E :Environment
Living in Harmony with Nature
Water and Effluents
KPI
Responsible Departments
Our position and Targets
Review of FY 2024 Activities
Introduction of Initiatives
Future challenges
KPI
Move the screen to the left or right to see the table information
| Item | FY 2023 results | FY 2024 results |
|---|---|---|
| Water intake | (Consolidated) 9,164 thousand m3 |
(Consolidated) 9,717 thousand m3
|
| Percentage of Recycled and Reused Water , Circulating Water Volume※1 | (Consolidated) 134％ 12,289 thousand m3 |
(Consolidated) 108％ 10,463 thousand m3 |
| Total water consumption*2 | (Consolidated)13,896 thousand m3 | (Consolidated)12,395 thousand m3 |
| Water sources significantly affected by water intake |
(Consolidated) NA <Endangered species> There are endangered species in the Miya River (Mie), Kanogawa River (Mishima), and Kaname River (Hiratsuka) (red list of threatened species) <Intake of water from protected areas> Not applicable. There is no intake of water from protected areas. |
(Consolidated) NA <Endangered species> There are endangered species in the Miya River (Mie), Kanogawa River (Mishima), and Kaname River (Hiratsuka) (red list of threatened species) <Intake of water from protected areas> Not applicable. There is no intake of water from protected areas. |
| Total wastewater discharge | 7,557 thousand m3 | 7,785 thousand m3 |
| Water quality and total wastewater emissions by type of discharge | Surface water 5,817 thousand m3 Groundwater 0 thousand m3 Sewerage 1,301 thousand m3 Others 439 thousand m3 |
Surface water 5,975 thousand m3 Groundwater 0 thousand m3 Sewerage 1,324 thousand m3 Others 485 thousand m3 |
| Total number of serious leaks and amount of wastewater leaked | None | None |
| Number of incidents of non-compliance with water quality/quantity permits, standards and regulations | None | None |
| Total quantity of hazardous waste transported, imported or processed, and percentage of waste that was transported internationally | NA | NA |
| Waterways and connected habitats affected by wastewater discharge — locations, size, conservation status, and value of biodiversity | NA | NA |
- 1 Percentage of water recycled/reused = Amount of water circulated ÷ Ratio of water withdrawal
- 2 Total water consumption = total water withdrawal + circulated water - total wastewater (also considering circulated water)
Responsible Departments
Each business location
- Performance is managed by the Production Environmental Task Force.
Our position and Targets
Why is “Water” a critical issue to be addressed?
Explanation of the reason and background
The Yokohama Rubber Group use water in two ways; one is direct use, in which, water is used as cooling water for boilers and production facilities at production sites, and the other is indirect use, in which water is used by our suppliers to provide us materials and services.
Regarding direct use, the degree and composition of water risks vary (physical risk, regulatory-related risk, and reputation risk, etc.) depending on what geographical region our production site is located. Therefore, it is important for each site to effectively use precious water resources in line with the local condition.
In addition, for the indirect use of water in the production process for raw materials such as natural rubber as well, we think that it is necessary to take the appropriate responses as necessary after confirming the situation. This is based on our understanding that if it becomes impossible to procure raw materials due to water-related risks at suppliers, it could directly lead to serious problems that affect our operations.
Regarding direct use, the degree and composition of water risks vary (physical risk, regulatory-related risk, and reputation risk, etc.) depending on what geographical region our production site is located. Therefore, it is important for each site to effectively use precious water resources in line with the local condition.
In addition, for the indirect use of water in the production process for raw materials such as natural rubber as well, we think that it is necessary to take the appropriate responses as necessary after confirming the situation. This is based on our understanding that if it becomes impossible to procure raw materials due to water-related risks at suppliers, it could directly lead to serious problems that affect our operations.
Water use policy
Our domestic bases are blessed with rich water resources, which allows us to use water effectively as a recycled resource*. However, some of our overseas bases are located in areas with limited water availability. For this reason, it is necessary to conduct water risk assessment in each area where our site is located and work to ensure that water is properly managed by the site. We also find it is necessary to check the usage status of water at suppliers, and work together with each supplier to take countermeasures in the event that significant risks are found.
