Resource Circulation & Waste Management
Policies
The NISSIN FOODS Group works to achieve zero emission status by reducing product loss that occurs in manufacturing processes and promoting recycling. Food residues, which make up the bulk of waste from our plants, are reused in animal feed and as fertilizers. We are also reducing sludge by improving wastewater treatment facilities and recycling mixed waste. At manufacturing plants in Japan, achieving waste recycling rate of 99.5% or higher each year up till fiscal 2031 is set as our target.
To reduce environmental impact of our product manufacturing processes, the Group established the Basic Policy on Environmentally Friendly Container and Packaging Design.
Under this policy, we work to limit and reuse waste, encourage the use of recycled resources, and undertake research and development of alternative materials.
Basic Policy on Environmentally Friendly Container and Packaging Design
- 1. Promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycling) to help create a recycling-based society
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- 1) Reduce (reduction of waste generation): Aim to reduce container weight and volume and the number of packaging items.
- 2) Reuse: Actively pursue development of refill products. Propose reusable containers.
- 3) Recycle (use of recycled materials): Actively use recycled raw materials and resources. Strive to use highly recyclable materials.
- 2. Environmental impacts
- Avoid use of materials that may have negative effects on the human body or the environment. Promote use of biomass raw materials, which have a low environmental impact.
- 3. Consideration of design
- Give consideration to environment- and people-friendly, easy-to-understand labeling and universal design.
- 4. Assessment of environmental impacts
- Design containers and packaging on the basis of life cycle assessment (LCA), giving consideration to environmental impacts from raw materials to disposal.
Targets
The NISSIN FOODS Group has set the following targets regarding resource circulation and the introduction of environmentally friendly plastic containers and packaging.
- [Targets by FY2031]
-
- ・Maintenance of waste recycling rate of 99.5% or higher in the production processes of plants in Japan*1
- ・Reduction of waste generated in the sale and distribution stages by 50% in Japan*2
- ・Use of environmentally friendly containers and packaging*3 for all products*4
- ・Reduction of total amount of petroleum-derived plastics in containers and packaging per unit sales by at least 20%*5
- *1For Group companies in Japan
- *2For waste generated in the sale and distribution stages, against levels in fiscal 2016
- *3Such as reducing the weight and use of containers, using biomass, paper, and recycled materials, and promoting material recycling and chemical recycling
- *4For Group companies in Japan and overseas, against levels in fiscal 2019
- *5For NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, against levels in fiscal 2019
Development and Improvement of Containers and Packaging
Based on our Basic Policy on Environmentally Friendly Container and Packaging Design, the NISSIN FOODS Group works on reducing the weight and use of containers as well as undertakes research and development of packaging with less environmental impact.
In our environmental strategy EARTH FOOD CHALLENGE 2030, we have set the target of “Complete with Green Packaging” and established numerical targets related to environmentally friendly containers and packaging. We will use the Group’s alternative material technologies to promote efficient use of limited resources toward achieving the targets. In addition, we will promote the spread of renewable energy and container recycling by accelerating research and development related to containers and packaging.
Since January 2019, NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS has been participating as a secretary company in the Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA), a public-private collaboration organization that undertakes the sustainable use of plastic products and development of alternative materials.
Plastic Reduction Initiatives
In June 2021, NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS abolished the plastic sticker for closing the cover of CUP NOODLES. This allows us to reduce the use of plastic raw materials by 33 tons annually. The company switched to a new double-tab cover that allows the cover to be properly closed without a sticker. In addition, the company has been selling OWAN DE TABERU CUP NOODLES, which is a set combining a small number of noodles with ingredients since 2017. It can help reduce domestic waste after eating as it allows the taste of CUP NOODLES to be enjoyed by using small bowls found at home and just pouring hot water. Currently, the OWAN DE TABERU series is available for CHICKEN RAMEN, CUP NOODLES, and NISSIN NO DONBEI.
NISSIN FROZEN FOODS has nearly completely phased out the use of plastic trays in the noodle products of its proprietary brand. For pasta and yakisoba products, the company is reducing the use of plastic raw materials by placing liquid sauce directly on top of the noodles and rapidly freezing it, thereby eliminating liquid sauce packages.
In September 2020, NISSIN CHILLED FOODS started the OISHII ECO NOODLES project, which offers environmentally friendly products to customers. The project incorporates three themes—extending best-before dates, use of eco packaging, and eco-friendly preparation—and applicable products have the OISHII ECO NOODLES logo on their packaging.
For the use of eco packaging, plastic trays were eliminated for the NISSIN NO FUTOMEN YAKISOBA, NISSIN SONO MANMA NOODLES, and FUGETSU YAKISOBA series, reducing the company’s annual plastic tray use by approximately 30%.
Noodles are made to resemble the letter “e”—the first letter of “eco”—with chopsticks being used to hold up the noodles. Chilled products that fall under the scope of reducing food loss, use of eco packaging, and eco-friendly preparation will have the OISHII ECO NOODLES logo on their packaging to promote them as products that are friendly to the global environment.
