Contribution to a Circulating Society

The CITIZEN Group Resource Circulating Vision (Established in April 2020)

Long-Term Vision for 2050

Recognizing the importance of resource circulation to not only prevent resource depletion but also reduce GHG emissions throughout the value chain as a means of countering climate change, The CITIZEN Group will contribute to the development of a circular economy and the realization of a circulating society by promoting the sustainable use of resources through resource conservation, 3R activities, zero waste emissions, and the preservation of water resources.

Mid-Term Priority Measures for the Period through 2030
  1. Promoting the use of sustainable resources through resource conservation activities, such as reducing raw material use, using sustainable packaging and containers, switching to digital user manuals and product catalogs, using recycled paper and paper with forest certification, lessening the environmental impact of shipping and packaging materials, reducing paper use at plants and offices, and 3R initiatives.
  2. Contributing to the prevention of global warming and of ocean pollution by plastics by reducing the plastic waste emitted from business sites and reducing single-use plastic containers and packaging.
  3. Contributing to the sustainable use of water resources by reducing water use and withdrawal in business activities through means such as water recycling and reducing water use in cleaning

Waste Reduction Targets

The CITIZEN Group is promoting waste reduction activities in all workplaces, from factories to offices and employee cafeterias, with the aim of realizing a recycling-oriented society through waste reduction and recycling. We have set a domestic recycling rate target of 99.5% or higher, and will continue our efforts to recycle resources through the effective use of waste.

Promotion of Waste Reduction Activities

To contribute to the formation of a recycling-oriented society, The CITIZEN Group is promoting the reduction of waste emissions and the recycling of resources. In FY2022, the recycling rate in Japan was 99.8%, the same high level as the previous year.

As part of our waste reduction initiatives, CITIZEN SYSTEMS is implementing a gradual transition in the packaging of thermometers for the domestic market. Commencing with products manufactured in December 2022, we are shifting from conventional plastic and cardboard packaging to environmentally-conscious "bagasse paper" packaging derived from sugarcane. This innovative packaging solution harnesses the potential of non-wood waste resources like sugarcane stems and leaves previously discarded in the sugar-making process. By substituting traditional plastic and cardboard packaging, which allows product visibility, with bagasse paper packaging, we anticipate reducing plastic usage by approximately 14 tons per annum. This transition underscores our commitment to sustainable practices and the responsible management of resources.

Byproducts and Waste Emissions
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Breakdown of byproducts and waste emissions
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Development of "Waste and Recycling Governance"

The CITIZEN Group is actively enhancing its waste and recycling governance, with a specific emphasis on three key aspects: "establishing a comprehensive system that involves both internal and external stakeholders," "mitigating the inherent risks associated with outsourced waste and recycling operations," and "promoting transparency by sharing information about our initiatives."

Waste undergoes diverse processing and recycling procedures. In the unlikely event that improper processing or illegal disposal occurs, repercussions could involve the violation of the Waste Disposal and Public Cleaning Law. This might lead to legal consequences, including potential imprisonment, fines, and public disclosure of the involved company's name.

Throughout FY2022, we conducted internal environmental audits across our various sites and group-wide internal environmental audits at six domestic companies and nine sites within Japan through a sampling approach. Any identified risks at one site are communicated to all sites for focused examination. In the same fiscal year, particular attention was given to aligning with the revised Freon Emission Control Law introduced in FY2020, as well as strengthening our management of chemical substances.

[Case Study]Supporting Greening of Deserts with Proceeds from the Sale of 150,000 Used Batteries for Recycling

CITIZEN RETAIL PLANNING

At CITIZEN Retail Planning's watch retailers "on-time" and "move," over 100,000 battery replacements occur annually, resulting in a substantial accumulation of used silver oxide batteries. In response, we have initiated the Earth Green ACTION program to support desert greening initiatives through collaboration with NGOs. Proceeds from selling these used silver oxide batteries are directed to recycling companies, supporting projects that transform desertified areas into lush green spaces. Notably, we are actively involved in a project targeting the conversion of the "Hongshan Dark Shadi," an artificially desertified region within China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, into a thriving ecosystem. In FY2022, we successfully sold approximately 150,000 used batteries and planted around 58,000 locally suitable seedlings, covering an area of 1.6 hectares. This endeavor has the capacity to absorb roughly 755 tons of CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to global warming mitigation and reducing the spread of yellow sand. To communicate our commitment to customers, we provide an Earth Green ACTION Participation Certificate alongside battery replacements, effectively sharing our dedication to greening endeavors. Together with our valued customers, we endeavor to harness the potential of waste batteries for fostering sustainability through impactful greening initiatives.

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