EnvironmentEnvironmental Policy
Basic ApproachBack to Top
With growing awareness of environmental conservation throughout the world in the 1990s, the scope of environmental issues to be tackled by businesses grew significantly. TOPPAN reorganized its structure for environmental conservation by establishing the Ecology Center in 1991 and formulating a Declaration on the Global Environment, a basic philosophy for environmental conservation activities, in 1992.
In April 2009 we revised this declaration into the TOPPAN Group Declaration on the Global Environment, an environmental action philosophy for the entire Group. The revised declaration reflects our commitment to realizing a sustainable society where all living things can coexist into the future.
The Annex to the TOPPAN Group Declaration on the Global Environment released in March 2022 presents requirements and recommendations for legal observance and decarbonization (approach to climate change), atmospheric pollution prevention, optimal water use, resource circulation, hazardous substance control, management of chemical substances in products, natural resources, and biodiversity. We are intensifying environmental activities based on this annex.
We are considering the entire lifecycle of products and services from production and transportation/distribution to end-of-life treatment. All entities and facilities in the value chain are covered, from suppliers, service providers, and contractors to other major business partners (e.g., licensees, joint venture partners, subcontracting partners, due diligence providers, and partners in M&A).
The TOPPAN Group Declaration on the Global Environment
As responsible members of international society, we who work within the TOPPAN Group strive to realize a sustainable society through forward looking corporate activities with consideration for the conservation of the global environment.
Basic Principles
- We observe all laws, regulations and in-company rules relating to the environment.
- For the future of the Earth, we strive for the effective utilization of limited resources and the reduction of all types of environmental burden.
- With foresight, we promote the development and widespread use of products that show consideration for the environment, and contribute to the environmental activities of customers.
- We engage in communication related to the environment with a wide range of peoples both inside and outside the company, and strive for mutual understanding.
- We also take a proactive approach to environmental conservation in corporate activities in international society.
Formulated in April 1992
Revised in October 2023
TOPPAN Group Environmental PolicyBack to Top
We have formulated the TOPPAN Group Environmental Policy in order to advance the creation of a sustainable society as advocated in the TOPPAN Group Declaration on the Global Environment, which was devised in 1992. The TOPPAN Group Environmental Policy sets out three elements of our approach: Environmental Issues to Address, Commitments, and Systems and Initiatives for Implementation. Based on the TOPPAN Group Environmental Policy, we will work to raise corporate value and shape a sustainable society by driving solutions to environmental issues.
1. Environmental Issues to Address
The TOPPAN Group uses life-cycle assessment (LCA) to identify environmental issues based on the environmental impact of its business activities.
Environmental Issues
1) Contributing to Decarbonization: Working to tackle climate change, conserve forest resources, and reduce fossil resource consumption.
2) Preserving Biodiversity: Working to conserve forest and water resources and prevent pollution.
3) Contributing to Resource Circulation: Working to ensure the circular use of fossil, forest, and mineral resources.
4) Optimal Water Use: Working to optimize water consumption, recharge water by conserving forest resources, and prevent pollution.
2. Commitments
1. Scope
We advance initiatives and collaboration focused not only on our own business activities but on the entire value chain. This includes production activities and business facilities, products and services, distribution and logistics, waste management, suppliers, service providers, contractors, and other major business partners (businesses outside of our control, joint venture partners, licensees, subcontracting partners, etc.), due diligence, mergers, and acquisitions.
2. Legal Compliance
In conducting our business activities, we comply with laws, regulations, and other requirements related to environmental conservation.
3. Environmental Conservation and Pollution Prevention
In conducting our business activities, we will strive to prevent pollution of the atmosphere, water, and soil; control water consumption; and protect the environment to ensure the provision of sanitary water to employees and local residents.
4. Measures to Address Climate Change
We will strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our business activities and through the products and services we provide.
