Plastic litter and microplastics that are 5 mm or smaller in the sea are raising major concerns as a problem that affects not only the marine environment but also the ecosystem itself, requiring the immediate attention of the international community as well as that of the nation. Plastics can be found in every body of water around the world and 8 million tons are still said to be flowing into the oceans each year and it is also a well-known fact that 80 percent of these plastics are land-based, i.e. originate from our daily lives, such as the plastic bottles that we drink from.

To address the problem of marine plastics, Nissui will commence the promotion of 3R activities (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) of plastics and the study of the use of alternative materials. Furthermore, Nissui will share a common awareness as a Group and carry out activities to clean up areas surrounding its business locations and public areas such as beaches and rivers for the following purposes:

1. To contribute to the local community; and
2. To pick up litter and marine debris including plastics to prevent them from running off into the sea.

Nissui Group’s fundamental approach regarding the problems of marine plastics and the use of plastics was deliberated, and a policy was established.

Nissui Group Basic Policy Regarding the Problem of Plastics

We will work alongside other stakeholders to combat the problem of marine plastics as well as other global environmental issues, and to preservethe bountiful sea

1）Plastics outflowing to the ocean

Regarding plastic fishing equipment used in the fisheries and aquaculture businesses, we will prevent them from becoming microplastics and ghost gear (Note) by the use of alternative materials and assiduous management of the use of plastics

2）Waste from the production stage

We will work to reduce plastic waste from our production plants and promote recycling

3）Waste from the consumption stage

We will work to reduce the impact on the environment from our food containers and packaging, making use of plastic’s quality retention ability and other capabilities

• Reduce the amount of plastic through continued review of product design
• Use (substitute with) plant-based resources (biomass-based plastic), easily recyclable containers and packaging, and recycled material

4）Initiatives by every employee

Through participation in cleanup campaigns, employees will work to reduce plastic waste in the community, river, and sea, and preserve the marine environment

(Note)Ghost gear: Fishing equipment that is lost or abandoned and remains in the marine environment

Enactment Date： February 21, 2020

In February 2019,  the Marine Environment and Plastics Subcommittee was established, due to concerns over the impact of marine plastics on Nissui’s businesses, against the backdrop of social issues including the progression of serious marine pollution on a global scale caused by marine plastics among others, the concerns for the impact of marine plastics on the marine ecosystem and human beings, and the failure of recycling to function as a result of the reduction in the effective utilization of waste plastic. The two working groups (the Marine Environment WG and the Plastics WG) are, respectively, promoting activities, with Executive Officers appointed as Chairmen of the working groups and General Managers and section chiefs of relevant divisions appointed as members.

Marine Environment Working Group

The Marine Environment Working Group is promoting zero emission of plastics in the marine environment.

• Monitoring of the management status of plastics used in the fisheries and aquaculture businesses, making improvements and commitments
• Investigation of the actual outflow of microplastics and promoting activities to stop such outflow
• Promoting cleanups on land and activities to collect marine debris and other waste

Plastics Working Group

The Plastics Working Group is promoting the 3R + R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle + Renewable) of plastic resources.

• Promoting reduction and recycling of plastics at plants, at home (disposable plastic packaging) and each stage of distribution
• Participation in and cooperation with outside organizations (CLOMA) and information gathering

Promotion Framework

Click here for the results of Nissui’s efforts to reduce plastic containers and packaging