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Reducing Our Environmental Footprint

The impact of climate change, including extreme weather events caused by global warming, is becoming more apparent each year. Shiseido has set long-term targets for addressing environmental issues and engages in various company-wide activities to achieve the targets, with the aim of preserving the natural environment and its biodiversity while simultaneously ensuring the sustainable growth of society, economy, and its businesses.

Shiseido has adopted an Environmental Policy as its requirements for addressing environmental issues and has defined the reduction of CO₂ emissions, the reduction of water consumption, and waste reduction as priority domains in actions for reducing the environmental footprint of its business activities. We will continue to work with stakeholders throughout our value chain to create sustainable impact within each of these actions.

Reducing CO₂ Emissions

Climate change is leading to numerous issues, including natural disasters caused by temperature extremes, insufficient water resources, and an accelerated loss of biodiversity. There are global moves to hold the increase in global average temperature to below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in accordance with the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact. At COP28*1 held in UAE in November 2023, importance was attached to more effective actions, and dialogues have been in progress toward specific solutions.
While CO₂ emissions from the cosmetics industry are lower than other industries, Shiseido supports the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate pact, and has set response to climate change as its important task. For achieving net zero emissions in 2050 and attaining the 2030 target, we have set CO₂*2 emissions reduction targets, which are in line with the 1.5℃ target, by following the Science Based Targets*3 initiative. We obtained certification from SBTi. We are driving initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions, such as improving energy efficiency by reducing the use of energy and switching to renewable energy.

  1. *1:The 28th Session of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties
  2. *2:Greenhouse gases usually refer to CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆, and NF₃. In this report, unless otherwise specified, these greenhouse gases will be collectively referred to as ‘CO₂’.
  3. *3:Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. Certification was obtained from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
SCIENCE BASED TARGETS

Reducing CO₂ Emissions from Energy Consumption (Scope 1 and 2)

To mitigate climate change, we are committed to reducing CO₂ emissions from the electricity and fuel used in our business activities. As part of our efforts, we use renewable energy where possible and constantly seek to improve energy efficiency in our factories, offices, and other facilities.

Driving Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency Improvement

To increase energy efficiency, we are introducing several building design improvements at our factories, including improved heat insulation, more energy-efficient equipment, and new environmental measures based on the ISO 14001 environmental management system. In our factories and distribution centers, we establish annual targets for CO₂ reduction. For FY2024, we are aiming for a 3% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to the previous year and working to decrease energy consumption. Furthermore, we evaluate the progress and achievement of these targets on a monthly basis and consider and implement measures as necessary.
Specifically, in addition to using LED lighting to reduce energy consumption, we installed Energy Management Systems (EMS*) to visualize energy use and CO₂ emissions on equipment that uses electricity, steam, or compressed air. These systems allow us to optimize energy usage in a number of ways. Furthermore, at our Osaka Ibaraki factory and neighboring West Japan Distribution Center — our production and logistics hub in Japan — we installed sandwich panels in the exterior walls. Lightweight and with excellent heat insulation properties, these panels have helped reduce energy consumption. At our Kakegawa factory, steam was sent from the central energy building on the premises to each production building to be used as the heat source for hot water supply. EMS data analysis showed that steam delivery distances were long and heat loss was not small. Therefore, we have installed a heat pump at each production building to reduce heat loss. We have thus succeeded in improving energy efficiency.
At our Gien factory in France, we have affixed heat insulating films on the factory windows. The films limit temperature rises inside the factory in summer and reduce power consumption by air conditioners, thereby helping save energy.

  • *A system that realizes efficient use of energy such as energy saving and load leveling by visualizing the energy usage status using information and communication technology

Osaka Ibaraki factory and neighboring West Japan Distribution Center

Increasing the Use of Renewable Energy

We are constantly working to increase the use of renewable energy at our factories and offices. In 2023, we finished switching 100% of the electricity at all 11 factories and our distribution centers to renewable electricity. In addition, we are advancing the use of renewable energy at all of our sites worldwide, such as switching 100% of the electricity at our offices to renewable energy.
In the China Region, we completed a 100% switchover at all sites. Moreover, at the Beijing Office, which includes the factory of Shiseido Liyuan Cosmetics Co. Ltd. (SLC) in China, we fulfilled requirements under the code for carbon neutrality certification (PAS 2060:2014) and obtained certification.

