The JCU Group is engaged in the efficient use of energy and natural resources to preserve the global environment and contribute to building a sustainable society.

Use of Renewable Energy

The JCU Group is driving forward with the use of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of domestic bases, we have installed solar power generation equipment to reduce CO₂ emissions at our Niigata Plant and R&D Center, both of which consume particularly large amounts of electricity. We are working to use renewable energy at our overseas business locations, and have installed solar power facilities at our plant in Hubei, China that are capable of producing about 40% of the plant’s maximum electricity consumption.

In addition, at our Kumamoto Facility, which houses a production plant and research lab completed in October 2025, we plan to install high-capacity solar power generation equipment and introduce a variety of cutting-edge energysaving equipment, making it an exceptionally environmentally friendly facility.

JCU will continue to implement a wide array of initiatives to realize a decarbonized society.

Carbon Offsetting Initiatives

From its location in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, JCU’s Niigata Plant supplies products destined for markets around the world. JCU is an advocate of the “Toki-no-Mori (Crested Ibis Forest) Project,” which is run by the Prefecture of Niigata within Sado City limits, and is also an ongoing collaborator in carbon offsetting initiatives.

The aim of the Toki-no-Mori Project is to drive global warming countermeasures forward by securing the CO₂ absorption capacity of trees, promote forest improvements, and revitalize forestry. The Project also aims to contribute to improving habitats for ibises that have been released into the wild and conserving the forest’s rich ecosystem.

Forests in Sado City are culled and pruned to ensure the forest gets enough light intensity, which in turn improves its CO₂ absorption efficiency. In addition, these procedures have the effect of suppressing pest insect outbreaks and promoting tree growth. These human interventions are a driver of our global warming countermeasures.

Currently, although their numbers are still small, we are able to observe ibises in the wild within Sado City limits. The ibises are gradually returning to their wild habitats thanks not only to the Toki-no-Mori Project but also to various activities by local residents for improving the environment around their habitats.

Initiatives to Achieve “Zero CO₂ Emissions”

As a measure to counter global warming, JCU makes every effort to identify and reduce CO₂ emissions.

An aggregate survey of CO₂ emissions from using electricity and gas at our domestic business locations shows that we have succeeded in reducing emissions in FY2024 by 42.7% from FY2013.

The Niigata Plant and R&D Center collectively account for about 90% of our total domestic CO₂ emissions.

From November 2024, the Niigata Plant switched all gas used to carbon offset city gas. As a result, in FY2024, approximately 160 tons of CO₂ emissions were eliminated. We are also promoting the introduction of energy-efficient equipment, such as chillers and LED lighting, while working to reduce electricity consumption.

In addition, environmentally friendly activities are also constantly ongoing at the R&D Center, including the installation of a solar power generation system, energy-efficient air conditioning equipment, and LED lighting.

In its medium-term management plan, the JCU Group has set a goal of reducing CO₂ emissions at our Niigata Plant to net zero by FY2030, and of reducing total emissions from all domestic business locations to net zero by FY2050 based on emissions in FY2013. The JCU Group will continue to make efforts to achieve its goals and contribute to society through environmentally conscious corporate activities.

Understanding Water Usage

Because JCU uses large amounts of water resources for research and development and at our production sites, we make every effort to understand and reduce water consumption at all of our domestic business locations.

Domestic business locations took in a total of 11,250 ㎥ of water in FY2024, which was approximately the same as in the previous fiscal year due to a decrease in water usage at the Niigata Plant and an increase in water usage at the R&D Center. The unit of water consumption per production volume at the Niigata Plant remained unchanged from the previous fiscal year at 1.58 ㎥/t. Water consumption per employee at the R&D Center has improved compared to the previous fiscal year, with the increase in water intake at the R&D Center mainly attributable to an increase in the number of research staff.

Water is one of the more important raw materials for manufacturing our products. Solving water resource issues is included as one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At our Kumamoto Facility, completed in October 2025, we plan to recycle water and eliminate waste water discharge.

In addition, our R&D Center and Niigata Plant are working to establish reduction awareness, such as by regularly calling for water conservation. JCU will continue to work to reduce water usage and contribute to environmental conservation.

Unit of Water Consumption per Number of Employees at the R&D Center

Proper Treatment of Wastewater

The JCU Group pays special attention to ensure that wastewater released from its development and manufacturing sites does not adversely affect the surrounding environment.

At the R&D Center, a portion of the wastewater generated during research is treated by neutralization and sedimentation using equipment in the facility. In addition, water discharged at each base is managed using analytical instruments to ensure that it meets environmental standards.

Furthermore, all sites concentrate and reduce the volumes of effluent that they are unable to treat in their own facilities before they are properly disposed of as industrial waste.

Proper Management of Chemical Substances

The JCU Group properly manages environmental chemicals to reduce our impact on the environment.

At the R&D Center, we take measures to ensure solution containers do not tip over, and also utilize embankments, pits, and gutters in experimental facilities to prevent liquid from leaking externally.

At the Niigata Plant, we utilize oil embankments, pits, and gutters to prevent leakage from outdoor tanks.

In addition, we maintain response kits for use in the event of a leak, and use them in education and training programs aimed at preparing for emergencies.

Raw Materials Recycling

The JCU Group is working to reduce the resources it uses through recycling and other initiatives. The R&D Center collects plating solutions and processed samples containing precious metals used in research and development, and recycles them to make effective use of resources. In addition, the Niigata Plant collects and recycles waste and cleaning water generated during product manufacturing to make effective use of resources.

Waste Reduction

The JCU Group makes every effort to make effective use of resources to reduce waste. We reuse our one-ton containers for transporting specific products; that is, they are used on their way to and from our customers and business partners.

Also, empty poly containers that are no longer needed at the Niigata Plant are collected and recycled as a resource. After they are cleaned, these poly containers are melted down and reused in a variety of plastic products. In addition, metals, glass, and other waste materials are recycled as resources by waste disposal contractors.

Purification of Atmospheric Emissions

At the JCU Group, we perform purification processes on gases that we discharge into the atmosphere from our business locations so that they do not affect the surrounding environment. We also make every effort to preserve the environment by conducting environmental measurements on a regular basis.

Our R&D Center and Niigata Plant are equipped with exhaust cleaning towers to prevent the release of hazardous substances contained in the discharged gas. We regularly commission specialized third-party agencies to analyze and verify that gas purification is being performed without any problems.

The Niigata Plant also regularly commissions specialized third-party agencies to analyze and examine the boilers and hot-and-chilled-water generators used at the site for particulate matter and nitrogen oxides to ensure that there are no problems.