Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Factory Receives Kumamoto Environmental Grand Award and Kumamoto Environmental Award

Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Factory has been awarded the 4th Kumamoto Environmental Grand Award under Kumamoto Prefecture's environmental commendation system, and received the award from Governor Kimimori on June 29 (Mon). This program honors organizations that have made outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and creation. It consists of the Kumamoto Environmental Award, established in 1992, and the Kumamoto Environmental Grand Award, which is presented once every four years to previous recipients of the Kumamoto Environmental Award as the highest honor.

This time, our factory has received the 35th Kumamoto Environmental Award (Kumamoto Recycling Society Award), marking the first instance of simultaneously receiving both the Kumamoto Environmental Grand Award and the Kumamoto Environmental Award. Notably, our factory previously received the Kumamoto Environmental Award (Kumamoto Mizu no Kuni Award) in 2015 and the Kumamoto Environmental Grand Award in 2018.

Opened in 2003 in Kashima Town, renowned for its high-quality water, Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Factory uses groundwater from Mount Aso and currently operates as a hybrid beverage and alcoholic drinks manufacturing facility, producing a wide range of products including mineral water, soft drinks, and beer. Committed to conducting business while preserving Kumamoto's rich groundwater and natural environment, the factory has been actively engaged in sustainability initiatives as a unified group. In the area of water resources, beyond advanced water intake and discharge management and water quality control at the factory, the facility has continued initiatives such as the 'Suntory Natural Water Forest' project and winter flooding of rice paddies※ for over 20 years, contributing to watershed conservation. These comprehensive watershed-wide efforts have been recognized through the achievement of the Platinum level of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certification—the highest international certification for sustainable water use—making it the first in Japan to receive this distinction (refer to press release No.14327). In addition, in the field of resource circulation, the factory has been actively promoting 'bottle-to-bottle' closed-loop recycling through collaboration with numerous municipalities within the prefecture.

※A farming method involving flooding fallow rice fields, which helps generate fertile soil, reduce weeds, and recharge groundwater. Since 2010, our group has implemented this initiative in Maekawa Town, Kamimashiki District, with support from local authorities and communities.

This latest recognition reflects comprehensive appreciation for these sustainability initiatives. As a company that thrives on nature and water, Suntory Group has long pursued the realization of a sustainable society since its foundation, guided by its purpose: 'Creating rich lifestyles through harmonious coexistence among people and nature, aiming for the brilliance of human life.' Going forward, we will continue advancing sustainability management through unified group efforts and collaboration with stakeholders, including local communities.

●Comment from Mr. Nobuyuki Iwazawa, Factory Director, Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Factory

Thanks to Kumamoto's abundant groundwater and natural blessings, Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Factory is able to deliver high-quality, safe, and reliable products to our customers. We are deeply honored that our long-standing efforts have been recognized through the simultaneous receipt of both awards. Moving forward, we aim to continue collaborating with local communities to protect Kumamoto's natural environment and contribute to enriching people's lives through products born in this region.

▼Suntory Group Sustainability

https://www.suntory.co.jp/sustainability/

▼Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Factory Homepage

https://www.suntory.co.jp/factory/kyushu-kumamoto/index.html

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