Pollution of the natural environment by waste and the resulting impact on ecosystems have become problematic, and efforts to recycle resources will help curb environmental destruction and reduce waste while making a major contribution to the protection of the global environment.
Under the Medium-Term Environmental Action Plan 21–25, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Group has set the goal of reducing the amount of waste generated and the amount of final waste disposed, to this end, we are advancing the “3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) + Renewable” from the standpoint of correct handling and effective resource use with the aim of realizing a circular economy.
Waste reduction targets (Japan)
- 30% reduction in the amount of waste generated by fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2019
- 50% reduction in the amount of final waste disposed by fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2019
As a waste-discharging enterprise, the Group properly implements and manages the conclusion of agreements with contractors for waste collection, conveyance and processing, the management of electronic manifests, and on-site confirmation of disposal contractors.
We choose waste disposal contractors who proactively recycle resources, conduct on-site confirmation before concluding these contracts, and evaluate whether disposal consignment is possible.
In fiscal 2024, amount of the waste generated at bases in Japan was 40% less than in fiscal 2019 and amount of final disposal was reduced by 78%, both figures exceeding targets. Additionally, the waste recycling rate was 62%. Going forward, we will continue to evaluate the revision of processing methods and vendor selection to improve recycling rates and reduce the amount of final waste disposed. Furthermore, by switching from disposal to treatment as valuable materials of equipment removed and solvents recovered in manufacturing processes, in fiscal 2024, we processed 359 tons as valuable materials.
Amount of waste generated (Japan)
Amount of final waste disposed (Japan)
In recent years, environmental pollution caused by the discharge and long-term accumulation of plastic waste in the ocean and other environments has become a major global problem. Additionally, disposal (incineration) of fossil-based plastics has been demonstrated to increase greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. In the Group, as initiatives related to these plastic issues, we are considering improving the plastic materials used for packaging pharmaceuticals and recycling waste plastics, and other measures.
The ratio of plastic waste recycled at bases in Japan in fiscal 2024 was 30%, but we are evaluating material recycling of waste blister packages and will continue to promote resource recovery.
The Group has proper management in place, in accordance with the Law Concerning the Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics, enacted on April 1, 2022. The amount of waste plastics generated in fiscal 2024 were as shown in the following diagram. (Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation: 54 tons, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Factory Ltd.: 142 tons)
＊ Blister package: Also known as “press-through package (PTP)” in Japan.
Amount of waste plastics generated and recycling rate (Japan)
Note: Information on this page pertains to activities and results for fiscal 2024.