5. Preservation of Natural Capital and Biodiversity
In conducting our business activities, we will strive to preserve natural capital, including biodiversity, and to consider the human rights of local residents in procurement.
6. Deforestation Prevention
We will strive to achieve zero deforestation associated with forest resources in paper procurement.
7. Continuous Improvement
To fulfill our commitments, we will make continuous efforts to improve our environmental management system, environmental vision and targets, and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
3. Systems and Initiatives for Implementation
1. Environmental Management System
Our environmental management system is structured based on ISO 14001. Environmental management systems based on ISO 14001 drive improvements through a PDCA cycle of planning, support and operation, assessment, and improvement. In addition, the Ecology Center, which is the organization responsible for overseeing environmental conservation activities, monitors, checks, and audits environmental performance data and legal compliance to ensure continuous improvement.
2. Governance
The Board of Directors of TOPPAN Holdings Inc. is the highest level body responsible for the TOPPAN Group’s environmental conservation activities. As the organization that oversees environmental conservation activities, the Ecology Center advances efforts under the direction of an officer appointed by the Board of Directors, supervises and assesses activities, and reports the results of verification to the Board of Directors. By supervising and providing guidance on the approval and progress of the TOPPAN Group Environmental Policy, the TOPPAN Group Environmental Vision, and the TOPPAN Group Medium-and-Long-Term Environmental Targets, the Board of Directors advances initiatives focused on key environmental issues for management, such as countermeasures to climate change and preservation of natural capital.
3. Environmental Vision and Targets
To drive solutions to environmental issues, we will formulate a long-term environmental vision as well as medium-term environmental targets that serve as milestones and will advance initiatives to achieve the targets.
4. Raising the Awareness of Internal and External Stakeholders
We will contribute to solutions to environmental issues by disclosing information on the TOPPAN Group’s environmental initiatives—including our declaration on the global environment, environmental policies, performance data, and the progress of our efforts—and communicating with internal and external stakeholders based on the information disclosed.
5. Employee Education
To drive solutions to environmental issues, we will provide TOPPAN Group employees with educational opportunities that enable them to acquire and put into practice the necessary knowledge on the environment.
Environmental TargetsBack to Top
TOPPAN Group Environmental Vision 2050
We have pledged our ongoing commitment to solving environmental issues throughout the supply chain in cooperation with the communities we work with around the world. To accelerate Group initiatives for a sustainable society that supports all forms of life in the global ecosystem of tomorrow, we have revised the TOPPAN Group Environmental Vision 2050 (“Vision 2050”) by adding two themes: preserving biodiversity and aiming for net zero Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Vision 2050 is a long-term policy established in 2021 to address global environmental issues.
TOPPAN Group Environmental Vision 2050
As a member of international society, the TOPPAN Group aims to enable “fulfilling, sustainable living” by contributing to decarbonization, preservation of biodiversity, resource circulation, and the optimal use of water through forward-looking activities with consideration for preservation of the global environment.
- ①
- Contributing to Decarbonization
Aiming for net zero Scope 1 & 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. - ②
- Preserving Biodiversity
Aiming for a society that coexists in harmony with nature, balancing conservation with socioeconomic activity. - ③
- Contributing to Resource Circulation
Aiming for zero waste emissions. - ④
- Optimal Water Use
Contributing to achieving optimal water use and improving water quality by preventing pollution.
TOPPAN Group Medium-and-Long-Term Environmental Targets for Fiscal 2030
In April 2024, we revised some of our goals in the TOPPAN Group Medium-and-Long-Term Environmental Targets for Fiscal 2030.
*In particular, to further accelerate our efforts under the theme of Contributing to Decarbonization, the target for renewable energy ratio for Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions has been set at 25%.
