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.
Activities to protect, connect, and expand
To become a company that coexists with nature and community, we take action to preserve ecosystems by protecting endangered species and removing invasive species; connect ecosystem networks by developing biotopes and other such measures; and expand the circle of participation by collaborating with local communities and neighboring companies, and even involving our employees’ families. Efforts to eradicate coreopsis lanceolata, a designated invasive alien species, are being undertaken in collaboration with local governments and neighboring companies. We have been working toward regional eradication, expanding our area of activity and seeing participation increase year by year. At the Yanami wetlands in Toyota City, a Ramsar Convention-registered wetland where endangered species like the Shiratama-hoshikusa and Mikawa-shiogama grow, we conduct conservation activities on an ongoing basis with the city and local preservation groups.
Additionally, in FY 2024, we built a new grassy biotope on the rooftop of our Head Office cafeteria to serve as a habitat for birds such as lapwings and ducks. We also hold events at this biotope for employees’ children to experience nature firsthand. Combined with our ongoing efforts to help manage the biotope at a nearby elementary school, these activities help convey the importance of nature to children.
Development of a pesticide for Argentine ants, a designated invasive species
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. In FY 2024, we began eradication efforts in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, and we will continue to engage in efforts that protect biodiversity by collaborating with local governments and communities that are struggling to eradicate designated invasive species.
Recognized at the Good Life Award
Our initiative, “Protect biodiversity from the invasive Argentine ant! A sustainable ant project for sustainable eradication,” received the Executive Committee Special Award for Sustainable Design at the 12th Good Life Award hosted by the Ministry of the Environment. The Good Life Award is a project that supports environmentally and socially beneficial activities undertaken by companies, schools, NPOs, local governments, communities, and individuals, broadly recognizing initiatives that embody the SDGs.
Recognized as a GOOD DESIGN BEST 100
Our Argentine ant pesticide “Puritto Bait” was selected in the GOOD DESIGN BEST 100 category at the GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2025, organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. This award highly commended not only our collaboration with government agencies and research institutions to understand the actual circumstances in the field, but also our commitment to improve work efficiency and address social issues, along with our considerations for the environment and safety.
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 200 kg (approximately 200,000 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.
Community engagement
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.
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. Going forward, we will strengthen our collaboration with society, further expand the scope of our activities, and promote initiatives that help conserve the natural environment.
Participation in the 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.
