Environmental Direction and Environmental Organization TaKaRa's Environmental Direction and Environmental Organization

The "TaKaRa" of Takara Shuzo has its origins in the Japanese ta kara for "from the rice fields". Making good sake requires abundant grain and clean water. These naturally presuppose the existence of an environment rich in natural resources. In other words, the existence of a healthy natural environment is essential for the development of TaKaRa. Under its corporate ideals, TaKaRa promotes environmental activities that seek a balance between environmental conservation and corporate development.

Corporate philosophy(established September 1985)

"To contribute to the creation of a vital society and healthy lifestyle for its members through our fermentation technology, and at the same time, to achieve harmony with nature."

Basic Ideals of our Environmental Activities

Production is an activity that fundamentally impacts the environment. We take this reality seriously and strive to reduce the environmental impact that accompanies production, returning to society some of the profits resulting from our corporate activities in the form of contributions to conservation activities. We consider these two items as duties accompanying corporate activities, and undertake environmental activities in accordance.

Environmental Activity Direction

* To aim for coexistence between economic responsibilities (responsibility for investments) and social responsibilities (responsibility for the environment) in our corporate activities. * To search for new values leading to the coexistence of customer satisfaction and social satisfaction. * Beginning with the understanding that "the global environment is an asset of all of society", to strive to report to society the impact of our production activities on the environment and to create a dialogue with society about environmental issues. (Environmental Information Disclosure) * To develop products and marketing methods that propose new values to the consumer while reducing environmental impact. (Environmental Marketing Development) * To plan the use of new technologies in solutions to environmental problems. (Technological Contribution) * To increase corporate competitiveness through the early implementation of environmental policies that anticipate a broadening of future environmental issues.

Environmental Activity Goals

* 100% recycling of all factory waste into resources: 2002 * Acquisition of ISO 14001 certification for all factories: 2002 (expanding to business divisions) * Manufacturing division CO2 reduction plan: Reduction of 6% from 1990 levels by 2001 * Energy conservation plan for distillation divisions: Reduce fuel use by 33% from 1997 levels by 2001