acid from the Electronics field. We have striven to increase the material recycling rate by processing waste paper into recycled paper, separating waste plastics and processing composite plastics into pellets, and recycling by other methods. Waste acid, meanwhile, has been treated in-house to lower volumes for disposal. For the hazardous waste regulated under Annex VIII (List A) of the Basel Convention, the total discharge has been confirmed and intensive efforts have been made to reduce discharge and appropriately manage and treat the waste. The list below shows the results and targets for the discharge, discharge-reduction, and recycling of plastic industrial waste, including waste from plastics used in products. These are the primary measures we have taken to promote plastic circulation in compliance with the Plastic Resource Circulation Act enforced in Japan in April 2022. For the sustainable use of water, a limited resource, individual Group sites assess water risks, reduce the levels of water used, and control the quality of effluents discharged into water systems.

We will continue to strive for the effective use of limited resources by reducing overall waste discharge and intensifying material recycling.

Discharge and Treatment of Hazardous and Non-hazardous Waste

Plastic Circulation Targets Based on Japanese Legislation*

Values, Results, and Evaluation of Environmental Targets for Fiscal 2022