Example of Reducing the Quantity of Plastics Used in FY2022
Reduction of annual usage (t)
| Plastics | ||
|---|---|---|
| NISSIN FROZEN FOODS | NISSIN CHUKA removed liquid soup packs | 19 |
| NISSIN CHILLED FOODS | Ramen-yasan eliminates plastic trays | 9 |
Use of the Biomass ECO Cup
NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS had been using polystyrene foam for CUP NOODLES containers, but in 2008, the company switched to the ECO Cup, which uses the renewable resource paper as its main raw material.
In December 2019, the company switched to the Biomass ECO Cup which has even less environmental impact. The Biomass ECO Cup is a container that achieved a biomass level of 81% by using plant-derived biomass plastics to replace a portion of the petroleum-derived plastics. In addition, the amount of petroleum-derived plastics used in each cup has been almost halved compared to the ECO Cups, reducing CO2 emissions in the life cycle by approximately 16%.
Introduction of Pallets Made Partly from Marine Plastics
In November 2021, NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS introduced pallets made from recycled plastic waste found at places such as beaches.
Plastic waste collected at these places before it flows into the ocean contains a lot of impurities and has deteriorated, making it extremely difficult to recycle and reuse. Therefore, most of such waste is buried in landfills. However, by combining marine plastics with other plastic raw materials in an optimal composition for recycling, the plastic pallets introduced by NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS retain substantial strength.
This is the first time a Japanese company is using such pallets for product transportation and storage, and the company plans to fully switch to these pallets by 2030.
Specifications of the Pallet
Features:
・Uses ocean-bound plastics for a part of its materials
・Printed with the Plastics Smart* logo
- *This is a campaign by the Ministry of the Environment for solving the issue of marine plastics. It aims to accelerate actions for solving this issue by soliciting initiatives from individuals, companies, organizations, and other bodies that support this campaign and communicating these initiatives around the world.
Polystyrene Paper (PSP) Cups Using Recycled Materials
NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS has embarked on an initiative to collect scraps generated during the forming process of containers for certain polystyrene paper (PSP) cups and reuse them as recycled materials. Recycling or reusing materials generated in product manufacturing processes is known as post-industrial recycling (PIR), and it is expected to help reduce the use of petroleum-derived plastics and CO2 emissions.
Use of Paper Containers
NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS had been using polystyrene foam for CUP NOODLES containers, but in 2008, the company switched to the ECO Cup, which uses the renewable resource paper as its main raw material. The company is switching to the Biomass ECO Cup which has even less environmental impact. The Biomass ECO Cup is a container that achieved a biomass level of 81% by using plant-derived biomass plastics to replace a portion of the petroleum-derived plastics. In addition, the amount of petroleum-derived plastics used in each cup has been almost halved compared to the ECO Cups, reducing CO2 emissions in the life cycle by approximately 16%.
We are also promoting the use of ECO Cups—which uses paper as its main raw material—in overseas regions. Starting with China in 2009, we have been expanding this initiative to the Americas (2015), Asia (2016), and Europe (2017), raising our usage rate of paper containers that can be recycled.
- Usage Rate of Paper Containers and Packaging*1
-
Fiscal 2020: 62.4%
Fiscal 2021:62.9%
Fiscal 2022: 63.4%
Fiscal 2023: 62.4%*2
- *1Ratio of paper containers and packaging used in the containers and packaging of NISSIN FOODS PRODUCTS, NISSIN CHILLED FOODS, and NISSIN FROZEN FOODS based on the Act on the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling of Containers and Packaging
- *2Total weight of 76,269 tons in fiscal 2023
Reduction of Packaging Materials
The NISSIN FOODS Group uses cardboard for packaging materials, and at the same time, reduces the amount of packaging materials used by optimizing the sizes of product containers. We also adopt an alternating top-up, top-down configuration which allows the same number of products to be packed in smaller cases.
In addition, we promote the adoption of cardboard that uses FSC®* certified paper and procurement that allows limited resources to be used effectively.
- *Abbreviation of the Forest Stewardship Council®, a program that strives for proper management of forest as well as the use and conservation of sustainable forest resources
Example of Reducing the Quantity of Cardboard Used in FY2023
Annual amount of material reduction effect (tons)
| Cardboard | ||
|---|---|---|
| NISSIN CISCO | Adjusted cardboard caser for the GOROGURA, a COCONUT SABLE, CHOCO FLAKES | 45 |
Reduction of Food Loss
NISSIN CHILLED FOODS uses its original manufacturing methods that maintain good taste for long periods to extend the best-before dates of products and contribute toward reducing food loss.
Manufacturing Method for Maintaining Good Taste of Fresh Noodles for Long Periods (Patent Application Filed)
This method maintains fresh noodles’ unique flavor and supple springiness while extending the previous best-before date from 20 days to either 40 or 50 days.
Manufacturing Method for Maintaining Good Taste of Steamed Noodles for Long Periods (Patent Application Filed)
This method extends the previous best-before date from 15 days to either 20 or 27 days without losing the chewy texture and ease of loosening during preparation.
