Environmental Management
NIPPON PAPER GROUP aims to make use of the blessings of the forest as a comprehensive biomass company and to realize a sustainable society where nature and people coexist. Contributing to the realization of a sustainable society is an important responsibility in our corporate activities.
In order to fulfill this responsibility, we established the "NIPPON PAPER GROUP Environmental Charter" in 2001 with a long-term perspective and are promoting environmental management under a company-wide system. With the aim of simultaneously achieving social sustainability and sustainable growth as a company, we will steadily implement environmental management while deepening cooperation with our stakeholders.
Basic Policy
Promotion Structure
The Group has established the Nippon Paper Group Environmental Committee, chaired by the General Manager of the Nippon Paper Industries’ Technical & Engineering Division, who is also the Representative Director of the Company. The committee deliberates important matters concerning environmental management and reports to the Board of Directors of Nippon Paper Industries through the Risk Management Committee.
In addition, under the executive officer in charge of environmental management promotion and the executive officer in charge of GHG emission reduction promotion, the dedicated department for environmental management and each related department works together to ensure the implementation of policies, plans, and measures in environmental management.
Environmental Vision 2050, Environmental Targets 2030
Based on the "NIPPON PAPER GROUP Environmental Charter", the Group aims to realize a carbon neutral society (carbon neutrality), biodiversity conservation and a circular society (creation and circulation of resources), and minimize environmental burden (minimum impact). We have drawn the ideal state for 2050 as "Environmental Vision 2050", with these three pillars, and are working to achieve "Environmental Target 2030" to realize it.
Environmental Vision 2050 Sustainable Future Vision
Carbon Neutrality
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to virtually zeroCreation and Circulation of Resources
Create sustainable forests that preserve biodiversity and procure and supply resources
Promote the utilization of woody biomass resources to contribute to better living in a circulation-oriented society.Minimum Impact
Minimize the environmental impact of the Group’s business activities
Environmental Targets 2030 Path to Sustainable Future
Expand recycling (Wastepaper food containers, etc.)
Maximize forest value (Improve CO2 fixation efficiency in overseas plantations by 30% vs. 2013 level)
Reduce GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) (54% reduction vs. FY2013 level*)
Reduce environmental burden (Final waste disposal volume from production sites in Japan of 2% or less)
* Emissions related to production except for the Energy Business field
The Environmental Targets 2030 set 14 environmental targets and manage their progress. These environmental targets are also closely related to the Group's materiality toward achieving 2030VISION. Please see the link below for details.
Establishment of an Environmental Management System
In order to properly preserve the environment, the Group is implementing initiatives such as environmental compliance education for employees, strengthening of environmental management systems, and environmental communication with local communities, with the two-pronged approach of “Building Systems to Prevent Problems” and “Establishing a Framework that Ensures All Problems are Covered.”
Two-Pronged Approach
1. Building Systems to Prevent Problems
・Building a workplace that emphasizes the importance of the environment (environmental compliance training)
・Strengthening the system for identifying applicable laws and regulations
・Implementing measures from both the facility and technology perspectives
2. Establishing a Framework that Ensures All Problems are Covered
・Enhancement of environmental audits
・Enhancement of the environmental management system
・Engaging in environmental communication and active information disclosure
Introduction of an Environmental Management System
In order to reduce the environmental burden of our business activities, the Group has introduced an environmental management system and is regularly audited by external organizations. In principle, we conduct audits by internal auditors once a year to continuously improve our environmental management.
Status of ISO 14001 Certification Acquisition (as of March 31, 2025)
Certified for production of pulp and paper such as newsprint paper, second and lower grade paper
Certified for the design and construction related to civil engineering, architecture, electrical equipment, mechanical equipment, steel structures, pipe work, and related incidental work (excluding construction work ordered by NIPPON PAPER GROUP)
●Nippon Paper Industries has obtained ISO 14001 certification for 100% of its production sites.
Status of Eco-Action 21 Acquisition (as of March 31, 2025)
Environmental Audits
In addition to external audits by certification bodies, the Group conducts internal audits once a year in principle based on the “The Approach to Environmental Management for Pollution Prevention” indicated by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. We have established a double-check system for internal audits by each mill and business site and audits by the environmental department at head office to ensure thorough management.
Audits are conducted by combining document audits to confirm management records of water quality and air, and on-site audits that directly inspect chemical tanks and environmental equipment, to ensure highly effective checks. In addition, the Environmental Department at the head office accompanies internal audits by the Management Audit Office to ensure thorough environmental management and continuous improvement throughout the Group.
Monitoring System
Water quality, atmosphere, noise, vibration, odor, etc. are constantly monitored. If an unusual value is detected, the Group immediately checks the situation through surrounding patrols and reports from each plant to ensure prompt and accurate response.
The Group has concluded pollution prevention agreements with local governments regarding water quality and air, set agreement values that exceed legal standards, and realizes environmental conservation at a higher level while valuing relationships of trust with local communities.
Proactive Information Disclosure and Communication
The Group publishes an Integrated Report and an ESG Databook once a year on data and initiatives related to environmental management, and comprehensively discloses information to stakeholders.
In addition, we have established “NIPPON PAPER GROUP Risk Communication Guidelines” to continue to disclose information and dialogue with stakeholders in the regions where mill and offices are located. In addition, we accept comments and questions on the Group website.
Participation in Initiatives
For details, please see the linked page.
More information can also be found in the PDF material below.
