14-Environmental Technology Summary-September 1995

1. Ebara's Environmental Audit and Waste Treatment Technology
Ebara focuses on environmental audits and waste treatment technology, particularly by creating a "Waste Proper Treatment Self-Evaluation Manual" to strengthen the framework of environmental audits. The company is also advancing the development of an environmental management system compliant with ISO14000, aiming to reduce environmental impacts across the company.

2. Liquefaction Technology for Waste Plastics
The Plastic Processing Promotion Association is developing technology to liquefy waste plastics into fuel from 1995 to 1996. This technology can handle waste containing difficult-to-process plastics, aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. A demonstration plant is scheduled to operate in Niigata.

3. Heisei Riken's Water Treatment Technology
Heisei Riken provides advanced technology in the manufacture of water treatment chemicals and the design of environmental countermeasure plants. Additionally, the company is expanding its environmental assessment and consulting services, working to create a new market based on its technological foundation.

4. NEDO's Support for Environmental Technology Development
NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) is providing subsidies to regional heat supply projects through its "Environmentally Harmonious Energy Community Support Project." This initiative aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts in local communities.

5. Japan Industry's Waste Treatment System
Japan Industry is aiming to modernize waste treatment by constructing an integrated treatment system that covers everything from collection to intermediate treatment, recycling, and final disposal. The company promotes the modernization of the waste treatment industry by providing technology and expertise while collaborating with government and citizens.

6. Practical Use of Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable plastics, which decompose in soil or water after disposal, have been attracting attention recently. As technological advancements progress, cost reductions and mass production are becoming feasible, potentially leading to the formation of a significant market. The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has begun supporting practical applications.

7. ASEAN's Independent Environmental Standards
ASEAN is considering the establishment of its own environmental standards to harmonize international and regional standards. This initiative aims to strengthen environmental efforts while considering the economic development of member countries.

8. Promotion of Electric Vehicles
The Ministry of International Trade and Industry and the Environment Agency have established subsidy programs for businesses and individuals to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. This initiative supports the introduction of low-pollution vehicles, aiming to reduce environmental impacts.

9. Promotion of Charcoal Use
As part of forest management, a model project to promote the carbonization of thinned wood is underway. Charcoal is used as a soil conditioner and is also attracting attention in the construction industry. This initiative is expected to contribute to the effective use of forest resources.

10. Development of Environmental Equipment Technology
Technological development of environmental equipment such as waste treatment systems is progressing, with public investment expanding in response to increased demand from government procurement. Companies are actively developing environmental equipment, contributing to the resolution of environmental issues through technological innovation.

14-Environmental Companies & Green Company Summary-September 1995

1. Ebara's Environmental Conservation Activities
Ebara aims to build a "circulatory symbiotic society" by treating waste as a resource and promoting environmental conservation activities. In 1993, they achieved the complete elimination of specific CFCs and established environmental conservation guidelines in 1994. The company is also developing internal systems in anticipation of ISO14000 compliance and plans to continue reducing environmental impacts.

2. The Environmental Research Institute of Shin Nihon Weather & Ocean
In 1995, Shin Nihon Weather & Ocean established the Environmental Research Institute, which provides environmental assessments and numerical analysis, contributing to the enhancement of Japan's environmental data. The establishment of this institute is expected to significantly expand the environmental business market, which is projected to grow to 500 billion yen by 2010, approximately four times its current size.

3. Partnership with AEA Technology
Ebara has partnered with the UK-based AEA Technology to strengthen environmental audits and waste management consulting for businesses. This partnership is expected to align with the development of the ISO14000 series standards and aims to secure several dozen contracts in its first year. International cooperation in the field of environmental auditing is anticipated to advance through this collaboration.

4. Growth of the Environmental Business Market
Japan's environmental business market is expected to expand to 500 billion yen by 2010. The increase in environmental consulting firms is driving demand for environmental measures and assessments. The establishment of Shin Nihon Weather & Ocean's Environmental Research Institute is expected to play a major role in this market expansion.

5. AIU Insurance's Environmental Liability Insurance
AIU Insurance offers environmental liability insurance as part of corporate risk management. This insurance represents a new initiative in Japan's non-life insurance industry, with information provision related to environmental management and audits being advanced. The demand for insurance products that address corporate environmental risks is expected to grow.

