Pollution Prevention

Prevention of Air, Water, and Soil Pollution

Sumitomo Pharma uses chemical substances in the manufacturing and research & development of pharmaceuticals. Recognizing our responsibility to minimize environmental impact and protect human health, we are committed to preventing pollution through the following initiatives.

We regularly monitor exhaust gas emissions in compliance with the Air Pollution Control Act, as well as the pollution levels of wastewater in accordance with the Water Pollution Control Act and related regulations. In addition, we submit required notifications for facilities designated under relevant environmental laws and regulations. We implement measures to prevent pollution caused by hazardous substances, and continuously monitor parameters such as pH in wastewater. For wastewater from production and certain research sites, we have established voluntary standards that are stricter than the environmental standards set by the Water Pollution Control Act to manage wastewater properly.

At Suzuka Plant and Central Research Laboratories, production and research sites located within our premises, we have installed multiple monitoring wells and regularly monitor groundwater. If soil investigations are required under the Soil Contamination Countermeasures Act or relevant local ordinances, we conduct them in compliance with legal requirements and take appropriate actions in consultation with relevant authorities based on the results.

To prepare for potential environmental accidents, we have established company-wide response policies based on the Rules for Emergency Response. Each site has also developed specific response procedures to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, appropriate measures are taken to minimize any impact.

Air Emissions

We monitor and measure the emissions of NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), SOx (Sulfur Oxides), and particulate matter contained in exhaust gases from cogeneration systems and boilers.

Water Emissions

We assess the environmental impact on aquatic environments by monitoring BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) levels in wastewater.

BOD and COD Load

Reduction of Chemical Substance Emissions

Chemical substances frequently handled at Sumitomo Pharma include toluene, methanol, and acetone. These substances are primarily used as solvents and most of these are ultimately treated as waste such as waste oil. We strive to reduce the amount handled, and for highly volatile solvents like dichloromethane, we actively implement measures such as installing recovery equipment to reduce air emissions.

All our sites subject to reporting under the PRTR*¹ system based on Japanese Act on Confirmation, etc. of Release Amounts of Specific Chemical Substances in the environment and Promotion of Improvements to the Management Thereof submitted appropriate reports based on results in fiscal 2024.

Chemical Substance Emission Related Indicators

• *1PRTR: Pollutant Release and Transfer Register
• *2VOCs: Volatile Organic Compounds
• *3Emissions to air and public water. No emissions to soil.

For more information on the calculation criteria, please see "ESG Data Table."

Prevention of Noise, Vibration, and Offensive Odor

In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, we implement appropriate countermeasures and conduct continuous monitoring to prevent noise, vibration, and offensive odor.

Proper Disposal of PCB Waste

Regarding polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) waste such as transformers, capacitors, and fluorescent lamp ballasts containing PCBs, we have carried out disposal at each site in accordance with the Act on Special Measures concerning Promotion of Proper Treatment of PCB Wastes. As of the end of fiscal 2024, all PCB waste, including both high- and low-concentration PCB waste, has been completely disposed of.