Nature Positive
While responding to the tightening and creation of laws and regulations that deal with chemical substance management within and outside Japan, we are working to reduce environmentally hazardous substances in both product development and production processes. We are also deploying activities toward the achievement of a society that is in harmony with nature, through biodiversity conservation activities and cooperative activities performed with the local community.
Endorsement of TNFD recommendations
We disclose information as a registered adopter of the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).
We have adopted the scenario analysis suggested in the TNFD recommendations and have decided to respond to the identified risks and opportunities, incorporating them into our environmental action plan to ensure a reliable and systematic response.
Develop products that contribute to biodiversity conservation
We have developed and started selling to the government an ant repellant, “Puritto Bait,” for the specified invasive species, Argentine ants. Argentine ants are designated as one of the world’s 100 invasive alien species (by the International Union for Conservation of Nature) and are dangerous for destroying ecosystems worldwide due to their high aggressiveness and abnormal reproductive capacity. They are expanding their habitat in Japan as well, contributing to the loss of biodiversity. We have entered a cooperative agreement with Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, regarding the control of Argentine ants, and have been engaged in surveys of Argentine ant habitats and control operations. In the process of this work, we have succeeded in significantly reducing the Argentine ant’s habitat distribution by using our “Puritto Bait.”
While commonly used extermination bait agents are granular or semi-solid pastes, Puritto Bait uses grease as its base material, taking advantage of the knowledge and technology we have cultivated as an automobile parts manufacturer, so it can be applied to vertical locations such as trees, concrete walls, and stone walls. It is not easily washed away by wind or water and can be applied directly to a variety of locations. We will continue to contribute to efforts to protect biodiversity in cooperation with various governments and communities that are struggling to exterminate specified invasive alien species.
Community relations activities
Based on our environmental policy of “enriching local nature” and “increasing and expanding our circle with society,” we aim to be a company that coexists with nature and local communities, and we continuously implement activities that contribute to local communities.
Extermination of coreopsis lanceolata
In Oguchi Town, Aichi Prefecture, where our Head Office and Head Plant are located, we have been collaborating with the town and neighboring companies to exterminate the specific alien species, coreopsis lanceolata, which lives in the area. In fiscal 2023 we removed a total of 1,030 kg. Because of its strong reproductive capacity, the coreopsis lanceolata has been driving out plants native to Japan and threatening the biodiversity of the region, so we continue to carry out extermination efforts.
Oguchi Nishi Elementary School biotope conservation efforts
In the biotope installed at Oguchi Nishi Elementary School, the upper, middle, and lower reaches have been created as habitats for fireflies, dragonflies, crucian carp, and other species. In order to make the pond a home for fireflies and dragonflies in the future, we are working with the elementary school and local residents on maintenance and management efforts, such as exterminating invasive species of crawfish and repairing the pond. In May 2024, to maintain the ecosystem, we released pale chubs, dark chubs, and stone moroko caught in the Gojo River, which flows through Oguchi Town, into the biotope.
Yanami Wetland preservation activities
We are continuously implementing conservation activities for the Yanami Wetland in cooperation with Toyota City and local ecological conservation societies.
The Yanami Wetland is designated as a Ramsar wetland as one of the Tokai Hilly Land Spring-fed Mires. We will continue our conservation activities to prevent eutrophication of the Yanami Wetland, which is inhabited by rare species, and to protect endangered species, such as the Shiratama-hoshikusa, the Mikawa-shiogama, and others.
Promoting environmental conservation and biodiversity preservation
Based on our environmental policy of “enriching local nature” and “increasing and expanding our circle with society,” we aim to be a corporate citizen that coexists with nature and the local community and continuously carry out activities that contribute to the local community.
Aichi Biodiversity Company Certification
We were recognized for our wide range of activities that contribute to biodiversity, such as the extermination of alien species, the conservation of rare species, and the formation of ecosystem networks, and acquired Aichi Biodiversity Company Certification. In order to further expand the ecological network, we plan to develop a habitat for local target species on our own property.
Registration in the 30by30 Alliance
The 30by30 target was made to effectively conserve at least 30% of Japan’s land and sea areas as healthy ecosystems by 2030.
In order to achieve the 30by30 target, the 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity has been established by volunteer companies, local governments, and NPOs to expand the current protected areas in Japan and to promote efforts to certify areas that have been conserved by the private sector and others as nature-friendly sites.
In order to achieve our goals, we need to unite as Japanese citizens, mobilizing the power of the community, companies, and all individuals. Tokai Rika agrees with this concept and became a 30by30 Alliance participant.
Biotope on the roof of the Head Plant cafeteria
At the Head Office and Head Plant, a biotope is being created on the roof of the cafeteria building with the aim of nesting grey-headed lapwings and eastern spot-billed ducks, which are target species for the region.
In September 2024, we held an in-house event to create a pathway and plant grass and cogongrass seedlings. We will continue to promote these activities and contribute to local biodiversity.
Marine pollution prevention activities
In order to contribute to solving the problem of marine pollution, we are proactively implementing initiatives that can be done within the company, such as reducing single-use plastics and using marine resources in a sustainable manner.
We are also working to deepen employees’ understanding of marine pollution issues and encourage them to take voluntary action through educational activities.
An effort to collect empty disposable contact lens cases
We are participating in the “Eyecity Eco Project,” an effort to collect empty disposable contact lens cases conducted by the Eye Care Company of HOYA Corporation. Proper collection and management of single-use plastics will help prevent marine pollution caused by waste plastics. We called on employees to participate at each plant, and have so far collected 140 kg (approximately 140,000 empty cases).
Provision of sustainable seafood
Our commissaries offer menus made with sustainable seafood, caught in sustainable and environmentally friendly fisheries. All of our employees are making the choice to ‘‘protect the richness of the ocean’’ through the everyday activity of eating. We are also working to make them aware of contributing to the SDGs goals in their daily lives and encourage voluntary actions such as ethical consumption.
All Toyota Green Wave Project
We are participating in the All Toyota Green Wave Project, which aims to create a future where humans and nature coexist. By sharing our initiatives and working collaboratively with other Toyota Group companies, we are effectively promoting biodiversity conservation while expanding the scope of our activities.
Reduction of environmentally hazardous substances
In order to reduce risks to people and the environment, we monitor the amount of chemical substances used and emitted in the production process, and promote the reduction of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and substances subject to the PRTR Law, which have a high environmental impact.