6. Heisei Riken's Environmental Consulting
Heisei Riken, which designs environmental countermeasure plants and manufactures water treatment chemicals, is also expanding its environmental assessment and consulting business. The company is leveraging its technical capabilities to strengthen its presence in the environmental sector and provide comprehensive environmental solutions to more companies.

7. Japan Research Institute's Waste Management Market
Japan Research Institute has launched an Onsite Incubation Consortium to establish a private-led advanced waste management market. The consortium aims to build an integrated waste management system and contribute to the advancement of waste management practices. This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of corporate waste management.

8. Deutsche Bank's Environmental Business
Deutsche Bank emphasizes environmental issues and has indicated plans to strengthen its environmental measures in future business development. The bank aims to take a leadership role in the environmental sector and promote sustainable societal practices. This initiative is expected to increase the bank's influence in the international environmental business arena.

9. Mercedes-Benz's Environmental Measures
Mercedes-Benz has developed kits to eliminate CFCs and replace them with alternative CFCs to protect the ozone layer. The company is also dedicating one-third of its research budget to environmental measures, actively engaging in environmental conservation activities. These efforts contribute to the development of environmentally conscious automotive industries and enhance corporate image.

10. Eitai Credit Union's Citizen Entrepreneurship Loan
Eitai Credit Union provides citizen entrepreneurship loans to support businesses related to the environment and health. The union offers up to 10 million yen per loan to support socially significant businesses, contributing to the development of local communities. This initiative is expected to further promote the activities of citizens and companies addressing environmental issues.

8th Issue - Summary of Green Companies & Environmental Enterprises - March 1995

1. Oakes Co.'s Environmental Equipment Business
Oakes Co., based in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture, has rapidly expanded from the skylight business to the environmental equipment sector. Its main products, such as small drying incinerators for the food service industry and rotary carbonization furnaces that recycle food waste and metal shavings, have garnered significant attention. This move has heightened interest in waste recycling, and the company aims to further expand its business. The increase in sales of environmental equipment is anticipated, with ongoing efforts to establish a sustainable business model.

2. Seibu Engineering's Environmental Equipment Production Increase
Seibu Engineering, headquartered in Kasuga-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture, manufactures energy-saving and environmental devices such as total heat exchangers, dry dehumidifiers, and organic solvent recovery units. With growing awareness of environmental issues, demand for these devices has surged, leading the company to construct a new factory to boost production. Seibu Engineering aims to achieve annual sales of 500 million yen, strengthening its sustainable business foundation. The company's technological prowess is recognized, solidifying its position in the environmental business sector.

3. Chiyoda Corporation's Environmental Management System
Chiyoda Corporation is developing an environmental management system compliant with ISO 14000 standards. It conducts environmental audits at construction sites both domestically and internationally, focusing on minimizing environmental impacts. The company is implementing a system that considers environmental protection across the entire construction process, from design to material procurement, construction, handover, and operation. This initiative is expected to raise environmental awareness within the industry and enhance international competitiveness.

4. Nissho Iwai's Environmental Activities
Nissho Iwai has adopted "sustainable development" as its core philosophy and is promoting environmental protection activities across the company. The company has established a dedicated organization, "Environment 21," to address global environmental issues. This organization is implementing concrete environmental protection measures, such as developing environmentally friendly business models and promoting recycling activities. Nissho Iwai is also enhancing global environmental awareness, aiming for the realization of a sustainable society.

5. Bridgestone's Environmental Management
Bridgestone has introduced an internal environmental audit system based on ISO 14000 to reduce environmental impact. The company is focused on the efficient use of resources in tire manufacturing and strict management of emissions to minimize environmental impact. Bridgestone is committed to building a sustainable production system and developing environmentally friendly products, fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. The company will continue to comply with international environmental standards and aims for global expansion.

6. Toyo Seihan and Pax's Recycled Products
Toyo Seihan and Pax have jointly developed ventilation fan filters made from recycled materials. These products, made from recycled paper such as milk cartons, are gaining attention as environmentally friendly items. Both companies are committed to improving recycling technology and developing sustainable products, strengthening their contribution to environmental protection. The launch of these products aims to enhance consumer recycling awareness and reduce environmental impact.

