Resource Circulation and Waste Reduction
■ Waste Volume Trends
Actual amount of waste
The amount of waste varies depending on changes in production volume. We have set annual targets for waste volume and strive to achieve our medium-term target [3,000 tons by FY2024, equivalent to 75% of the actual value of 4,001 tons (including 923 tons of waste sold) in FY2018]. In FY2019, we were able to temporarily reduce the amount of waste to 2,868 tons (including 506 tons of waste sold). However, the amount of waste increased afterward due to increased production. Efforts are still underway to significantly reduce waste
Reuse/recycling rate
Regarding the waste reuse/recycling rate, we quickly achieved our medium-term target (80% by FY2024) in terms of figures, including recycling by means of heat recovery (use of thermal energy generated by incineration, etc.) However, in order to improve the reuse/recycling rate by means other than heat recovery, it is necessary to review the materials used and thoroughly sort them (with increased personnel costs). This is an issue that we have to address in the future.
Trends of company-wide waste volume (unit: tons) <excluding waste sold>
Trends of waste volume at each site (unit: tons) <excluding waste sold> | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Site name / FY |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Settsu Plant |
266 |
300 |
282 |
316 |
Kanegasaki Plant |
2,120 |
1,372 |
1,883 |
2,545 |
Tokushima Plant |
692 |
690 |
1,353 |
1,464 |
Itami Plant |
- |
- |
- |
116 |
Plastic waste reuse/recycling rate
The plastic waste reuse/recycling rate has been steadily increasing since FY2018, and all sites have achieved their medium-term targets (aiming for 30% by FY2024) ahead of schedule. We will continue our “Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, and Renewable” initiative and strive to improve our reuse/recycling rate.
Trends of plastic waste reuse/recycling rate at each site (unit: %) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Site name / FY |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Settsu Plant |
5.0 |
10.0 |
10.9 |
32.4 |
Kanegasaki Plant |
12.3 |
26.7 |
47.1 |
38.6 |
Tokushima Plant |
100.0 |
100.0 |
95.9 |
96.9 |
Itami Plant |
- |
- |
- |
(0.0) |
■ Plastic Waste Reduction
The Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics was enacted in April 2022 with the aim of controlling plastic waste, using resources effectively, and resolving the issues of global warming, marine plastic waste, and other issues. The SHIONOGI Group accelerates the resource recycling of plastics, which are indispensable materials in modern society, to promote the transition to a reuse- and recycling-oriented society.
In addition to modifying container and packaging materials, reducing the volume of containers and packaging (“reduce”), and adopting high-quality recycled plastics (“reuse/recycling”), we promote a switch to biomass plastics with less environmental impact while considering product quality and stable supply. We also work to recycle the waste materials that have been generated in the manufacturing process and to circulate resources without creating waste.
3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) + Renewable initiative concerning containers and packaging materials | |||
---|---|---|---|
Measures |
Item |
Product concerned |
Progress |
Reduce |
Elimination of plastic cushioning materials for the outside of bottles |
3 tablet products packaged in bottles |
2 products / 3 products |
Miniaturization of PTP size |
Under consideration |
Scheduled to start in 2024 |
|
Elimination of PTP sheet bundle band film |
One PTP product |
Completed |
|
Change of materials for PTP sheet bundle band film (biodegradable film) |
PTP products |
Scheduled to start in 2023 |
|
Volume reduction of individual packaging boxes band film |
PTP products |
Scheduled to start in 2023 |
|
Reuse Recycle |
Inscription of plastic container/packaging material identification marks |
All products |
Completed |
Adoption of mechanically recycled PET film |
One PTP product |
Completed Considering its adoption for other PTP products |
|
Renewable |
Adoption of biomass plastic bottles (plant-derived polyethylene bottles) |
One capsule product, 3 tablet products, 5 ointment products |
Completed in 9 products Considering its adoption for other products |
Recycling of label backing sheet |
Ampoule products |
Scheduled to start in March 2023 |
PTP (press through pack / blister sheets): A method of packaging drugs in which tablets and capsules are sandwiched between plastic and aluminum sheets
PET: Polyethylene terephthalate
■ Resource Recycling Project
Since April 2022, Shionogi Pharma has participated in the Resource Recycling Project, which aims to realize horizontal resource recycling of label backing sheet. Through the collection and recycling of label backing sheet discarded in the manufacturing process, we promote the transition to a circular economy and contribute to the realization of a more sustainable society.
For details, please access the following.
■ Other Initiatives
In addition to reducing plastic waste and recycling resources, we also work to minimize the amount of paper used as an initiative to protect forest resources, reduce waste, and build a recycling-oriented society.
Measures |
Item |
Products concerned |
Progress |
---|---|---|---|
Reduce
|
Elimination of individual packaging boxes for bottled products | 3 ointment products | Completed in 3 products Considering its adoption for other products |
Change to thinner individual packaging boxes |
Under consideration |
Scheduled to implement in FY202 |
|
Elimination of package inserts |
All prescription drugs |
Completed |