Following the completion of switchover of 100% of the electricity at our Shiodome and Ginza offices in Japan to renewable electricity in 2022, we switched 100% of the electricity at all company-owned buildings of Shiseido Japan to electricity from renewable energy in 2023. We are driving the shift to electricity from renewable energy mainly at the Shiseido Global Innovation Center (Yokohama), in Europe, and at our branch offices in Japan.

In addition to promoting the use of renewable energy, we are also proactive in installing solar panels on the premises and in the buildings of our factories and research centers worldwide. Eight of our factories* in the world are equipped with solar power generation facilities. As a result, renewable electricity now accounts for 85% of all the electricity used at Shiseido Group.

In addition, Shiseido is a member of the RE100 global initiative, which brings together businesses committed to using 100% renewable electricity in their activities. We will continue to accelerate our transition to renewable electricity in our operations to reduce fossil-fuel derived electricity.

Solar panels at the Fukuoka Kurume factory (Japan)

RE100

  • *The eight factories are: Kakegawa (Japan), Osaka Ibaraki (Japan), Fukuoka Kurume (Japan), Shanghai (China), Beijing (China), Taiwan factory, East Windsor (US), Gien (France). (Country/Region)

Fukuoka Kurume factory
In 2023, we expanded solar power generation facilities at our Fukuoka Kurume factory, thus increasing the total capacity of the facilities to 1.9MW. The total power-generating capacity of all factories of Shiseido has reached 6.8MW.

Initiatives to Reduce Indirect CO₂ Emissions from the Value Chain (Scope 3) Other Than Our Sites

Our indirect CO₂ emissions also result from our business activities but they are not directly under our control – for example, emissions that derive from the manufacturing and shipping of raw materials or the use and disposal of our products. As part of our work to reduce the impact of our business activities on climate change, we have established science-based long-term reduction targets for our indirect CO₂ emissions, and we are working with our suppliers and other stakeholders to reduce emissions across our entire value chain.

Selection and Use of Raw Materials that Reduce Environmental Footprint

We select raw materials with a special emphasis on reducing our environmental footprint in line with the green chemistry principles*1. For the procurement of palm oil and paper, we support the principles of the No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) and procure raw materials that are not linked to deforestation. Furthermore, we are striving to reduce CO₂ emissions related to the development of containers, by promoting the use of recycled resins.

In addition, in 2022 Shiseido participated in the CDP Supply Chain Program*2. The goal is to reduce CO₂ emissions from the upstream supply chain, which accounts for over 40% of the indirect CO₂ emissions in the value chain. In 2023, we selected suppliers that participate in the program, based on the spend and importance. We requested 50 companies worldwide to report their CO₂ emissions, reduction targets, and other relevant information. We will use this information to calculate and reduce our Scope 3 emissions.
To calculate and reduce Scope 3 emissions, it is crucial that our suppliers understand CDP and Scope 3.
Therefore, in 2023, we held an explanatory session with CDP Worldwide-Japan for our suppliers in Japan. We will continue to support and collaborate with our suppliers to achieve our targets.

  1. *1:The design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of substances that are hazardous to people or the environment.
  2. *2:The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Supply Chain Program is an initiative in which member companies use the CDP platform to request that their suppliers disclose information related to climate change, water, and forestry.

Reducing CO₂ Emissions During Transportation

Shiseido transports its products worldwide and is taking steps to reduce CO₂ emissions when shipping its own products. For example, in Japan we conduct joint deliveries with other domestic companies to optimize transportation routes and improve loading efficiency. In February 2023, we introduced an electric truck into our vehicle fleet in Japan on a trial basis. The electric truck is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 1 ton per year, and we plan to expand our fleet of electric vehicles moving forward. At our Beijing factory in China, we replaced the gasoline-driven shuttle bus for employee commuting with an electric one (EV), to reduce CO₂ emissions from the shuttle bus.

