Environmental preservation activities

Maintaining, managing and implementing activities for environmental management (ISO 14001) systems at plants

We have established an environmental philosophy and environmental policy, and based on these, the PRONEXUS Group is continually pushing ahead with activities that support conservation.

The Toda Plant maintains environmental management system certifications and holds meetings of the Environment Committee, made up of the people responsible for environment management. The committee also strives to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and resolve problems that arise in manufacturing processes. PRONEXUS endeavors to reduce and recycle core materials, including paper and printing ink as well as developing solution and detergent, and has maintained close to a 100% zero emissions rate (recycling rate) or over 99% since plant operations began in 2010. Cutting scraps generated in the printing process are collected and condensed in a collector for recycling. For organic solvents, we conduct risk assessments in line with revisions to the Industrial Safety and Health Act and notify employees of the risks and preventive measures as part of health management initiatives and to maintain a good work environment.

In addition, we actively introduce environmentally friendly products. We have continued with certification under the FSC^® certification program and recommend the use of FSC^®-certified paper to our clients. For printing ink, we give priority to use of vegetable oil-derived ink on environmentally friendly plant-based inks and continually look to reduce VOCs through the introduction of new printers that use non-VOC UV inks.

To save energy, we have introduced electricity monitoring software, which makes electricity use more visible and controllable. When equipment has been stopped or is on standby, we ensure that power is shut off at the source. We are thorough about turning off lights not in use and reducing the number of light fixtures and are also improving efficiency by reviewing the way our plants are managed.

• * The FSC^® certification system comprises forest management (FM) certification, which sets standards for responsible forest practices, and chain of custody certification, which ensures that FM-certified and non-certified products are not mixed together.

Recycling Rate(unit:%)

Environmentally friendly ink and paper usage rates(unit:%)

CSR Environmental Performance Table

Promoting energy-saving activities and environmental consciousness in offices

At the head office, we are implementing energy-saving measures that include recycling office supplies and fixtures as well as conserving electricity. We are also reducing our existing server equipment through server virtualization and we continue to use specific air conditioner settings to save power. In addition, the Internal Audit Office conducts internal audits to confirm the progress of energy-saving activities and the results are reported to every division as well as management.

The same air conditioner settings and Cool Biz have been introduced at ASP Communications Co., Ltd. as at the PRONEXUS Head Office. Lights in the operation room are turned off during breaks and motion sensors have been installed to save electricity. Used paper from printers and copiers is treated with solvents and recycled.

Enhancing employee awareness of environmental preservation activities, such as protecting forests

Toda Plant Manner Training is held regularly at the Toda Plant and covers environmental preservation topics ranging from the separation of trash to the proper response to chemical leaks.

Using a basic policy for managing and enhancing safety, quality, delivery and cost, we undertake NPS improvement activities that are aimed at bettering the work environment and increasing operational efficiency. We provide training to employees designated as leaders and make sure the concepts are incorporated into the workplace. Managing progress and holding reporting and study sessions helps to increase awareness.

We not only look to reduce and recycle printing paper but we have also implemented PRONEXUS forest activities since 2011, with the view that protecting forests is important. We provide financial support to a fund for Doshi Forest Development conducted in Doshi Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, with a target area inside the village set aside for a PRONEXUS Forest. We provide assistance for the maintenance of the forest. We regularly hold events in the PRONEXUS Forest to enhance awareness of environmental conservation among employees.

Every year in summer, we hold a family event at the PRONEXUS Forest. Around 70 people, including employees and their families, took part in fiscal 2017. The second stage of activities started in April 2016, but due to continued inclement weather the experiential activities were put off for over a year. In the latest round, the activities were finally held as planned despite some cloudy weather. Participants were divided into the forest team, who did work in the forest, the family team, who played in the river and made handicrafts, and the BBQ team, who prepared food.

The forest team predominantly did forest maintenance activities and with the cooperation of everyone was able to clear a 50m path through the forest in quick time. The family team played in the mountain stream in Doshi Village and fully enjoyed the kind of beautiful natural surroundings that can't be found in the city. Everyone came together later for an enjoyable BBQ, and the children took part in fulfilling woodworking activities.