New Developments in Peripheral Environmental Industries

Sales of FluPolo, a measuring device that effectively analyzes hormone disrupters The hormone disrupter problem became a social concern in Japan from about 1998. Identification of materials that interfere with the function of the endocrine system and research into the underlying mechanisms are being carried out worldwide. Conventional mechanical analytical technology only indicates the presence of suspected hormone disrupters, but our new technology reveals the strength of the coupling of suspect substances with hormone receptors, allowing true measurement of the disrupters. We also began sales of the Fluorescent Intensity Measuring Device FluPolo in April 2000. This unit can analyze multiple samples (6 - 384) at once and is contributing to making hormone disrupter analysis and research more effective.
Our Genetic Analysis Technology to Prevent the Poaching of Rare Animals has been Noted by the International Whaling Commission The genetic analysis undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to protect whale species protected from commercial hunting has attracted the attention of the International Whaling Commission. This analysis brings together the Japan Whale Institute with our technology to undertake genetic profiling of protected whale species. Comparison with the genetic makeup of whale meat on the market helps expose poaching and maintain populations of the whale species.
Start of GMO Testing through Genetic Analysis Technology Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are becoming a social issue with high consumer awareness. Despite many publicized official opinions and the research conducted by national organizations on the safety of GMOs, consumers are strongly demanding disclosure of the existence of GMOs in food products. We employ the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to enable the detection of even a minute amount of GMO material in farm produce and processed food. In November 1999 we established Gene Certification Co., Ltd. with Mitsubishi Corporation as a company to continue this testing work. We have also been contracted by the New Energy Development Organization to undertake a portion of the work to standardize detection systems for genetically modified products.

OCIA Certified Takara Organic Hon-Mirin Organic food generally means food which is made from agricultural products grown on land that has been free of chemical fertilizer and agricultural chemicals for more than three years, and which does not contain food additives. In other developed countries, products certified by appropriate third parties may be labeled organic. Takara Organic Hon-Mirin uses only organically grown rice and mochi rice, organic rice hulls, and organic rice shochu. We acquired international certification from the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), a certification organization based in the USA. Inspectors from the U.S. visited our Matsudo factory to inspect each step of the manufacturing process and strictly audit our manufacturing methods and our storage methods for ingredients. We also used non-wood paper made of kenaf for the label and included an easy-to-remove cap to make this a very environmentally friendly product. High costs and the unstable supply of ingredients makes it impossible to convert all of our products to comply with organic standards. However, we will continue development and aim to be able to deliver organic products to those customers asking for these.

Developing Organic Hon-Mirin: Impressions from a Project Member Organic Hon-Mirin is our first product to meet international organic certification standards. I would like to write about my impressions that came from working with organic foods. Contributions to our green ink activities on the product development side (especially the marketing side) have focused on making materials more ecological. But when trying to incorporate "reverence for nature" into product development, the use of organic ingredients is one policy that people look for - in fact, it's seen as symbolic of corporate stance. Through the development of this product, I was able to meet with the organic certification inspector and people working with organic products. These people left me with the impression that they loved nature, felt that they themselves were a part of nature, and produced, ate, and learned from organic food to be close to nature. They showed an "organic heart". This concept of "organic" covers product liability, environmental measures, ISO-type management, and consumer education, and excludes GMOs; it comprehensively mandates that a reverence for nature be reflected in every element in order to receive certification. Organic Hon-Mirin is a niche product that will meet the needs of a limited, specific few. But we are grateful that we can join the ranks of organic food manufacturers, and will sell under a stronger recognition that putting such products into the hands of customers who request them is the mission of a national brand manufacturer.