TOPPAN Group Medium-and-Long-Term Environmental Targets for Fiscal 2030
- ①
- Contributing to Decarbonization
Reduce Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 54.6% (by 847 kt-CO2e) compared to the fiscal 2017 level (1,552 kt-CO2e). (Renewable energy ratio of 25%)
Reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 54.6% (by 3,770 kt-CO2e) compared to the fiscal 2017 level (6,905 kt-CO2e). - ②
- Preserving Biodiversity
Confirm 100% legality in procurement of raw materials of paper by fiscal 2025.
Contribute to the conservation of regions in which humans coexist with nature both inside and outside the Group, covering an area equivalent to 10% of the area of manufacturing sites. - ③
- Contributing to Resource Circulation
Reduce final landfill waste disposal by 60% (by 5,296 t) compared to the fiscal 2017 level (8,739 t).
Increase waste plastic material recycling rate by 9%pt. (to 65%) compared to the fiscal 2017 level (56%). - ④
- Optimal Water Use
Achieve water withdrawal reduction targets for at least 50% of sites (4 out of 7 sites) with high water risk (water stress exceeding 40%).
Ensure no cases of action taken by authorities due to exceeding regulatory threshold values.
Main Points of April 2024 Revision of Fiscal 2030 Goals
・To address the increase in emission volume due to boundary expansion, we have raised the fiscal 2030 target for renewable energy ratio for CO2 emission reduction (Scope 1 & 2) from 6.5% to 25%.
・We have specified fiscal 2025 as the target year for confirming legality in the procurement of raw materials of paper.
Transition Plan for Carbon Neutrality by 2050Back to Top
Scope 1 & 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By 2030, Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be reduced primarily through energy efficiency measures and the preferential adoption of low-carbon power and renewable energy sources.
From 2030, we will switch fuel sources and increase the use of decarbonized fuel.
By current estimates, approximately 10% of the GHG emissions resulting from our operations in fiscal 2017 will still be emitted in 2050. These emissions will be absorbed using carbon capture/storage technologies, CO2 reuse technologies, and other carbon neutrality measures deployed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Click to enlarge
Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By 2030, we will further adopt low-carbon materials and switch from paper to digital data through the digital transformation (DX).
From 2030, we will adopt low-carbon logistics companies outside of the Group and shift from fossil fuels to electricity to power vehicles owned by logistics companies within the Group.
By current estimates, approximately 10% of the GHG emissions resulting from our operations in fiscal 2017 will still be emitted in 2050. We will absorb these emissions by investing in CO2 recovery projects and expanding greenbelts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Click to enlarge
Single-year Environmental Targets
The Ecology Center aggregates annual environmental performance data related to the various goals set in the TOPPAN Group Medium-and-Long-Term Environmental Targets for Fiscal 2030, reports results to the Board of Directors, sets single-year targets, and develops measures for the current year with authorization from the Board of Directors. Site-specific targets set in line with the Groupwide targets are treated as key performance indicators for managing the progress of environmental conservation activities carried out at individual sites.
Environmental Targets for Fiscal 2023
| Performance Target | Performance Indicator | Target Value for Fiscal 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Reduce CO2 emissions | Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions | 1,109 kt-CO2e |
| Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions | 6,041 kt-CO2e | ||
|
Prevent illegal deforestation | Confirm the legality of raw materials procured for paper production | 100% |
| Contribute to a society that coexists in harmony with nature | Area of land in which humans coexist in harmony with nature | Increase by 1% relative to the total area of manufacturing sites | |
|
Reduce final landfill waste disposal | Final landfill waste disposal | 7,704 t |
| Circulate resources | Waste plastic material recycling rate | 57.3% | |
| 4）Optimal water use | Reduce water withdrawal in regions with higher water risk | No. of sites in these regions that implement water-saving measures | 4 sites |
| Prevent water pollution | No. of cases of action being taken by authorities in response to levels exceeding regulatory standards | 0 |
Environment-related DataBack to Top
TOPPAN Group Medium-and-Long-Term Environmental Targets for Fiscal 2030 (Fiscal 2022 Results)
We have been undertaking environmental conservation activities to ensure that the entire Group attains the target values set for fiscal 2030. The values from fiscal 2017 are set as baselines.