We also optimize the use and design of packaging materials according to the shape and volume of the products shipped and actively promote the reuse of protective materials used in transportation, as part of our efforts to reduce waste and CO₂ emissions. We take these initiatives mainly for bottle suppliers that deliver frequently. In Japan, we are also progressively reducing packaging materials used in the process of transporting products from factories to each retailer, as these materials have an impact on waste and CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, in order to reduce CO₂ emissions of the bottle delivery, we are collaborating with a bottle supplier that has multiple production sites to conduct production at the site closest to our production facility.
In our exports from Japan to overseas destinations, the double stack palletization*, which we introduced in 2022, further improved the loading efficiency in 2023.

  • *A logistics process consisting of placing goods together on top of a pallet to consolidate the load at the warehouse.

Shiseido’s EV truck

EV shuttle bus for employees commuting to and from our Beijing factory

Actions for Scope 3 Emissions by Category

Category Explanation Internal data Emission factors

1.Purchased goods and services

Emissions generated from upstream of the supply chain, such as raw materials, advertising service, land use change due to palm- and paper-derived material production. Raw material procurement volume
POSM procurement volume, Advertising expenses
Palm- and paper-related raw material procurement
IDEA v3.1
Ecoinvent 3.9
Reference-1
Reference-2

2.Capital goods

Emissions generated from making capital goods. CAPEX Reference-1

3.Fuel and energy related activities

Emissions generated in the process of mining, extraction, refining, transportation of energy and fuels. Amount of energy consumption IDEA v3.1

4.Upstream transportation and distribution

Emissions generated from procurement transportation and shipping transportation. Raw material procurement volume
Product volume
Distance between our factories and sales sites
Means of transportation
IDEA v3.1
Ecoinvent 3.9

5.Waste generated in operations

Emissions generated in the process of transportation and waste treatment from our operations. Waste generated by material type and disposal method IDEA v3.1

6.Business travel

Emissions from employee business-related travel Travel expenses
Number of trips by destination
Transportation distance
IDEA v3.1
Reference-1

7.Employee commuting

Emissions from employee commuting between home and Shiseido’s site Commuting expenses IDEA v3.1
Reference-1

8.Upstream leased assets

Not applicable.

9.Downstream transportation and distribution

Emissions generated in storage and stores Sales volume
Product bottom area
Reference-4

10.Processing of sold products

Not applicable. The products sold do not need to be processed for consumer use

11.Use of sold products

Emissions from product use, such as rinsing, drying up. Energy, water, and consumable goods consumed in product use IDEA v3.1

12.End-of-life treatment of sold products

Emissions generated in decomposition of ingredients, and the process of transportation and waste treatment from products sold Amount of carbon derived from fossil resources in the molecules that make up the ingredient and packaging components Waste generated by material type IDEA v3.1

13.Downstream leased assets

Not applicable.

14.Franchises

Not applicable.

15.Investments

Emissions from unconsolidated affiliates and stock investees Scope 1 and scope 2 emissions of unconsolidated affiliates and stock investees
Shareholding Ratio

Calculation methods of Scope 3 emissions

  • 1) Emission factor database for calculating GHG emissions of an organization through its supply chain v3.2
  • 2) Germer, J. et al. (2008) Environment, Development and Sustainability, 10, 697-716
  • 3) Calculation method and Emission Factors for Reporting of Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures
  • 4) The Chain Store Industry's Vision toward Carbon Neutral by 2050