Manufacturing Method for Maintaining Fresh Noodles at Room Temperature for Long Periods (Patent Application Filed)
This method maintains fresh noodles’ unique wheat flavor and springiness while achieving a long best-before date of 50 days, which is longer than that of usual chilled-type fresh noodles.
| 2014 | NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS and MYOJO FOODS |
・Cup-type noodles: 5 months → 6 months ・Bag-type instant noodles: 6 months → 8 months |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | BONCHI |
・BONCHIAGE, PEANUT AGE, TSUNA AGE ARARE, and PONSUKE: 150 days → 180 days ・AJI KARUTA and KARASHI MENTAIKO OOGATA AGESEN: 120 days → 150 days (except for certain products) |
| NISSIN CHILLED FOODS | ・Chilled Chinese-style noodles series and 3-person portion Nissin chilled Chinese-style noodles: 15 days → 20 days | |
| 2020 | Nissin Foods (Thailand) | ・Bag-type instant noodles in the 10-baht price range: 6 months → 8 months |
| 2021 | NISSIN CHILLED FOODS |
・Fresh noodle products: 20 days → 40 days ・Steamed noodle products: 15 or 20 days → 27 days |
| NISSIN YORK | ・PILKUL 400 series: 15 days → 18 days |
As part of its efforts to reduce waste in the sales and distribution area, the Group donates products that are approaching their expiration date to food banks.
Support for Poverty through Product DonationsPrevention of Air Pollution
Response to Air Pollutants
Each NISSIN FOODS Group plant has set voluntary standards more rigorous than those stipulated in laws, regulations, and ordinances for sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are causes of air pollution, as well as for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), which are indicators of water pollution. Plants monitor the state of pollution based on their voluntary standards. Also, we have formulated an emergency response procedures manual to prepare against damage to plant facilities and outflow of environmental pollutants into the surrounding area and periodically conduct drills that envision emergency situations.
Response to Fluorocarbon
To prevent fluorocarbon leakage, the Group conducts simple inspections in accordance with the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons and periodic inspections performed by external specialist organizations. Also, we are incrementally switching to natural refrigerants toward completely eliminating the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)—specified chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—such as R-22 refrigerants.
The Shizuoka Plant of NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS employed natural refrigerants (CO2) for all its newly installed freezers. In addition, NISSIN F.D. FOODS, which manufactures and sells dry ingredients for cup-type noodles, uses natural refrigerants (ammonia and CO2) for all its large freezers. KAGAWA NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, which manufactures and sells dry ingredients for cup-type noodles, introduced CFC-free freeze-drying cooling units.
Other Initiatives
Eco-friendly Preparation
We promote environmentally friendly preparation methods, such as requiring less water during preparation or reducing CO2 emissions when boiling water. For example, a unique technology was adopted for NISSIN NO RAMENYA-SAN, FRY PAN HITOTSU DE, and NISSIN SONO MANMA NOODLES that allows them to be prepared without the need to drain boiled water. Besides using less water for boiling, there is no need to separately prepare hot water for the soup. The amount of water used is reduced by approximately one-third compared to products with the need to drain boiled water, and CO2 emissions from boiling water can also be reduced.
We also sell products that reduce the amount of water used or CO2 emitted during preparation, including chilled Chinese-style noodles and udon noodles products that can be eaten simply by pouring sauce or broth over the noodles.
In addition, the Frozen KANZEN MEAL CUP NOODLES Mysterious Meat Fried Rice being sold by NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS is prepared in a microwave oven as-is in its bag, using packaging and containers that allows the product to be eaten without the need for plates. This eliminates the need to wash dishes and helps to reduce the use of water.
Appropriate Disposal of Waste
The NISSIN FOODS Group has established the Industrial Waste Manual and ensures its thorough compliance. When signing outsourcing agreements with waste disposal operators, we clearly state that we check and assess contractors’ sites using our own checklist before signing the agreement as well as annually when the agreement is in effect. The details stated in agreements are checked by the Legal Division or Environmental Promotion Division of NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS before being signed.
In addition, waste manifests, waste quantities, and other information are properly managed by the Environmental Promotion Division.
Recycling of Containers and Packaging
In Japan, companies that use containers and packaging are obligated to recycle their materials under the Act on the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling of Containers and Packaging. NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, MYOJO FOODS, NISSIN CHILLED FOODS, NISSIN FROZEN FOODS, NISSIN CISCO, NISSIN YORK, and BONCHI outsource the recycling of containers and packaging to the Japan Containers and Packaging Recycling Association, and pay recycling operation contract fees for paper/plastic containers and packaging in accordance with the weight of products manufactured and sold. Collected recyclable materials sorted from municipal household garbage are used to produce such things as pallets, imitation wooden logs, benches, and reconstituted paperboard by companies outsourced by the association.
Related Information and Data
Waste
Food Waste
- *Food waste data does not include the amount of waste from logistics warehouses (mainly food waste).
Amount of Plastic/Paper Containers and Packaging Governed by Act on the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling of Containers and Packaging and Costs of Disposal Outsourcing (FY2018 to FY2023)*
- *Scope NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, NISSIN CHILLED FOODS, and NISSIN FROZEN FOODS