Furthermore, in FY2024, we will finalize measures for natural capital in line with TNFD and implement appropriate water resource management.
We will also broadly disclose information on the progress of these efforts through various means such as external questionnaires (CDP water security questionnaire, etc.) and our website.
Furthermore, in FY2024, we will finalize measures for natural capital in line with TNFD and implement appropriate water resource management.
We will also broadly disclose information on the progress of these efforts through various means such as external questionnaires (CDP water security questionnaire, etc.) and our website.
- We use water based on formal procedures such as agreements with each region (regional administration).
Water risk assessments
In production site areas using a lot of water, we use existing water risk assessment tools such as the WRI's Aqueduct to check the results of potential water risk assessment. We use existing tools and locally available information to make a comprehensive judgment on water risks.
Based on the obtained results, we identify the highest risk among representative water risks (physical risk, regulatory-related risk, and reputation risk, etc.) for each base, and consider what measures should be taken for them in descending order of priority.
Based on the obtained results, we identify the highest risk among representative water risks (physical risk, regulatory-related risk, and reputation risk, etc.) for each base, and consider what measures should be taken for them in descending order of priority.
Vision and targets
We will promote 3R initiatives for water at all of our business sites, and in their areas including the supply chain, and strive to use water in a sound manner and conserve water resources. In this way, we will contribute to an appropriate water cycle on a global scale.
Mid-term targets are set for water use in Japan and overseas.
Based on these targets, and after confirming water risks and the status of wastewater, we will improve recycled water use and ultimately aim for a closed system.
Mid-term targets are set for water use in Japan and overseas.
Based on these targets, and after confirming water risks and the status of wastewater, we will improve recycled water use and ultimately aim for a closed system.
Measures for vision achievement
At domestic and overseas production sites, we conduct the following initiatives aimed at reducing the standard consumption unit of water intake by 1% year-on-year.
- Reinforce countermeasures to reduce water usage at the sites subject to higher physical risks (high water shortage probability).
- Thoroughly manage drainage water quality at the sites subject to higher regulatory risks.
- Enhance area communication at the sites subject to higher reputational risks.
- We will introduce water recycling facilities, increase recycled water use, and reduce the volume of water discharge.
Review of FY 2024 Activities
Transition of water intake and total water consumption are shown below.
In fiscal year 2024, water intake was 9,717 thousand m3. With the addition of Y-ATG`s Vizag Plant, production increased by 10% compared to 2023, resulting in a 6% increase. On the other hand, total water consumption was 12,395 thousand m3, with a decrease in circulating water usage, resulting in a 10.8% decrease compared to 2023.
In fiscal year 2024, water intake was 9,717 thousand m3. With the addition of Y-ATG`s Vizag Plant, production increased by 10% compared to 2023, resulting in a 6% increase. On the other hand, total water consumption was 12,395 thousand m3, with a decrease in circulating water usage, resulting in a 10.8% decrease compared to 2023.
Trends in water withdrawal and total water consumption
Water risk assessment is conducted by using results from existing water risk assessment tools such as the WRI's Aqueduct and locally available information to classify water volume risk (India and the Philippines), water quality risk (Japan, U.S., Thailand, Vietnam, Russia and Taiwan), and water volume and quality risk (China and Indonesia), and to conduct manage risks by country.
As a result of water stress assessment, it was found that areas with "Extremely High" or "High" water stress were China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam and Israel.
Water intake in these countries and regions is as follows. In fiscal year 2024, it reached 1,956 thousand m³, an increase of 3.7% compared to the previous year.
As a result of water stress assessment, it was found that areas with "Extremely High" or "High" water stress were China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam and Israel.
Water intake in these countries and regions is as follows. In fiscal year 2024, it reached 1,956 thousand m³, an increase of 3.7% compared to the previous year.
India water risk map
China water risk map
Source：Word Resources Institute Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas
[Examples] Level of water risk severity, based on data from the World Resources Institute (WRI)
[Examples] Level of water risk severity, based on data from the World Resources Institute (WRI)
We are conducting an assessment of water risk in the regions where our group's business sites are located using the WWF Water Risk Filter, as recommended by the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).