Climate/Nature-related Financial Disclosure Initiatives

Governance

Shiseido is promoting sustainability initiatives through our brands and regional businesses. Sustainability Committee was set up to ensure timely management decisions related to sustainability efforts and their proper implementation across the Group. In 2023, the committee was held regularly. The committee decides on Group-wide sustainability strategies, policies, and discusses specific topics such as risks and opportunities related to climate change and the natural environment, and actions for human rights, as well as monitors the progress of medium-to-long-term goals. The committee consists of the representative corporate executive officers and executive officers in charge of Corporate Strategy, Research & Development, Supply Network, Corporate Communications, and our Brand Holders, to discuss a range of issues from different perspectives. Important matters in the execution of business, which require approvals are proposed or reported to the Global Strategy Committee or the Board of Directors.
In order to ensure executing and promoting of sustainability actions, a Sustainability TASKFORCE was set up under the Sustainability Committee, consisting of the heads of key relevant functions. At the Sustainability TASKFORCE, practical approaches to achieve our long-term targets are discussed with relevant functions, regional headquarters, and local subsidiaries as necessary.

Strategy (Scenario Analysis)

We conducted our scenario analysis for both the transitional and the physical risks/opportunities in terms of the 1.5/2°C and 4°C scenarios, respectively, based on the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) provided by the IPCC. Regarding transitional risk, the elements associated with the transition to a decarbonized society — such as policy, regulation, technology, market, and consumer perceptions — were considered. Physical risks related to the acute or chronic phenomena caused by the rise in temperature — such as floods and water shortages — were also considered. Based on these considerations, the financial impacts of the 1.5/2°C and 4°C scenarios were then analyzed.
The influence of carbon tax was identified as the transition risk, with projections pointing toward approximately JPY 0.05-0.87 billion in 2030. For physical risks, JPY 0.89 billion of floods and JPY 3.5 billion of water shortage were forecasted potentially. As for opportunities, in the 1.5/2°C scenario, high awareness by consumers means there is a market for sustainable brands and products. Similarly, the 4°C scenario identifies sales opportunities for products that can help people to live with high temperatures. At Shiseido, we aim to leverage these findings — by mitigating risks and making the most of opportunities to provide sustainable products to consumers and promote our beauty innovations.

Risks and Opportunities


Risks Opportunities
Transition
(seen mainly in the 1.5/2°C scenario)
  • ・Carbon tax increase ●

  • ・Fuel price increase

  • ・Loss of sales opportunities for products using single-use plastics ●

  • ・Improve energy efficiency

  • ・Develop more ethical products (e.g. clean beauty)

Physical
(seen mainly in the 4°C scenario)
Acute
  • ・Natural disasters stop operations (e.g. typhoons, floods)

  • ・Natural disasters disrupt logistics

  • ・Develop environment-friendly products

  • ・Develop climate-adaptive solutions

Chronic
  • ・Changes in rainfall conditions impact the cost of procuring raw materials derived from crops ●

  • ・Water shortages stop operations ●

  • Risk factor analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

For nature-related risks and opportunities, we conduct a quantitative analysis of the impact on biodiversity throughout the value chain by means of a Life Cycle Assessment. This revealed that the impact is great, particularly in raw material procurement. In response, we assumed places of origin of cosmetics raw materials with high dependence on biodiversity in line with the LEAP approach recommended by TNFD. We thus monetized ecosystem services by pollinators, such as honey bees, as physical risk analysis in the aspect of dependencies. At the same time, we analyzed risks on sustainability-related regulations as transitional risks along with climate change issues.

Risk Management

We assess and identify the impactful risks holistically from a mid-to-long-term perspective. “Environmental (Climate Change, Biodiversity, etc.)” and “Natural Disaster, Infectious Disease and Terrorism” are listed as the categories related to sustainability. Climate-related and biodiversity-related risks are analyzed based on scientific and socioeconomic evidence and integrated into the enterprise risk management system as one of the elements related to climate change or natural disasters. According to their significance, the risks and their countermeasures are deliberated by the Global Risk Management & Compliance Committee and the Global Strategy Committee. The material risks are also proposed or reported to the Board of Directors as necessary.