7. Asian Development Bank's Environmental Investment
The Asian Development Bank forecasts that environmental investments of $13 billion annually will be needed by 2000, with India and China accounting for the majority. In response, the bank plans to expand investment in environmental projects in Asia to promote sustainable development. By improving environmental infrastructure and enhancing energy efficiency, the bank aims to improve the region's environment while balancing economic growth.

8. Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Grey Water System Plan
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to promote grey water systems in areas such as Tama New Town to enhance urban water conservation. Grey water systems, which reuse treated wastewater, are expected to become widespread after 2010. This initiative is anticipated to contribute to the effective use of water resources and reduce environmental impact, serving as a model for sustainable urban water management. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will continue to promote infrastructure development towards a water-efficient city.

9. Environmental Harmonization Technology Research Association
In Nagano Prefecture, 501 manufacturing companies have formed the "Environmental Harmonization Technology Research Association." This association aims to develop environmentally friendly products, reduce industrial waste, and promote recycling. The association has established subcommittees for electricity, machinery, food, plastics, and wood, with joint research being conducted in each field. The prefectural government also supports this initiative, promoting the dissemination of low-impact industrial technologies.

10. Plastic Processing Promotion Association's Public Relations Video
The Plastic Processing Promotion Association offers a public relations video titled "Waste Incineration Energy for a Better Life" for free rental to the public. This video introduces the latest waste treatment technologies, such as waste fuel conversion and material recycling, and provides an easy-to-understand overview of global waste treatment, including the Saint-Ouen incineration plant in Paris. The association aims to raise recycling awareness and promote environmental protection through this activity.

Environmental News Summary - July 20, 2002

Environmental News Summary - July 20, 2002

1. Biomass Technology in International Competition
In Japan, the development of biomass energy technology is progressing, with high-efficiency hydrogen gasification technology at its core. This technology is the subject of intense competition between Japan, the U.S., and Europe, and Japan is actively working to secure international superiority. Demonstration tests are scheduled to begin in 2003, with effectiveness and economic feasibility to be verified over three years.

2. Environmentally Friendly Surface Treatment Technology
Shinto Surplast Co., Ltd. has adopted environmentally friendly surface treatment technology, achieving both waste reduction and reforming technology. This technology has been adopted by Chubu Electric Power and Tokyo Gas, and the company aims to double its orders within the next three years.

3. Final Disposal Site Resource Recovery Project
The Ministry of the Environment is planning the "Final Disposal Site Renaissance Project," which involves excavating waste from final disposal sites and processing it into molten slag using melting furnaces. This project aims to extend the lifespan of disposal sites by recycling waste into resources.

4. New Developments in Safe and Secure Business
Kobayashi Farm in Yamanashi Prefecture has launched the "Wine Beef" brand in response to the impact of BSE (mad cow disease). The farm uses environmentally friendly organic fertilizers, promoting the circulation of local resources. In addition, a partnership with a local cooperative group is also progressing.

5. The Challenge of Agricultural Production Corporations
Confectionery manufacturer Taneya has established an agricultural production corporation and is conducting trial cultivation of no-tillage rice. The company has also succeeded in cultivating pesticide-free mugwort, continuing efforts to provide consumers with safe and secure food ingredients.

6. Opposition to Carbon and Environmental Taxes
According to a survey conducted by the Petroleum Association of Japan, more than half of the respondents are opposed to the introduction of carbon and environmental taxes as measures to combat global warming. Concerns about increased tax burdens are particularly strong.

7. Support for the Promotion of Biodegradable Plastics
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries aims to increase the market share of biodegradable plastics in Japan from the current 0.03% to 10% by 2015. The 2003 budget includes plans for model projects to promote this initiative.

8. New Business for Craft Beer Breweries
Kirishima Kogen Beer has launched a recycling business for food waste using koji (malt starter). This technology enables the production of household feed at one-third of the traditional cost, leading to an increase in orders from local governments.

9. Zeotec's Waste Liquid Recycling
Zeotec Co., Ltd. is expanding its waste liquid recycling business nationwide by deploying treatment cars equipped with charge membrane recycling units. The company is responding to market needs and aims for early nationwide dominance.

10. International Standardization of Recycling Technology
Japan's plastic recycling technology is gaining international recognition, with efforts underway to establish unified standards with similar systems in Europe and the United States. This is expected to lead to the broader adoption of recycling technologies.