Reduction of Environmentally Hazardous Substances

The Group strives to protect the Earth's finite natural resources by reducing waste and using resources efficiently. We also enforce appropriate management for chemical substances and strive to minimize environmental impact by reducing chemical waste.

Waste Reduction

We promote zero emissions initiatives based on a reduce, reuse, and recycle (3Rs) approach.



* Figures are for the entire Meiji Group, including main domestic subsidiaries.
* One production unit is equivalent to ¥100 million in net sales.

Appropriate Chemical Substance Management

We strive to reduce chemical emissions. Measures include equipment to absorb vaporized chemicals, switching to safer substances, and improved manufacturing methods that reduce or eliminate chemical substances.

PRTR Substances

We report chemical emissions and transfers in accordance with Japan's Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Act. Reporting is carried out at nine plants for Meiji Co., Ltd., and three plants and two research centers for Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd.

At Meiji Seika Pharma, each pharmaceuticals plant and research center has a chemicals management committee that sets standards for handling chemical substances. The company manages procurement and inventory volumes, checks emission and transfer volumes, and strives to reduce emissions.

PRTR Substances (t)
Class I-designated chemical substance number Name FYE 3/2015 FYE 3/2016
Emissions Transfer volume Emissions Transfer volume
13 Acetonitrile 1.1 18.0 2.5 42.3
127 Chloroform 5.4 11.1 1.2 6.5
150 1,4-Dioxane 0.0 1.3 0.0 1.3
186 Methylene chloride 90.7 95.7 4.9 17.5
232 N,N-Dimethylformamide 0.0 128.1 0.4 331.2
300 Toluene 1.1 3.2 1.2 7.5
342 Pyridine 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.3
438 Methylnaphthalene 0.8 0.0 0.8 0.0
104 HCFC (R22) - - 1.4 0.0

* Figures are totals for Meiji Co., Ltd. and Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd.

PCB Management

Each of our operating bases engages in appropriate management of transformers and capacitors containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Reduction of CFC Emissions

We have changed from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to natural refrigerants, such as ammonia, to prevent ozone layer damage and combat global warming.