Environmental Improvement Initiatives

In August 2008, Nikken obtained ISO14001 certification, an international standard for environmental management systems, to protect our natural environment-the source of natural flavors and all food products. The company also engages in environmental improvement activities. We recycle organic resources and compost 100% of the used tea leaves from our tea factory.

Environmental Policy

As a food manufacturer, we view global environmental protection as our mission. Moreover, as a company which not only benefits from nature but also emphasizes concerns about the environment in its business activities, we ensure that all Nikken employees participate in environmental protection initiatives.

Certifications

Nikken is an ISO14001-certified company.

Scope of registration:manufacture of natural flavors based on raw plant/meat/marine materials, beverages, and food ingredients (mixing, pulverizing, granulation, extraction, concentration, drying)

Nikken Organic Resource Recycling System

Our corporate philosophy is to deliver global health and natural goodness through food.
One method for realizing that philosophy is through organic farming, an example of environmentally friendly agriculture, which we pursue on headquarter grounds.
We also use organic waste such as leftover tea leaves from our powdered tea manufacturing process to make compost which regenerates soil through resource recycling, one of our sustainability initiatives.
This farm will enable continued promotion of environmentally friendly initiatives through cultivation of healthy vegetables and pursuit of activities in harmony with local community.

Examples of Environment-related Initiatives

Clean Water and Sanitation

We support use of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities (toilets) and self-management for the long run.

• Providing safe drinking water to residents during disasters

  As part of Nikken's business continuity plan (BCP), we have installed a groundwater pumping and purification system (dedicated water supply) at our headquarters, along with a system ensuring ongoing production as well distribution of safe drinking water to local residents during disasters.

  

• Protecting and maintaining the ecosystem

  We aim to protect our ecosystem and biodiversity with a regulation pond and a marsh fed by streamwater which is home to many living creatures. Both sites are found amidst our factory's green surroundings.

  

Affordable and Clean Energy

Let us work toward safe and affordable modern energy for everyone's ongoing usage.

• Implementing a system for further energy reduction

  In 2013, NIKKEN incorporated a cogeneration system (in-house power generation equipment) at the headquarter plant enabling a 9.6% reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous years. Conversion to LED lighting in 2018 similarly resulted in an annual 1.2% reduction in such emissions. A new cogeneration system began operations in 2021 for additional energy reductions.

  

• Providing power to the local community during disasters

  Although our installation of a cogeneration system was designed to enable business continuity in the event of power outage due to a disaster, we are also preparing to support local residents victimized by such a disaster by enabling recharging of their mobile devices.

  

Responsible Consumption and Production

We believe that both producers and consumers should act responsibly to safeguard protection of the global environment and human health.

• Composting resources for sustainable farm management

  Compost used in our onsite organic farm utilizes waste such as tea leaves from our plant which are generated during production of powdered beverages. Reuse of such waste enables sustainable farming operations.

  

• Commercializing natural umami produced with methods minimizing the environmental burden

  Nikken produces powdered and liquid flavors leveraging natural umami and soup extracts. Most umami components of the natural raw materials we use are obtained through non-chemical hot water extraction enabling commercialization of flavors generating a reduced environmental burden.

  

Climate Action

Nikken is committed to taking immediate action to protect the global environment from climate change.

• Achieving 23.1% annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions

  In 2011, Nikken converted our energy from A type heavy oil to LNG (liquefied natural gas) to enable CO² reductions and BCP incorporation. We installed an LNG satellite terminal within our headquarter plant, achieving a 23.1% reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions as compared with pre-conversion values.

  

• Awarded for our greenhouse gas reduction initiatives

  In 2023, we received the Shizuoka Governor's Commendation for Global Warming Prevention Activities, a recognition honoring organizations with outstanding achievements.

  

Life Below Water

Nikken supports protection and wise usage of marine resources.

• Purifying wastewater and engaging in water management

  Nikken purifies wastewater using the activated sludge method incorporating microorganisms to decompose organic matter at our headquarter plant, which discharges some 170,000 cubic meters of water each year. We also maintain an environmental preservation agreement with our local government (Fukuroi City) to address prevention of air and water pollution, and we engage in water management of water discharged into rivers in accordance with standards stipulated in the agreement.

  

Life on Land

Nikken supports the protection and wise usage of land resources to prevent desertification and promote biodiversity.

• Maintenance of our lush green surroundings

  Nikken has sustained our founding corporate desire for a park-like factory. In 2017, we received the Japan Greenery Research and Development Center Chairperson's Award, and in 2022, the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade, and Industry Director-General's Award. Our lush green surroundings feature trees and seasonal flowers for year-round enjoyment. We also contribute to local employment through the hiring of "silver human resources" (post-retirement freelance personnel) for site maintenance.