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Biodiversity Conservation

1. JSR Group Biodiversity Policies

JSR Group formed biodiversity policies in FY2012 based on conservation issues determined using the JBIB Business & Biodiversity Interrelationship Map. We are currently promoting various initiatives in accordance with these policies.

To contribute to the establishment of a sustainable society, JSR Group strives to identify how our business activities depend on and impact biodiversity, and to promote efforts in consideration of biodiversity.

  1. 1.We prioritize biodiversity conservation in procuring naturally-derived raw and processed materials.
  2. 2.We work to make the green spaces of our business establishments biodiversity-friendly.
  3. 3.We strive to develop biodiversity-friendly products.
  4. 4.We emphasize staff engagement and cooperation with local communities.

2. How JSR’s Business Activities Depend on and Impact Biodiversity

Utilizing and updating the JBIB*1 Business and Biodiversity Interrelationship Map, we have clarified which parts of our business activities depend on biodiversity and how our business activities impact biodiversity. In April 2022, we determined there were no new impacts.

In addition, we investigated new business sites using IBAT*2 and determined that as of April 2022 none of these locations are found in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA).

*1 JBIB: Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity.

*2 IBAT: Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool.
A risk measurement tool provided by the IBAT Alliance, a biodiversity project involving the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and others.

3. Progress of Initiatives

Policy 1 - We prioritize biodiversity conservation in procuring naturally derived raw and processed materials (raw materials used).

1) Identification of the impacts of naturally-derived raw materials and supplies on biodiversity.

While there were some naturally-derived materials in certain auxiliary materials, we conducted an investigation on traceability and other matters and found no impact at this time*3. We will continue to conduct similar investigations when using new raw materials and supplies that may have an impact.

*3 Surfactants, etc., made from palm oil certified by the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil).

2) Sustainable Paper Usage and Promotion of Activities to Promote Increased Usage in Society.

While not a main raw material of products, JSR Group uses paper for copies, publications, envelopes, and packaging material. As such, JSR Group is working toward a society of sustainable paper use and has participated in the Consortium for Sustainable Paper Use, which was established to increase the use of sustainable paper in society, since its establishment in 2013.

As for paper usage within the Group, we established the JSR Group Paper Procurement Guidelines in FY2013 under which we promote initiatives that prioritize the procurement of company envelopes, copy paper, and other materials made primarily from used paper, or paper with FSC or other forest sustainability certifications. We will continue with our efforts toward the use of sustainable forest resources.

Policy 2 - We work to make the green spaces of our business establishments biodiversity-friendly (land use).

At JSR’s two plants in Japan and the Tsukuba Research Laboratories, we are working to increase the biodiversity of green spaces at these locations in consideration of the surrounding environment. By FY2014, we completed improvements based on the JBIB Guidelines for Sustainable Business Sites following the results of the greenspace survey and green space improvement plan prepared with the cooperation of experts. Following this, each business site has continued to carry out initiatives independently, including monitoring surveys using the JBIB’s prescribed monitoring sheet, nature observations, and removal of invasive species.

Reports on the initiatives of each business site are presented below.

In FY2021, our initiatives were inhibited due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we remain committed to continuing these in the future.

Yokkaichi Plant
Overview of Activities FY2021 Activities Future Activity Plans
  • The Yokkaichi Plant is actively using its green spaces as places for communication and environmental education
  • It holds biodiversity-themed events for employees and their families
  • It maintains and manages biodiversity spaces at the plant site and company housing
  • Maintenance and management of green spaces at the plant site and company housing
  • Monitoring surveys and nature observations were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Maintenance and management of green spaces at the plant site and company housing that have been improved as biodiversity-friendly green spaces (ongoing)
  • Holding of a nature tour for employees’ families led by the curator of a local museum (Once or twice a year) (ongoing)
Chiba Plant (currently, JSR Arton Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)
Overview of Activities FY2021 Activities Future Activity Plans
  • The Chiba Plant has developed the "Ikoi no Hiroba" (Relaxation Garden) that is part of its green spaces into a biodiversity-friendly and uses it as a place for talking about biodiversity
  • Weeding, cleaning, and other maintenance and management of green spaces on the plant site
  • Nature observations were canceled due to COVID-19
  • Development of green spaces in priority areas and promotion of their use (ongoing)
Tsukuba Research Laboratories
Overview of Activities FY2021 Activities Future Activity Plans
  • The facility establishes a biodiversity promotion area and practices wildlife-friendly green-space management
  • In principle, prohibition of the chemical substances (herbicides) within the area (ongoing activity)
  • Creation of soil with fallen leaves and branches (consideration for material circulation) (ongoing activity)
  • Regular monitoring and removal of invasive species
  • Monitoring surveys and nature observations were canceled due to COVID-19
  • Initiatives up until now will be continued
The presence of spot-billed ducks has been confirmed for nine consecutive years
The presence of spot-billed ducks has been confirmed for nine consecutive years (Tsukuba Research Laboratories)

Policy 3 - We strive to develop biodiversity-friendly products (product use and disposal).

  • We strive to develop environmentally-friendly products according to our in-house standards.

Policy 4 - We promote initiatives that emphasize staff engagement and cooperation with local communities.

  • We hold various events at our business sites as part of our business activities, but these events were canceled in FY2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.