NANGOKU PAPER MFG--Innovations in Paper Manufacturing that Weave Nature into the Fabric of Paper--April 1995

NANGOKU PAPER MFG--Innovations in Paper Manufacturing that Weave Nature into the Fabric of Paper--April 1995
In the early 1990s, the environmental burden associated with Japan's rapid economic growth became apparent, and keywords such as "sustainable development" and "zero emissions" began to affect corporate management. Particularly in the manufacturing industry, there was a demand to reduce environmental impact, and in the pulp and paper industry, the dioxin problem caused by chlorine bleaching was attracting public attention. Against this backdrop, Nangoku Paper, a medium-sized paper manufacturer in Kochi Prefecture, was quick to take the helm in developing environmentally friendly products. Specifically, the company focused on the production of unbleached recycled paper and environmentally labeled products, with an eye toward responding to the European green consumption market. The company also introduced a system for circulating and treating liquid waste from its mills, achieving zero emissions and gaining recognition within the industry. NANGOKU PAPER MFG's efforts to go beyon
d mere environmental measures and make them a pillar of its corporate brand attracted attention, and the company came into the limelight as a pioneering "green company. NANGOKU PAPER MFG's efforts are regarded as a good example of how it is possible to balance the environment and business management, even for small and medium-sized regional companies, and served as an opportunity to raise awareness of environmental management throughout Japan.