Scope 1 & 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In fiscal 2022 we achieved our single-year Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas (GHG)-emission reduction target towards the fiscal 2030 goal (under the Science Based Targets initiative [SBTi] 1.5°C scenario).
- *
- For Scope 1 & 2 emissions, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with electricity consumption at domestic sites are calculated using the adjusted emission factor according to the method specified in the Ministerial Ordinance Concerning the Calculation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Business Activities of Specified Dischargers issued by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) of Japan. Meanwhile, GHG emissions associated with electricity consumption at overseas sites are calculated using country-specific conversion factors published by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
GHG emissions associated with fuel consumption, excluding electricity consumption, are calculated globally by the MOE method specified in the Ministerial Ordinance Concerning the Calculation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Business Activities of Specified Dischargers. - *
- The fiscal 2017 result is adjusted based on the revised medium-and-long-term environmental target. (The result before the revision was 1,373 kt-CO2e.)
Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In fiscal 2022 we failed to attain our single-year Scope 3 GHG-emission reduction target towards the fiscal 2030 goal (under the SBTi 1.5°C scenario).
- *
- The fiscal 2017 result is adjusted based on the revised medium-and-long-term environmental target. (The result before the revision was 7,365 kt-CO2e.)
Renewable-derived Energy: Amount and Ratio
| Fiscal Year | Renewable-derived Energy (GWh/year) | Ratio (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11.10 | 0.67 |
| 2022 | 20.22 | 1.19 |
- *
- Renewable-derived energy (electricity derived from renewable energy sources) is the renewable energy procured from electricity retailers plus the total energy generated at renewable energy power facilities (for solar power and hydro power) installed at Group sites.
- *
- The ratio of renewable-derived energy is the percentage of electricity derived from renewable energy sources out of our overall power consumption.
Final Landfill Waste Disposal
Efforts have been underway since fiscal 2021 to attain the single-year targets set in line with the fiscal 2030 goal. Our reduction target was not attained in fiscal 2022.
- *
- The fiscal 2017 result is adjusted based on the revised medium-and-long-term environmental target. (The result before the revision was 7,407 t.)
Waste Plastic Material Recycling Rate
Efforts have been underway since fiscal 2021 to attain the single-year targets set in line with the fiscal 2030 goal. Our recycling-rate target was not attained in fiscal 2022.
Assessing Environmental ImpactBack to Top
We apply the “Life-cycle Impact assessment Method based on Endpoint modeling (LIME)” to assess the degree to which our initiatives for achieving environmental targets have reduced our total environmental impact. This life cycle assessment allows the Group to consolidate INPUT and OUTPUT data on the environmental burden associated with business activities into a single index of environmental impact. The LIME provides us with a quantitative view of how environmental impact is changing from the base year.
Quantifying Environmental Impact based on LIME
We apply the LIME method to quantify the total environmental impact across the Group, setting the base year value to 100.
With LIME 3, we attained a 5.1% reduction in environmental impact and a 19% enhancement in environmental efficiency in fiscal 2022, compared with the baseline values in fiscal 2017 (the base year in the LIME 3 calculation).
LIME 3 Assessment across the Group
Environmental Impact and Environmental Efficiency
- *1
- The value in fiscal 2017 = 100 (baseline); calculated with nonproduction sites excluded
- *2
- Environmental efficiency = net sales / environmental impact
We have been reducing our climate change-related impact, a large component of the Group’s overall environmental impact, primarily through two channels: energy-saving and other eco initiatives that reduce energy consumption, and high-efficiency production and material recycling methods that reduce resource consumption.
Types of Environmental Impact by Business Field
- *
- Our environmental impact cannot be expressed in uniform terms or units, as the materials and product types handled by the Group differ among the business fields. We therefore assess the environmental impact associated with key items for each business field.