Promotion of Resource Circulation

Basic Approach

As a company supporting reproductive medicine, Kitazato Corporation views the responsibility of conserving limited global resources for future generations as a vital mission.
By focusing on reducing resource use, promoting reuse, and advancing recycling, we aim to minimize waste generated through our business activities and maximize resource circulation.
While strict quality standards are required in our manufacturing processes to ensure medical safety, we also promote environmentally conscious initiatives, such as the selection of eco-friendly materials, reducing packaging, and the efficient use of water resources, to minimize our environmental impact.

Goals for Resource Circulation

We have established the following voluntary goals related to resource circulation.

1. Reduction of the volume of waste sent for final disposal
2. Improvement in recycling rates for waste plastics
3. Enhancement of overall recycling rates
4. Continuous reduction in water usage intensity
5. Expanded adoption of environmentally conscious packaging materials

Waste Management and Promotion of the 3Rs

We actively promote the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—to minimize waste generation.

Key Initiatives

Waste disposal is appropriately managed through the selection of certified contractors, and electronic manifest systems are utilized to ensure proper control and traceability.

Effective Use of Water Resources

The manufacturing of reproductive medicine products requires high-purity water. Recognizing the importance of water resources, we prioritize the reduction of water usage and implement the following initiatives.

Key Initiatives

• Promotion of water circulation and reuse within production processes
• Improved efficiency in the use of cooling water and other utilities
• Proper management of wastewater quality and compliance with applicable regulations
• Introduction of water-saving equipment

Through continuous improvement to reduce water usage, we work to mitigate business continuity risks.

Reduction of Environmental Impact in Packaging Materials

To reduce environmental impact from the packaging of medical devices and consumables, we promote the following initiatives.

Adoption of Biomass Materials

Plant-derived biomass plastics are used for cushioning materials, reducing dependence on fossil resources.

Integrated Cushioning Packaging

Paper-based packaging structures with built-in cushioning functions are adopted to eliminate plastic cushioning materials and reduce waste.

Horizontal Recycling of Label Backing Paper

We participate in recycling projects for label release liner paper, reducing incineration and final disposal.

Use of Sustainable Forest Resources

Certified paper materials are used for individual product packaging boxes, thereby contributing to sustainable forest management.

Plastic Reduction (Kitazato Blue Project)

To promote plastic reduction, we implement the following initiatives under the Kitazato Blue Project.

• Reduction of plastic bottle usage within the Company
• Distribution of reusable bottles to all employees
• Reduction and monitoring of plastic waste volumes
• Implementation of internal and external awareness-raising activities

Resource Circulation and Logistics Optimization

Environmental considerations are also promoted within the logistics function as a mechanism supporting resource circulation.

Key Initiatives

• Introduction and expansion of recycled plastic pallets
• Reduction of materials through the standardization of packaging
• Reduction of CO₂ emissions through improved transportation efficiency

External Recognition

These initiatives have been highly recognized in regional environmental and recycling activities. We will continue to fulfill our social responsibilities and pursue further improvements.