Water
Water resources impact not only the water used in the production process but also the procurement of raw materials. Additionally, droughts, floods, and deterioration of water quality can significantly affect our production activities. We develop business plans aligned with company-level targets and action plans through measures such as formulating our global water management policy and identifying risks using AQUEDUCT*, a tool provided by the World Resources Institute (WRI).
*AQUEDUCT: A global map and information tool provided by WRI, illustrating water risks. This tool can assess water risk based on 12 types of water risk indicators, including physical risks (quantity and quality) and regulatory risks related to water resources.
Approach to water
We have listed the efficient utilization of water resources as one of the materialities of Resources and Environment.
In order to achieve effective use of water resources across the entire Group, the Global Working Team (currently the Sustainability Team), under the ESG Committee, established a global policy on water in 2021. We will implement specific initiatives, including thorough management and effective use of water consumption and wastewater discharge, reuse of water and water conservation following this policy.
We strive to use water efficiently and manage wastewater 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.
Targets and results
The Group believes it necessary to decrease dependency on water resources in order to achieve the materiality and is committed to managing water quality and reducing water usage.
We will strive to reduce water usage in production processes as well as effectively utilize water, such as through recycling, in accordance with the circumstances of each country and region. With an individual target set for each company and business site, we are implementing specific measures and managing their progress.
Example of water quality pollution prevention target
In Japan, we have established an even more stringent voluntary management standard than legal requirements through Responsible Care activities in striving to reduce environmental impacts.
Targets and results, see the Environmental and safety management page.
Water management structure and plan
Management across the whole Group and at the company level
As part of efforts to address materiality, the Sustainability Team that works directly under the Directors, Representative Executive Officers & Co-Presidents, carries out identification of issues and measures related to water risks, establishment of goals and action plans, and monitoring of progress.
Specifically, the Global Team shares the status from various regions where the Group has business operations, while learning about advanced examples within the Group. The Global Team also sets targets to be achieved globally and formulates measures that suit the situation in each region. In addition, the Global Team conducts discussions to identify and evaluate risks and opportunities pertaining to water risk and reports their outcomes to the Co-Presidents.
On-site management
■ Reduction of water usage
The Group is committed to reducing water usage at each company and region with consideration for their respective water environments.
For example, in Japan, we are working to follow through on water conservation and reduction of water usage by streamlining the cleaning process and recycling cleaning water at production sites. Each company and plant is carrying out their own management plan and target setting with regard to water usage.
■ Prevention of water quality pollution
Although the water environment and water properties vary by each plant and region, voluntary standards that are more stringent than regulations have been established at many plants in striving to prevent pollution of water quality.
The management plan and targets on water quality are established by each company and plant.
Environmental management, including water, is incorporated into daily activities through Responsible Care activities. For details on the management system, please see here.
Water risks evaluation
The Group operates across multiple countries and regions where water availability and water stress vary.
A significant proportion of water consumption occurs in regions classified as high or extremely high water stress, which has led to the introduction of a dedicated metric to improve understanding of water-related risks. This metric supports identification of priority areas for improvement and informs water-efficiency initiatives across PCGs.
Initiatives aimed at reducing water usage
Water efficiency is monitored using water-intensity metrics, supporting benchmarking and identification of improvement opportunities. Initiatives are applied both at specific sites and across businesses, depending on operational context.
In the Japan Group, in order to reduce water intensity in the production process, we are managing and assessing the specific amount of water usage in cleaning equipment at some plants, as well as have begun initiatives to reduce water intake by recycling coolant water. Moreover, we have included checks on water saving efforts as part of the safety patrol, including checks for leakage and overflow, and started to effectively utilize rainwater and treated water from wastewater treatment plants.
As for the reduction of water intensity for raw materials, while the amount of water used, or water intake, for raw materials will unavoidably increase as paint becomes water-based, we are considering the development of or replacement with non-volatile materials in the paint to reduce water content.
Across the Group, evaluation and management of water intensity is underway to drive specific improvement initiatives aimed at reduction of water used in production processes through:
- Recycling of coolant water
- Reuse of wash water, including second-cycle use
- Leakage and overflow checks as part of operational patrols
- Use of rainwater and treated wastewater where appropriate
Product-related initiatives include development of powder paint, which eliminates water use in raw materials and supports zero-waste outcomes.
NIPSEA Group is driving water-efficiency improvements through reclaimed water reuse, installation of high-efficiency equipment, and water-balance assessments at sites.
DuluxGroup continues optimization of wash-water reuse and wastewater treatment processes to reduce freshwater consumption and improve operational efficiency.
NPHD responds to the CDP Questionnaire, issued by CDP, an international NGO. More detailed information about our management structure and water usage is provided in the water security section of the CDP Questionnaire.
See here for our response to the CDP water security questionnaire.