Resource Circulation

Our Concept and Policy of Resource Circulation

Resource recycling is a crucial management issue for manufacturers that rely on resources to provide products and services, and their responsibility to contribute to a “Material-Cycle Society  ” is becoming increasingly significant. In recent years, there has also been a growing call for a shift to a circular economy.
SII utilizes various resources, including mineral resources and plastics for products, biological resources such as wood and paper, and water resources in the production process. As part of our environmental policy, we assert that “Because we recognize the limits of our precious natural resources, we are increasing our efforts to reuse and recycle every resource possible.” We believe it is essential to utilize resources effectively and reduce waste throughout the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal and recycling, not just during the manufacturing and sales stages.
To this end, we adhere to the 3R concept by making thorough and efficient use of resources during the upstream and manufacturing stages. We prioritize material reuse whenever possible, and when disposal is necessary, we aim to minimize the amount sent to final disposal sites by partnering with recycling organizations to manage waste effectively.
Additionally, from the product planning and design stage, we strive to create products that are not only smaller and lighter with extended lifespans but also promote efficient resource use and recycling among our customers and end users. Furthermore, we are promoting the use of recycled materials and recycling, while ensuring that thorough quality checks of recycled materials are conducted before their use.

Waste

FY2023 Summary

In FY2023, we maintained our commitment to resource recycling by increasing the efficiency of material use, downsizing products, and reusing cleaning agents in line with the 3R principles.
At our Japanese sites, about 80% of waste consists of general waste, sludge, waste plastic, and scrap metal. In FY2023, the total waste generated increased by 95 tons compared to the previous year, primarily due to an increase in scrap metal from the disposal of production facilities and other items. However, the recycling rate improved by 10 percentage points. At international sites, metal scrap and waste liquids account for about 80% of the waste generated. In FY2023, the total waste generated was reduced by 587 tons, largely due to a significant decrease in metal scrap resulting from a decline in production.

Collection and Recycling

For effective use of resources, we promote the collection and recycling of used products and consumables.

　 　

Products	Industry Groups
Button Battery	Button Battery Recycling Promotion Center established in Battery Association of Japan
Small Rechargeable Batteries	Japan Portable Rechargeable Battery Recycling Center (JBRC)
Packaging	The Japan Containers and Packaging Recycling Association

Water Resources

FY2023 Summary

Recognizing water as a precious natural resource, SII is committed to the 3Rs of water resources. In addition to reducing water withdrawal, we are actively promoting the recycling of water used in manufacturing processes.
In FY2023, water withdrawal at Japanese sites increased by 5%, while at international sites it decreased by 7% compared to the previous year.
As a new initiative, we conducted water risk assessments at all SII manufacturing sites, and the Seiko Group underwent third-party verification of water withdrawal.

Target

In alignment with Seiko Group’s targets, we aim to reduce water withdrawal per unit of sales to below the base year level (0.33 thousand m³/100 million yen in FY2021) for each fiscal year from FY2024 to FY2026.
We will continue to strive for the effective use of water resources and will implement reduction measures in a phased approach.

Recycling Pure Water

SII Crystal Technology Inc. incorporates pure water recycling into its cleaning process for parts. After cleaning, the water is collected and treated through a recycling system, allowing it to be reused in subsequent cleaning cycles. This initiative enables the recycling and reuse of approximately 17,600 m³ of water annually.

Water Risk

It is essential to consider water risk from multiple perspectives, including water withdrawal risk, flood risk, the impact of stricter drainage regulations, and the risk of rainwater runoff contaminated with hazardous substances.
SII conducted internal assessments at all Group production sites, using the Aqueduct tool developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Water Risk Filter from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), two standard tools for water risk assessment. These investigations covered not only the current situation, but also projections up to the year 2030. They revealed that four international sites (two in Thailand and two in China) are located in regions with high water stress. The total water withdrawal at these sites in fiscal year 2022 amounted to 189K m³, accounting for 24.9% of the total water withdrawal of our Group (based on FY2022 figures).
Furthermore, each of SII’s units is currently identifying risks related to floods and other critical events, both for themselves and their primary suppliers, and formulating appropriate responses.
We will continue our efforts to understand and address water risks throughout our manufacturing facilities and supply chain.

^* Sites with a risk rating of High or Extremely High in WRI Aqueduct's Water Stress indicator.