The NOF Group makes efforts for the use and management of water resources as well as the appropriate treatment and management of plant wastewater in accordance with the Management Policy Regarding Responsible Care.
To this end, each plant and subsidiary is working on the following items.
　

1. Operation and wastewater management of specified facilities based on the Water Pollution Prevention Law
2. Thorough employee education on environment-related laws and regulations
3. Assessment of environmental impact when new facilities are established
4. Monitoring, confirmation, and enhancement of management status through internal audits
5. Disclosure of information through regular community dialogue
   　

In addition, at our business bases, we are working to reduce water consumption and improve efficiency in production. We achieve sustainable water resource management by promoting the effective use of water resources and reducing the burden on the environment.
Within the NOF Group, the RC Committee Chair, appointed by the President, is responsible for these initiatives. Through these efforts, we promote resource recycling and actively work to reduce environmental impact, thereby contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.

NOF has been carrying out the efficient use of water resources by estimating the amount of the water consumption. In fiscal 2024, total new water intake was 7.886 million m³, of which 1.407 million m³ was groundwater and 1.805 million m³ was city water.
Our water usage per million yen of net sales has increased by approximately 0.7% over the previous fiscal year, making us more dependent on water use. For the appropriate management and protection of water resources, we conduct employee education and awareness-raising activities, recognize the importance of sustainable water use, and continue to work to reduce water consumption.

The NOF Group discharges approximately 60%, or 3,596,000 ㎥, of the wastewater generated at each production site to seawater after appropriate treatment. In addition, about 32% is discharged to surface water, including rivers, and the remaining 8% to other organizations.

In order to promote reductions and efficiency improvements in water use at our business sites, NOF is circulating cooling water and reviewing manufacturing processes to reduce water intake.
We are also working to suppress water intake by reusing treated wastewater as cooling water.

We assessed water stress (drought)* at our domestic and overseas production sites using the Aqueduct 4.0 tool of the World Resources Institute (WRI). The assessment showed that in 2024 and 2030, some sites in Europe and Southeast Asia will be located in regions under water stress. By 2050, it is expected that sites in South America will also face a higher risk of water stress. Going forward, we will continue working to reduce water usage.

Wastewater from production activities is properly treated through treatment facilities before being discharged outside the plants. We monitor biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids,* and the like in wastewater. Along with ongoing equipment upgrades, we are improving our water quality management system and operating in compliance with prescribed limits. In addition, there have been no cases of violations of laws and regulations related to water quality.