- We made a report by responding to a questionnaire relating to the CDP Water program and the supply chain again in FY2024. The breakdown of water intake quantity is 60% in Japan and 40% overseas.
- We make effective use of water at all bases through continuously taking measures to prevent leakage and improving equipment for using recycled water. In particular, a closed water circulation system is being introduced to many overseas production sites to address physical (water shortage) risks.
- Regarding wastewater, we regularly check that the quality of the water being discharged does not pose any problems. We also make sure that such wastewater meets the water quality standards of the countries and regions where our bases a located.
At overseas production bases in areas with high water risks (Thailand and India), closed systems have been introduced at the time of plant construction, and there is minimal water uptake and no water discharge.
The table below shows the volume of water discharged.
The table below shows the volume of water discharged.
Production overseas increased, resulting in a total wastewater discharge of 7,785 thousand m3, a 3.0% increase from the previous year. Domestic wastewater discharge decreased by 1.0% from the previous year despite ongoing efforts to address leakage.
Non-compliance with water quality/quantity permits, standards, and regulations
Move the screen to the left or right to see the table information
| FY 2023 | FY 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of non-compliance incidents | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties (financials and/or operational) | None | None |
| Fines | None | None |
| Guidance/Enforcement orders | None | None |
Introduction of Initiatives
At our domestic production sites in Mie and Onomichi, we have made capital investments in leakage control of facility and facility pipes and equipment for using recycled water.
At our overseas production site in India, we introduced the closed system※ at the time of constructing the plant.
At our overseas production site in India, we introduced the closed system※ at the time of constructing the plant.
- A complete recycling system that takes about two months to purify and settle the water used for cleaning on the factory grounds.
In Thailand and China, we collect rainwater and use it as cooling water and daily life water for restrooms.
In addition, water treatment facilities have been installed at production sites to prevent the deterioration of drainage water quality.
For example, the Hiratsuka Factory operates wastewater treatment facilities that neutralize the water used for rinsing in the surface treatment process and other waste liquids.
In addition, water treatment facilities have been installed at production sites to prevent the deterioration of drainage water quality.
For example, the Hiratsuka Factory operates wastewater treatment facilities that neutralize the water used for rinsing in the surface treatment process and other waste liquids.
Water treatment facilities at our production base in Italy
At the Nagano Plant, a water circulating system has been introduced to recycle drainage water as cooling water, etc.
Nagano-water recycling system
Water Use Survey at Natural Rubber Plantations
Y.T. Rubber Co., Ltd. (YTRC), a natural rubber processing company within the Yokohama Rubber Group, has been conducting surveys at natural rubber plantations in the Surat Thani district of Thailand since 2019. This initiative aims to assess the environmental and human rights impacts of natural rubber production and to foster communication with local rubber farmers. As of the end of 2024, YTRC has visited and interviewed 861 farms. Regarding water usage on these farms, the majority of farmers rely solely on rainwater. However, YTRC has identified a number of farmers who have reported a decrease in natural rubber yields due to recent rainfall shortages. Based on these findings, YTRC believes it is necessary to monitor alternative water resource utilization beyond rainwater in the future.
Our core businesses, tire and MB, have a high reliance on water usage in our factories. As such, there are concerns about water pollution and the impact on surrounding ecosystems at the wastewater discharge points. To assess the impact on water sources and discharge points, we are engaging in "Biodiversity Conservation Activities" at our production facilities.
Future challenges
We will build a system to ascertain data on global water usage status, and implement the following initiatives.
- Formulation of Yokohama Rubber Group standards (guidelines) for the proper water management
- Enhancement of awareness toward water-related initiatives and their necessity within the Company
- Joint implementation of initiatives for water use throughout the supply chain
- Development of low-water-use facilities, and review of and investment in closed systems
- We have incorporated water usage into our Biodiversity Guidelines, outlining efforts to avoid and reduce negative impacts and increase positive impacts.