Metrics and Targets

In order to mitigate the climate-related risks, we set the reduction of CO₂ emissions as our target. We aim to achieve carbon-neutrality*1 by 2026 for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. For CO₂ emissions reduction targets of the overall value chain, our 2030 target, which conforms to the 1.5°C trajectory, was accredited by SBTi*2 as a science based target, and we are working to reduce CO₂ emissions.
With regard to biodiversity, we are replacing paper and palm-derived raw materials, which have a large impact, with certified raw materials.
To reduce Scope 1 and 2 CO₂ emissions, we decided to introduce an internal carbon pricing (ICP) system in 2023 and began to apply it for making decisions on decarbonization investments in energy-efficient facilities, renewable energy facilities, and the similar.*3

  1. *1:Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are the targets. Carbon offsets made by using credits are included.
  2. *2:SBTi is a global initiative that defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies’ targets.
  3. *3:ICP price as of 2024: USD 130.0/t-CO₂

Awards Related to Reduction of CO₂ Emissions

CDP A List <Climate Change and Forests>

Shiseido was selected by CDP, an international NPO, as one of the companies in the A List 2023 in recognition of its leadership in transparency and performance in the fields of Climate Change and Forests. We were selected for the second consecutive year in Climate Change and for the first time in Forests. We were included in two A Lists for the first time.

Encouragement Award from Life Cycle Assessment Society of Japan (JLCA)

At the 20th JLCA Awards held in January 2024, Shiseido received the Incentive Award in recognition of its activities for “Climate- and Nature-related Risk Analysis Using LCA: Application to TCFD and TNFD Reports.”

Awards ceremony, January 23, 2024

Reducing Water Consumption

It is estimated that humans can use only 0.01% of all water on earth as fresh water resources. The increasing severity of water shortages has been a global concern due to population concentrations, which has been caused by changes to the industrial structure and urbanization progressing rapidly in developing and emerging countries in particular, as well as changes in weather conditions associated with climate change. Damage from climate disasters, such as major typhoons and drought, are also indirect causes of water problems. Sustainable use of water resources is expected to grow more important.

According to long-term projections based on climate and weather, rainfall is forecast to remain stable toward the end of this century in Japan, where our major factories are located. Moreover, the consumption of water resources in the cosmetics industry is lower than in other industry sectors, so we believe that the impact of water shortages will be limited. However, water supports every aspect of our products, including the development of water-containing products such as lotions; the growth of plants as raw materials; temperature control and equipment cleaning at factories; consumption; and waste disposal. As stated in the Shiseido Environmental Policy, we regard an understanding of the water-related environmental impact and sustainable use of water resources as an important environmental issue from the perspective of the value chain, from product development to production and use. We implement initiatives accordingly. While a lot of water is needed at our factories, such as for motive power facilities, the reuse of water will enable a significant reduction in water consumption. At Shiseido's factories, we have introduced a Discharged Water Recycling System, with which we use some of the discharged wastewater as makeup water for motive power facilities. At factories, where we consume more water than we do at offices and research centers, we constantly monitor not only water intake but also the amount of water discharged, its temperature, and the quality of treated wastewater. We also conduct water environment research of the watersheds where our factories are located. Thus, we are working on water resource management (Water Stewardship*1) with our stakeholders.

  • *Using water in a way that is socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial.

Use and Reduction of Consumption of Water Resources in Production Process

Regarding direct use of water resources, we have set reduction of water consumption at our sites as a target and apply various methods to achieve this target. For example, as each Shiseido factory has various facilities and equipment tailored to the kind of cosmetics it produces, we design specific water reduction initiatives for each site. Examples of our water-saving initiatives include using automatic cleaning to ensure the manufacturing equipment is cleaned more effectively and consolidating the washing locations of equipment parts. In addition, we are identifying locations and facilities with high water usage by increasing the number of monitoring points (measurement points) for water usage in our factories. The water usage of all factories is reported monthly, and we have established a system to track progress towards our targets and to develop measures to achieve them.
For instance, at our Kakegawa factory, we analyze data from measurement points and conduct training for environmental representatives in each workplace to identify the areas for water consumption reduction and find solutions. This initiative has raised our employees' awareness regarding water conservation, resulting in the development and execution of effective measures to reduce water consumption.

