Efforts to Reduce Environmental Burden

Preventing Global Warming

Energy-saving emphasis on products

In Japan, the Act on the Rational Use of Energy—known more informally as the “Energy Efficiency Act”—designates some food service equipment as specific equipment under Top Runner Program Standards^*1. Hoshizaki strives to develop high-energy-efficiency products that exceed these standards and bring these products to market ahead of the target fiscal year^*2. For example, we launched sales of a showcase with enhanced energy-saving features in 2019, a year ahead of the target fiscal year. Also of note, the display panel indicates that the showcase is operating in energy-saving mode, raising awareness among customers using the showcase and highlighting reduced electricity usage.

In the Americas, the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the Canadian Department of Natural Resources (NRCan) have set rigorous standards for energy conservation in products. Hoshizaki America has been working to develop and sell environmentally friendly and energy-saving products, and has received the "Partner of the Year --Product Brand Owner" for ten consecutive years (since FY2012) at the ENERGY STAR® *3 awards.

The latest recognition was mainly for an expansion of the lineup of the energy-saving ice machine "KMEdge X" series that suppresses power consumption and the environment-friendly commercial refrigerator "Steelheart" series that suppresses greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we have received the highest award "Partner of the Year --SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AWARD” for seven consecutive years, having been selected from companies that have won the "Partner of the Year" for multiple years in a row.

In Europe, we are developing and selling non-CFC products that use the natural refrigerant propane (R290), in response to F gas regulations*4 and rising demand for non-CFC. R290 has less refrigerant filling than conventional HFCs and can reduce the impact on global warming. In 2020, we launched the Crescent ice machine, which uses a non-CFC refrigerant, and in 2021, we launched the Sushi Showcase. We will continue to use non-CFC refrigerants to expand the number of models with improved energy-saving performance.

*1 Requires manufacturers to develop products exceeding the highest level of energy efficiency achieved by products brought to market at a certain point in time.

*2 Fiscal year in which to achieve *1 criteria set by product and category.

*3 Program run by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency since 1992. The goal is to raise the energy efficiency of equipment and reduce CO₂ emissions. Products that meet specific energy efficiency standards are recognized with ENERGY STAR certification and are allowed to carry the associated mark.

*4 Values calculated by Hoshizaki (compared with existing Hoshizaki products)

*5 A regulation prohibiting the sale of equipment that uses alternative CFC refrigerants.

CO₂ emissions reduction in domestic production processes

At Hoshizaki, in order to reduce the CO2 emissions from sources of energy for its business activities, both manufacturing and back-office departments have been engaged in initiatives such as the introduction of power-saving equipment, improved equipment operation, improved operational efficiency, and improved production process. However, CO2 emissions in FY2021 were 10,623 tons, which was 101.1% of the amount for the previous year.

The main reason for the increase in CO2 emissions is an increase in the capacity utilization rate due to the post-pandemic production increase. We will continue to strive to reduce CO2 emissions by improving operational efficiency and renewing equipment.

CO₂ emissions reduction overseas

Western Refrigeration Pvt. Ltd., a member of the Hoshizaki Group in India, installed a photovoltaic system with an area of 5,000m² on the roof of the Sanjan Plant when that facility was constructed. The system has been in constant operation since April 2017 and provides the power for production processes. It generates 500kWp (kilowatt peak), with an estimated CO₂ emissions reduction effect equivalent to planting about 29,500 trees.

Reducing Amount of Waste

Hoshizaki is actively promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) by improving the yield and reducing metal work waste (removing as many parts as possible from one metal sheet), reducing defects in the manufacturing process, and managing inventory in a thorough manner. The amount of waste generated in the fiscal year 2021 was 3,170 tons, which was 109.6% of the previous year.
The main reason for the increase in waste emissions is an increase in metal work waste due to the post-pandemic production increase. On the other hand, the waste reuse rate has been maintained at a level close to 100% (at 99.0% or higher), due to the promotion of waste separation and reuse. We will continue to promote suppression of waste generation and make efforts to further improve our recycling rates.

Reducing waste along supply chain

As an initiative to reduce the amount of waste generated across the supply chain, we have transitioned away from wood frames in the packaging of most products, in favor of simplified packaging made from cardboard. Some products, however, are excluded from this switch in packaging material. The simple packaging does not cover the whole product, but covers only the upper and lower parts that are easily damaged. By using cardboard boxes, it is possible to minimize waste.

As a result, not only is product loading weight reduced, but packaging is also easier to dispose of when products are unpacked at the receiving sales company. In addition, suppliers ship components to our manufacturing sites in returnable containers, thereby limiting points of cardboard use.

Protecting Water Resources, and Measures to Address Soil and Groundwater Contamination

Reduce water consumption in production processes

At production plants in Japan, no processes use large quantities of water, and the use of water is limited to such purposes as indirect cooling. In addition, all plants are located in areas with low water-related risks, such as drought, and tap water, industrial-use water and groundwater are used appropriately in accordance with the situation that prevails in each area.

Wastewater is appropriately disposed of and discharged into the sewer drainage system or a public water zone drainage system.

Environment-friendly dishwashers

The JWE series of commercial-use dishwashers features technology that reduces the volume of water needed to rinse dishes while still maintaining cleaning performance. At the rinsing stage, the machine draws in clean water, with dirty water from the washing cycle draining out as overflow. This cuts the amount of water used in dishwasher operation and facilitates rinsing with just a small amount of water. In addition, less water means less detergent and less energy consumed to heat the water, thus realizing more environmentally conscious products.

Environment-friendly electrolyzed water generators

Electrolyzed water generators use positive and negative electrodes to electrically separate saline solution into acidic electrolyzed water (hypochlorous acid water) and alkaline electrolyzed water.

Compared with sodium hypochlorite, acidic electrolyzed water has a high sterilization capability even at low chlorine concentration and produces hardly any chlorine odor. It is therefore used to wash foods, disinfect cooking utensils, and clean and sterilize equipment and common spaces in such settings as nurseries, daycare facilities and seniors’ care facilities. In addition, the solution can be prepared at a specific concentration without the need for dilution, which makes cleaning work less time-consuming and reduces the amount of water needed.

The alkaline electrolyzed water has cleansing properties, with the power to break down proteins and emulsify fats, and can be used to clean cooking utensils with less environmental impact than regular cleaning agents.