Distribution-based initiatives

From CSR Report 2007Logistics initiatives

The Citizen group has been taking measures for waste reduction by rationalizing transportation to and from overseas manufacturing sites. For example, utilization of reusable small-sized standard containers is a part of reflux logistics in transportation process for exporting manufacturing materials and importing complete products.
In 2006, Citizen Machinery Co., Ltd. adopted this strategy in its logistics to export manufacturing materials for machine tool cables to China and importing the complete cable products. As a result, waste reduction was achieved significantly by saving 240 large-sized disposable cartons (1.2t by weight) per year.
Furthermore, a number of trucks necessary for domestic and international ground transportation was reduced due to stackable performance of small-sized standard containers. Loading efficiency was highly improved since one large-sized truck is now sufficient for one shipment, which used to require two trucks.

From CSR Report 2006Logistics Initiatives

Initiatives are implemented by Citizen to rationalize transportation from overseas production sites and reduce waste.

Case 1

Carts directly carried onto the container

Baggage is loaded onto carts upon its arrival following the domestic transportation process so that it can be easily carried onto a marine transportation container and shipped overseas. Beneficial effects include (1) Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced as a forklift is no longer necessary in loading baggage onto the container. (2) By shipping materials in a durable plastic box, and receiving products in the same box, waste reduction has been achieved.

Case 2

Although liquid crystal glass used to be transported in a cardboard box just for shipment purposes, the plastic returnable box that can be collapsed has been introduced, and efforts are made to collapse the box in order to reduce volume.

From CSR Report 2005Toward More Efficient Distribution

The distribution centers for the Group's major domestic?production sites were previously located in the Cities of West Tokyo and Iida, but in July 2004 we consolidated these into a single center in Narita. This increased our distribution efficiency, and it reduced CO2 emissions from our distribution transports by 14%, with a particularly significant reduction in the Koshin region.
As we move ahead, we shall work to achieve additional efficiencies and CO2 reductions in other distribution transports between domestic Group companies.

From CSR Report 2003Environmentally-friendly Packaging Materials

Citizen Watch has converted to the use of environmentally-friendly steel packing containers for the machine tools it exports. As a replacement for older packing materials, especially wood, this method conserves forest resources, and the containers can be used again as a valuable resource in the destination country. Additionally, these containers can be about 20% smaller in volume than wood, thus reducing total freight costs and being better for the environment.
For exports of small components, meanwhile, Citizen opts for reusable mini-containers, eliminating the need for individual component packaging for overseas shipments. This has resulted in a big reduction in the amount of packaging materials used, a marked mitigation of environmental burden and cost savings as well. The lid and floor panel are made of plastic-reinforced cardboard. Folded up, six mini-containers can be bundled together to take as little space as one unfolded mini-container, helping to minimize the cost of returning empty containers.