At our Val de Loire factory in France–an area where rainfall is expected to drop in future–initiatives like reduction of water consumption and redesigning the nozzles on our cleaning facilities successfully reduced the amount of water used per clean by 30%.
At our Shanghai factory in China, we have introduced a system for collecting, storing, and reusing wastewater from production of pure water used for cosmetics production. We reuse the wastewater as cooling water for cooling tower and for various other purposes. As a result of these aggressive reduction activities, in 2023 the overall water consumption at the Shanghai factory decreased by no less than 20% from the previous year. At our Hsinchu factory in Taiwan, we reuse 100% of the wastewater from our water purification systems as cooling water for cooling tower.

To ensure more effective use of water, we focus on circular systems that clean water and reuse or recycle it within the process. We process the used water through water treatment facilities and conduct regular monitoring of the treated water to ensure that the water quality meets the standards established by regulations. At our Kakegawa factory, we launched a Discharged Water Recycling System in 2023. With this system, we recycle some of the discharged wastewater to use it as makeup water for motive power facilities, in an effort to make efficient use of water resources and reduce their consumption. This has enabled cyclic use of wastewater from production process, which was discharged before. Use of this system enables to reuse approx. 12,000 ㎥ of water every year. It means water reduction equivalent to approximately 15.6% of water consumed at the Kakegawa factory. At our Osaka Ibaraki factory in Japan, we introduced a circular system that utilizes re-used water to cool the manufacturing tanks. This system enables an annual reduction in water consumption of around 65,000 ㎥. Other new water utilization initiatives include optimizing our pure water manufacturing equipment — as we have done at our Nasu factory in Japan, for example. Pure water manufacturing consumes approximately half of all water used at the factory. Through this initiative, as well as other water recycling schemes, we reduced our annual water consumption by around 72,000 ㎥, an amount that is approximately one third of the factory’s annual water usage.

At our Gien factory in France, we switched from water-based cleaning to alcohol-based cleaning for our fragrance manufacturing equipment and transportation components. The alcohol used is cleaned and reused in the process repeatedly.

Water treatment facilities at Nasu factory (Japan)

Water Stewardship (Initiatives on Water Resources in Communities)

To effectively use water resources, we are engaged in the management of water resources as common property of the water basin, including secondary use in cooperation with communities.
Nasu factory, one of our major factories in Japan, is located in a vast fan-shaped area (Nasunogahara), which was formed through the deposition of a highly permeable gravel layer. Rainwater readily permeates the ground in this area, making it difficult to use surface water (river water). Therefore, at our Nasu factory, we use groundwater pumped up from a water-bearing layer that lies 150 meters below the ground surface. In an area like this, used water is also a valuable resource. We therefore treat it appropriately into wastewater whose quality conforms to our own strict standards, which are tougher than local ordinance standards, before releasing it into local canals. Thus, the water is reused as agricultural water. Reflecting these geographical characteristics of the watershed where the Nasu factory is located, we believe that understanding the water environment in the overall watershed is important for sustainable use of water resources. Consequently, we are conducting water environment research of the overall Nasunogahara area. We studied groundwater sampled at the factory by combining a hydrological model simulation, in which water flows of the overall Nasunogahara area are reproduced on computer, as well as an onsite survey of the watershed around the factory. Findings of the research show that water discharged from the factory nurtures various living things in the surrounding area as it wets local farmlands and pours into rivers.

Water resources, field investigation: Professor Oki, professor Yoshida and senior researcher Kiguchi of the University of Tokyo and members from Shiseido.

At our Shanghai factory in China–which is located in a water-stressed* area–we participate in a local environmental protection association and proactively obtain environmental information, such as environmental laws and regulations regarding factory activities. We also report monthly water consumption to the government, which promotes water conservation and is working to improve water utilization rates and strengthen water conservation management. In the area around our Val de Loire factory in France, rainfall volumes are expected to fall in future. Therefore, we regularly share information with other local industries on good water practices to decrease water consumption.

