Distribution and Other Environmental Activities

Environmental activities aimed at the distribution process, which moves product from the place of production to the customer, focus on reducing the travel distance of trucks without lowering product quality. This is a perfect example of activity that reduces both costs and environmental impact.

Improving Regional Self-Sufficiency for Truck Deliveries We plan to increase delivery efficiency by dividing the country into six regions and improving self-sufficiency for product supply within each. Other efforts include reducing fuel usage 15% by limiting trucks' speed and making effective use of return trips following delivery.

Effective Truck Use through Joint Deliveries with Other Companies In October 2000, Takara and Sapporo Breweries, Co.,Ltd. began cooperative use of delivery trucks in the Hokkaido Region. Through working with other companies, we can achieve a more effective product delivery system and reduce the environmental impact caused by distribution.

Introduction of Standard Industrial Plastic Pallets In 1998 we introduced industry-standard plastic pallets, which last 6 times as long as wooden pallets.

Using Heating Pads to Reduce Fuel Consumption in Winter Truck deliveries involve waiting time during loading and unloading. Drivers run the truck heaters in the winter, especially during waiting times. Takara Butsuryu System Co., Ltd. will distribute heating pads to drivers to reduce truck heater use, a move expected to save 3 kl of fuel per truck per year. (The heating pads charge in 3 hours and operate for 6 hours).

Recycling Used Shochu Casks into Wood Products The straw casks used for seishu have traditionally been reused as pickling barrels, an effective use of resources. Our shochu, beginning with Takara Shochu "Jun", is blended from raw alcohol aged in white oak casks. Aging facilities for raw alcohol are located in Shirakawa factory in Fukushima and Takanabe factory in Miyazaki; casks that have passed their usable life span are converted by Ariake Sangyo, Co., Ltd into planters, woodcrafts, and flooring.