Waste and resources
Given the stricter regulations on waste, rising cost of waste treatment and risks such as changing customer needs related to raw materials, we will strive to reduce environmental impacts through our product lifecycles and commit to reducing waste and effectively using resources.
Approach to waste and effective use of resources
The Group believes that the reduction of waste and effective use of resources are important for a sustainable business.
We have listed Resources and Environment as a materiality and we are committed to properly managing waste and effectively utilizing resources. Moreover, in order to achieve waste reduction and effective utilization of resources across the entire Group, the Global Working Team (currently the Sustainability Team) under the ESG Committee established a global policy on the reduction of waste and effective utilization of resources in 2021.
Specific initiatives will be implemented based on this policy.
We proactively reduce waste through a "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" philosophy and comply with laws and regulations in each country/area including managing hazardous waste responsibly.
Based on a new group policy formulated in 2023 regarding “Resources and Environment,” a materiality theme, we will continue striving to prevent pollution of air, soil, and water.
Initiatives aimed at reduction of waste and zero emissions
We believe reducing waste and effectively using resources are integral for sustainable business operations, and are taking steps across the Group to properly manage waste and effectively use resources. Across the Group, waste reduction initiatives focus on improved segregation, increased recycling, and diversion from landfill, supported by improved data consolidation and reporting. Best-practice sharing across PCGs supports continuous improvement in waste management performance.
DuluxGroup continues to drive reduction in waste generated. At the Rocklea manufacturing site, a solvent recovery plant enables approximately 80% of waste solvent to be reused, significantly reducing disposal volumes and lowering the purchase of new cleaning solvent. Waste solvent is distilled and reused on-site, with vapour emissions treated through a bio-filter to minimise environmental impact.
NIPSEA Group has implemented an environmental information management system that supports waste tracking, recycling performance assessment, and identification of improvement opportunities. The system also supports regulatory reporting and environmental tax calculations in line with local requirements.
Japan Group uses an integrated waste material management system compatible with the electronic manifest system, supporting waste reduction, proper disposal, and effective use of resources. Group-wide efforts align with the Plastic Resource Circulation Act, including initiatives to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling.
Dunn-Edwards participates in the PaintCare program, which collects and recycles leftover paint in participating states, supporting waste reduction and responsible end-of-life management.
AOC sites have commenced improved waste tracking and management initiatives, increasing visibility of waste streams and supporting future waste-reduction opportunities.
Targets and results for reduction of waste and effective use of resources
Activities to reduce waste and effectively use resources are managed through Responsible Care activities. For targets and results, see the Environmental and safety management page.
For details on waste emissions and effective use of resources, see the ESG Data page.
Hazardous waste emissions
We recognize specially controlled industrial waste (materials that are explosive, toxic, infectious, or having other properties that may harm human health or the environment; flammable waste oil, strong acid, strong alkali, specified hazardous industrial waste) defined under the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act as hazardous waste and control these emissions.
For details on hazardous waste emissions, see the ESG data page.
Other initiatives—participation in industrial associations
As part of our initiatives to reduce environmental pollution and waste, the Group is a member of the Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA) and Japan Paint Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
Specifically, we keep track of the performance indicators of target substances subject to the voluntary survey conducted by JCIA, including air load, water quality load, water usage, and effluent amount.
In addition, we are cooperating with the assessment of actual efforts in environmental conservation within the paint industry by responding to the safe environmental management performance survey conducted by JPMA (energy, CO2, waste, PRTR, VOC).
Moreover, we also promote the reduction of waste and recycling of materials in accordance with the Voluntary Action Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society put forth by Keidanren, as well as complete follow-up surveys.