The Nichirei Group manages and stores PRTR substances and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in accordance with statutory standards for the management of chemical substances. Furthermore, during FY2019, there were no environmental accidents or violations of laws or regulations that could have a material impact on the environment.

Reduction of NOx, SOx, and PM Emissions

Nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) are produced when fuel oil and gas are burned in food factory boilers. Through proper facility management at its factories, Nichirei is complying with emissions standards stipulated by law and aiming for an overall reduction in emissions volume. The Nichirei Logistics Group is promoting increased logistical efficiency through joint shipping and modal shifts making use of railways and ferries. The Group is making progress on the reduction of NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions by using exhaust regulation-compliant vehicles, conducting proper vehicle maintenance, and promoting such initiatives as eco-driving. Furthermore, there are no emissions from the Nichirei Group’s business corresponding to the volatile organic compound (VOC) emission standards.

• *Facilities where measurements of smoke and soot are taken. Not including emissions derived from vehicles.

Use and Management of CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are said to be among the substances destroying the ozone layer. Their production is being phased out, and management regulations have been put into effect in sequences, starting with freon, which is the most destructive of the ozone layer.
The Nichirei Group uses freon as a refrigerant in the cooling facilities at its food plants and logistics centers. Although appropriate equipment management ensures that the refrigerant, which circulates within sealed cooling equipment, does not leak, the Nichirei Group disposes of it as required by law when major equipment repairs are carried out.
Meanwhile, the fact that freon is one of the gases that causes global warming has also become an issue. Since the CO2 of the energy sources used for cooling equipment are also linked to global warming, the Group is determining the refrigerant it prefers in new equipment based on its energy-saving properties.
During FY2017, Nichirei Foods installed freezing facilities which use natural refrigerants at its Shiroishi Factory. Part of the cost of installing the new freezing facilities was subsidized under the Ministry of the Environment’s CO2 emission reduction business expense subsidy. Furthermore, the basic policy of the Nichirei Logistics Group is to select natural refrigerants when building new cold storage facilities or when extending existing facilities. It is also promoting a switch from freezing facilities that use CFCs to freezing facilities that use natural refrigerants for all its other existing facilities.