Prevention of Pollution: Initiatives

MC’s environmental management systems are based on relevant laws and regulations and comply with various recycling laws, including the Food Waste Recycling Law, the Container and Packaging Recycling Law, the Home Appliance Recycling Law, and the Construction Material Recycling Law. MC manages its operations in accordance with the procedures set out in each of these regulations and strives to reduce waste generation through its business activities.

Together with MC's affiliate company Lawson, Inc., MC is implementing initiatives that use AI and digital marketing to reduce food waste, which has become a pressing issue in recent years.

In May 2024, Lawson launched its ordering system “AI.CO” (AI Customized Order), which supports product-specific demand forecasting based on store-level data such as weather and sales performance. The system provides product ordering recommendations based on this data. In addition to the semi-automatic ordering capabilities that previously recommended product lineups and daily order quantities, the system now offers consistent discount recommendations. These functions help reduce lost sales opportunities and minimize food waste.

MC subsidiary Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co., Ltd. implements a range of efficiency measures to optimize its supply chains through collaboration across the manufacturing, distribution, and retail sectors. Joint efforts with manufacturers and retailers to improve logistics efficiency, reduce product return rates, and optimize inventory levels have contributed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced waste generation.

Cermaq is evaluating various methods for Life Cycle Analyses.
Cermaq Norway has tested the EU draft Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for unprocessed marine fish through a case study on farmed salmon.
Cermaq Canada has undergone a third-party circular economy assessment to identify measures for improving performance. To date, the company has successfully diverted materials from decommissioned farms away from landfills by using various recycling facilities. Cermaq Canada will continue implementing identified actions to further reduce waste.
Cermaq Chile has established a management system for industrial waste that prioritizes recycling and reuse over landfill disposal.

All Cermaq operations are supported by contingency plans designed to prevent pollution events, and all teams are trained to respond quickly in coordination with local authorities.
It is also important to note that extended producer responsibility regulations are being introduced in some of the countries where Cermaq operates. These regulations require companies to take responsibility for packaging and containers placed on the market. Cermaq is currently progressing through this gradual implementation process.

MC formulated its Oil Spill Risk Guidelines in 2012. Across its operating companies, MC works to prevent oil spills, recognizing the significant environmental impact they can cause. MC makes project decisions by considering factors such as the products handled and the location of each enterprise. It also conducts regular oil spill risk surveys, confirms that oil spill prevention and risk management frameworks are in place, and provides training to ensure thorough communication of these measures. Through these efforts, MC aims to maintain appropriate risk management and prevent oil spills from occurring. In addition, MC is not aware of any major leaks to date.