Promoting Resource Circulation

Materiality 4

Relevant SDGs

6 Clean water and sanitation 11 Sustainable cities and communities 12 Responsible consumption, production

Vision

Minimize resource consumption and maximize resource circulation throughout the value chain

Strategy

Reducing resource consumption and waste, etc.

3R for Products and Packaging

Creating a circular economy, an economic model that maximizes the use of existing resources and helps create sustainable societies, is vital to solving intensifying environmental issues such as climate change and resource depletion. As the world shifts into a circular economy, the Nikon Group recognizes that companies are members of society expected to consider product life cycles that prevent waste and reduce environmental impact to the greatest extent possible.
In the Nikon Environmental Activity Policy, we set forth the efficient use of resources, eco-friendly products, and environmental friendliness throughout the product life cycle, engaging in the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for products and packaging in product development and design.

Management and Reduction of Waste

We must shift to a circular economy as a means to solve global problems stemming from human activities, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, and environmental pollution. A circular economy preserves and maintains the value of products, materials, and resources for as long as possible, minimizes waste generation, and reduces environmental burdens associated with resource use. We recognize that companies are expected to reduce waste, reuse and recycle resources, and reduce their environmental impact to the greatest extent possible.
In the Nikon Environmental Activity Policy, the Nikon Group sets forth the efficient use of resources and environmental friendliness throughout the product life, and engages in measures to reduce waste from product manufacturing processes and business sites.

Protection of Water Resources

Large quantities of water are used in the production processes for optical lenses, part of Nikon’s main product category, and for the quartz glass used in these lenses. For example, during the optical lens polishing process, water has to be added frequently in order to keep the polishing agent at the right consistency. Similarly, in the quartz glass production process, our waste gas purification devices require water to remove acid components from waste gases. For these reasons, water is not only an indispensable resource for Nikon Group business, but it also affects the global environment through wastewater and other means. Working to conserve water resources is therefore essential for business continuity. The Nikon Group formulated the Nikon Environmental Long-Term Vision looking ahead to fiscal year 2050. Of the three pillars, realizing a resource circulating society depicts our vision for water and resources, while realizing a healthy and environmentally safe society corresponds to our vision for water safety. To achieve these goals, the Nikon Environmental Activity Policy stipulates the effective use of water and other resources, compliance with laws and regulations, establishment and compliance of voluntary standards exceeding legal requirements, and pollution prevention. In addition, we aim to implement steady initiatives and improve standards through employee training on water-related initiatives and related laws and regulations as part of employee environmental education.

Indicators and Targets

Indicators and Targets (Target Fiscal Year) FY2023 Plan FY2023 Results FY2024 Plan
Percentage of use of recycled materials for products : 5% or more (FY2030) *Targets set for each business unit and division Use recycled materials for certain imaging products *Targets set for each business unit and division
Rate of reduction in total discharged waste (compared to FY2018) : 10% or more (FY2030) 3% or more 20% 4% or more
Rate of freshwater consumption reduction (compared to FY2018): 5% (FY2030) 2% 3.4% 2%

Sustainability Report

For more information, refer to Promoting Resource Circulation in the Sustainability Report.

3R for Products and Packaging

  • Basic Approach
  • Strategy
  • Governance
  • Risk Management
  • Indicators and Targets
  • Major Initiatives

Management and Reduction of Waste

  • Basic Approach
  • Strategy
  • Governance
  • Risk Management
  • Indicators and Targets
  • Major Initiatives

Protection of Water Resources

  • Basic Approach
  • Strategy
  • Governance
  • Risk Management
  • Indicators and Targets
  • Major Initiatives