  • *A situation where there is not enough water of sufficient quantity to meet the demands of people and the environment.

Engaging Stakeholders

As our Water Stewardship initiative, we have been engaging with local governments and relevant organizations from the watershed of Nasunogahara, where Nasu factory is located, based on our scientific understanding of the overall area obtained through our research. We have also had the research findings and direction of our initiatives reviewed by external academic experts. Shiseido aims to build a Water Stewardship in collaboration with its stakeholders, towards a more comprehensive, sustainable use of water resources, and moreover for protection of biodiversity in watersheds. We ask our suppliers to provide information on their water usage through self-assessment questionnaires such as Sedex and Shiseido SAQ, and strive to ascertain water-related environmental impacts.

Reducing Waste

As population growth continues and income levels rise, resource consumption and waste increase.
To make more effective use — and reuse — of limited resources, it is important that businesses shift from a disposable, linear economic model to a circular economy. At Shiseido, we are doing this by optimizing the use of raw materials and reducing waste throughout our entire value chain, while complying with all relevant waste management rules in the countries and regions where we operate.

Reducing, Reusing and Recycling Waste

At Shiseido, we continuously work to reduce, reuse, and recycle the waste we generate. In 2003, we achieved “zero emissions*1” at our domestic factories in Japan, and we continue our waste separation and recycling activities to this day. We conduct monthly review processes between the headquarters office and each factory to assess the volumes and types of waste generated to work towards reducing waste and enhance recycling efforts. At our domestic factories, we manage waste data based on electronic manifests, allowing real-time monitoring of waste disposal status, ensuring data transparency and strict compliance with regulations. To give a specific example, we use dehydrators and dryers to minimize the amount of sludge generated by our factories during wastewater treatment. In addition, at our Nasu factory, we have changed the delivery method of certain liquid raw materials from the use of drum cans to delivery by tank trucks. We have thus reduced the generation of waste drum cans as a waste reduction initiative. We also reuse shipping boxes, sort waste by material strictly for recycling them, and undertake other activities for reusing and recycling waste. In 2023, we entirely reviewed cardboard boxes, plastic packaging, and other packaging containers used for product transportation, in a project to reduce the outermost packages. We are moving forward with initiatives to minimize the use of resources while ensuring product quality. We also recycle waste plastics, not to mention cardboard boxes and paper used in transportation, into valuable resources. We compress and melt the waste plastics to reduce their volume before recycling them. While our target was to achieve zero waste*2 to landfill from our factories worldwide by 2022, the actions above enabled us to achieve the target in 2020, two years ahead of schedule, and we have maintained zero waste to landfill to the present.

We are also engaging in various initiatives to minimize waste generated outside of our factories and branch offices, including streamlining our product containers and packaging, eliminating package inserts, and switching to cardboard boxes with lighter weight. Moreover, we also work to limit product waste by minimizing excess inventory through improved precision in demand forecasts and shorter lead times in production and procurement.

  1. *1:“zero emissions” is a concept defined by UN university in Japan. Recycled waste: 99.5% or higher (excluding waste designated as landfill by law)
  2. *2:Excluding waste designated as landfill by law. In 2023, we maintained the target of “zero waste to landfill” across all Shiseido owned factories.

Employee Education

All our waste reduction initiatives are driven by our PEOPLE. Therefore, we arrange online seminars and training sessions for newly appointed managers and employees in charge of industrial waste in Japan. When we outsource the disposal of waste from our factory or office to a waste disposal contractor, we make sure to assess the contractor, ensure that industrial waste is disposed of appropriately, ensure that a manifest is delivered, and inform the importance of onsite confirmation to the contractor. Following the seminars and training sessions, each participant should be able to identify how to effectively manage waste with the help of our internal guidelines and checklists.

 

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