Environment
Biodiversity
Considering the impacts of our businesses on ecosystems, we at Kaneka strive to develop technologies, materials and products that have less environmental impacts, as well as to mitigate the environmental impacts of our production.
As part of our corporate social responsibility efforts, we also collaborate with stakeholders outside the company in biodiversity conservation activities.
Participation in Biodiversity Activities
- Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation
- Japan Business and Biodiversity Partnership
Takasago Manufacturing Site “Kaneka Forestry for the Future”
At the Takasago Manufacturing Site, we have been engaged since 2012 in the “Kaneka Forest for the Future” project to conserve satoyama—woodlands that border farmland—in Taka, Hyogo Prefecture. These woodlands lie upstream of the Kakogawa River, the site’s water source. Activities were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in June 2024.
Under the slogan “Enriching the heart with the green of the forest,” we work with local residents, partner groups, and employees to promote harmony between people and forests, protect biodiversity, and carry clean water to the Harima-nada Sea to help sustain a healthy marine environment.
We will continue to raise environmental awareness and engage in activities to protect satoyama landscapes.
Osaka Manufacturing Site “Settsu‒no‒mori Kaneka Biotope”
Since 2012, we have operated the Settsu-no-mori Kaneka Biotope(*) on the premises of the Osaka Manufacturing Site in collaboration with the Settsu Firefly Society, to create a firefly habitat in Settsu City.
Along with the appearance of fireflies in May and June, we open the Osaka Manufacturing Site to the public for a firefly viewing gathering. Since 2017, as the yearly kickoff event of this gathering, we have held an ensemble concert by the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra at the site.
We will continue our activities as a plant open to the local community.
* Biotope: A compound word from the Greek “bios” (life) and “topos” (place). The concept, introduced to Japan from Germany, refers to a restored habitat for wildlife.
The photo shows the activity in the May 2023.
Entrance to “Settsu‒no‒mori Kaneka Biotope”
Firefly viewing gathering
Firefly Evening Concert
Shiga Manufacturing Site “Walnut School”
Employees at the Shiga Manufacturing Site have joined the Walnut School’s efforts to conserve the Konooka Biotope, a precious natural environment of Lake Biwa, as a steering committee member.
The Walnut School consists of members of local residents’ associations, including Shiga Prefecture, Otsu City, and the Shiga Manufacturing Site. We participated in its summer and autumn nature observation gatherings and regular activities, such as grass mowing, sidewalk maintenance, the updating of tree signs and so on.
The natural observation gatherings provide valuable learning opportunities for children to observe rare plants, wild birds, and insects in the biotope and to understand its importance.
We will continue to contribute to the conservation of the beautiful natural environment of Lake Biwa.
