The Sumitomo Rubber Group focuses on sustainable business practices that harmonize with society and the environment. In December 2020, the group launched its new corporate philosophy framework, “Our Philosophy,” to act as a powerful driver in achieving its overarching strategies. Their purpose—what defines their very existence—was established as: “Creating ultimate peace of mind and joy through innovation that shapes the future.” By centering every decision and action on this purpose, the group aims to enhance not just economic value but also social value, contributing to the creation of a sustainable society.
Our group recognizes the proper management of water resources as a critical business challenge. To address the global water scarcity crisis, we monitor water usage across all our production sites and work to reduce our environmental impact.
Furthermore, as part of our biodiversity and natural resource initiatives, we are conducting assessments of business risks and opportunities related to nature, in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). Within this assessment, water resources and wastewater have been identified as key business issues. We are advancing further countermeasures through analysis of regional characteristics within our value chain.
Within Our Group, initiatives related to water resources are promoted in an integrated manner under the leadership of the Sustainability Management Promotion HQ, in collaboration with top management and relevant departments.
To promote sustainability management, Our Group convenes the Sustainability Promotion Committee twice a year. The Committee is chaired by the Executive Director in Charge of Sustainability and consists of executive officers responsible for each division. Through these meetings, the Committee ensures the implementation of Group-wide policies and monitors progress on material issues.
Under the Sustainability Promotion Committee, subcommittees have been established as working groups. In the area of water resource management, the Environmental Management System (EMS) Subcommittee and the Biodiversity Subcommittee operate as cross-functional organizations to monitor initiatives and promote related activities.
Based on the TNFD recommendations, the Sumitomo Rubber Group analyzed the impact of its business on nature. In identifying material issues, we used the ENCORE natural risk assessment tool to evaluate and investigate nature-related risks closely linked to our Tire, Sports, and Industrial Products businesses. We then identified potential business risks throughout the value chain and considered and analyzed the magnitude of their potential impact on our business.
We also assess water resource conservation as part of our nature-related business risks and opportunities assessment. For example, there is a risk that the depletion of water resources near our factories could adversely affect the continuity of our business. However, we expect to reduce costs and environmental impact by promoting efficient water use and introducing water recycling facilities.
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To manage water-related risks, our group conducted risk assessments at all production sites using the WRI Aqueduct score—a tool for evaluating water risks— along with our own criteria, such as the presence of relevant regulations and the volume of water withdrawal. Based on the results, seven sites (representing 28% of all production sites) were identified as high water risk locations, and these sites also account for 28% of the total water withdrawal across all production sites.
| Name of Site | Production item | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Changshu Factory | Automotive tyres | Changshu Economic Development Zone, Jiangsu Province, China |
| Hunan Factory | Automotive tyres | China Hunan Province Changsha City |
| Thailand Factory | Automotive tyres/ Motorcycle tyres Agricultural and Industrial Vehicle tyres |
Thailand, Rayong Province, Amata City Rayong Industrial Estate |
| Indonesia Factory | Automotive tyres/ Golf ball Motorcycle tyres |
Indonesia, Karawang Regency, Cikampek City |
| Brazil Factory | Automotive tyres | Brazil, Paraná State, Fazenda Rio Grande City |
| Turkey Factory | Automotive tyres | Republic of Turkey Çankırı |
| South Africa Factory | Automotive tyres | Republic of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Province |
Data on wastewater by factory are presented in the non-financial data section and the environmental report for each factory.
The targets and results are as follows.
| 2024 Target | Water withdrawal (per unit) compared to the previous year: -1% |
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| 2024 Results | Water withdrawal (per unit) compared to the previous year: +1% |
| 2025 Target | Average over the past 5 years: -1% (total) |
| 2026 Target | Water withdrawal (per unit) compared to the previous year: -1% |
| Mid- to Long-term Target | 100% recycled water usage at bases of operations in areas with high water security risk |
The Sumitomo Rubber Group has established the Long-Term Sustainability Target, "Driving Our Future Initiatives," which aims for 100% recycling of factory wastewater at locations identified as high water-risk sites. Seven overseas factories have been designated as high water-risk locations, and in 2024, Sumitomo Rubber (Thailand)’s Factory 1 and Factory 2 successfully achieved 100% recycling of factory wastewater. Other factories are also developing scenarios to achieve 100% water recycling and are progressing steadily with these efforts.
We have installed wastewater treatment equipment and are working to purify effluent to prevent any adverse impact on the surrounding environment.
Every year, during Japan's designated "Water Day" (August 1st) and "Water Week" (August 1st–7th), established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, we host quizzes for our employees. These quizzes focus on the importance of water resources and our company’s water-related initiatives, aiming to raise awareness in a fun and engaging way.
