We are working to reduce our CO_{2} emissions and water consumption, as well as working to recycle more waste and reduce landfill. In addition, it was found that dicalcium phosphate (DCP) generated when processed into bovine bone gelatin raw material can efficiently insolubilize and stabilize fluorine. This makes it effective as a fluorine fixative in soil and wastewater.
The EMS at the Osaka Plant has set targets to reduce the impact of production activities on the environment thereby working to reduce its impact on the environment. In fiscal 2021, we were able to achieve all of our environmental targets.
To help realize a society capable of sustainable development, we will continue to carry out business activities in consideration of society, local communities, and all the people who work in the Nitta Gelatin Group.
At the Osaka Plant, we are working to enhance energy efficiency and improve our manufacturing processes by upgrading heating and cooling machines, boilers and cogeneration systems. Operation divisions are also helping to save energy by managing room temperatures and turning office equipment off when not in use.
In fiscal 2021, energy efficiency was improved with the introduction of a dryer exhaust heat recovery system and by switching to more efficient boilers. As a result, the energy consumption rate (energy consumption per ton produced) decreased by 1.0% from fiscal 2020. Energy consumption increased slightly from fiscal 2020 due to increased production, but total CO_{2} emissions dropped.
Large amounts of water are used in the gelatin manufacturing process. And in order to maintain and improve quality, a lot of water is needed for cleaning equipment. To reduce its impact on the environment, the Osaka Plant is working to reduce the amount of water intake by reusing water and by reviewing work processes in the plant. As a result of this initiative, the amount of wastewater has been dropping since 2017 while production volumes have remained the same.
The treatment of wastewater uses a lot of energy. In order to reduce energy loads at the Osaka Plant, modifications were made to equipment from fiscal 2017 to 2018 so that solid matter could be separated and recovered from wastewater before it is treated. Compared to the time before modifications were made, the amount of waste increased with the collection of solids but has since remained stable from fiscal 2018 onwards.
The recycling rate (including heat recycling) of all waste is currently at 99.8%, meaning we have been able to maintain a level very close to 100%.
Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP) is a by-product of processing bovine bones into gelatin raw materials.
Our DCPs have been found to efficiently insolubilize and stabilize fluorine. This makes it effective as a fluorine fixative in soil and wastewater. (Joint research with the National Institute of Technology, Toyama College.)
When our DCPs are used for treating wastewater and soil, fluorine, a common soil and water pollutant, can be efficiently insolubilized and stabilized, and then removed.
