Water Neutrality

Core Principles

Since its establishment, the Otsuka group has maintained a deep connection with water, an essential resource that sustains life. Through products that use water as a key raw material, the group has actively contributed not only to the treatment and prevention of disease but also to the maintenance and promotion of health.
Accordingly, the group recognizes water as a vital resource and regards its conservation as both a critical global issue and an essential element in ensuring the sustainability of its business operations. Furthermore, as water resources are unevenly distributed across countries and regions and associated risks vary by location, the group collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders and continuously promotes water stewardship throughout the entire water cycle—from water withdrawal to water discharge. Guided by the principles of conserving water resources, using water responsibly, and returning clean water to the environment, the Otsuka group aims to support the sustainable use of water.

Indicators and Goals

Target of water usage reduction and its progress

> Please refer to the Integrated Report P92 Water neutrality

Initiatives for Water Conservation

Based on the concept of “Water Neutrality,” the Otsuka group is committed to conserving water resources throughout the entire water cycle, from water withdrawal to water discharge. In addition to complying with national and local laws and regulations, the group has established common Water Resource Management Guidelines that set management standards for water withdrawal, water discharge management, and water quality control. The group also promotes reductions in water usage at production sites, the reuse of treated water discharge, and water discharge management based on voluntary standards that exceed regulatory requirements, thereby contributing to the efficient use of water resources and the protection of aquatic environments.
Group companies are also implementing initiatives to minimize their impact on aquatic environments. At Taiho Pharmaceutical's Tokushima and Kitajima Plants, highly potent wastewater generated during pharmaceutical manufacturing processes is treated using ozone-based degradation technology. Following ozone treatment for inactivation, the wastewater is further processed at conventional wastewater treatment facilities, while treatment conditions are continuously monitored to help prevent adverse impacts on the aquatic environment.

> For more information, please refer to Taiho Pharmaceutical's website, "Care for the Aquatic Environment."