Uni-Charm Group Introduces Environmental Initiatives for World Environment Day on June 5

Uni-Charm Corporation (Representative Director, President & Executive Officer: Takehisa Takahara) announced that, under the mid- to long-term ESG goal 'Kyo-sei Life Vision 2035' published in October 2025, it is strengthening initiatives through the horizontal recycling brand for used disposable diapers 'RefF' to promote resource circulation. In conjunction with this, the company has fully launched the employee-participation activity 'RefF ACTION' starting in May 2026.

On this occasion, coinciding with 'World Environment Day' on June 5, the company is introducing examples of its group's environmental initiatives aimed at realizing a circular society, including the horizontal recycling brand for used disposable diapers 'RefF', 'RefF ACTION', and the power-saving activity 'Keizoku from 3.11' which has continued since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

What is World Environment Day?
World Environment Day is an international commemorative day established by the United Nations in 1972 to raise awareness about the conservation of the natural environment and promote environmental protection activities. It is a day that encourages people from all walks of life—governments, businesses, local communities, and individuals—to think about environmental issues and take action.

Examples of Uni-Charm Group's Initiatives
The company is promoting resource circulation through the horizontal recycling brand for used disposable diapers 'RefF' as one of its most important themes. Furthermore, the entire group is working towards realizing a circular society, encompassing not only product and technology development but also changes in the behavior of each employee and office activities.

['RefF ACTION' - Our Actions to Create the Future]
① Resource Circulation through Horizontal Recycling of Used Disposable Diapers 'RefF'
(1) History of the Used Disposable Diaper Horizontal Recycling Project
・2015: Launched the used disposable diaper horizontal recycling project 'RefF'
・2019: Established the world's first*1 ozone treatment technology
・2022: Launched 'RefF' products for nursing care facilities
・2024: Launched 'RefF' products for general consumers
・2025: Began technological development of the 'dry washing method' in collaboration with Fuji Clean Co., Ltd., which uses approximately 1/50th of the water
*1 As a 'horizontal recycling technology from diapers to diapers' using ozone treatment technology (as of December 2020, Uni-Charm survey)

(2) Successful Recycling of All Three Main Materials of Disposable Diapers
・In 2025, succeeded in recycling all three main materials that constitute disposable diapers: 'pulp', 'plastic', and 'superabsorbent polymer'
・Promoting initiatives towards a resource-circulating society

(3) Developing Recycling Activities in Collaboration with Local Governments
・Collaborating with Shibushi City and Osaki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture to collect and recycle used disposable diapers
・As of March 2026, a cumulative total of 7.04 million used disposable diapers have been recycled

(4) Achieving Approximately 50% Reduction in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Compared to Incineration
・The processing method for used disposable diapers using 'RefF''s proprietary technology achieves approximately 50% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to standard incineration processing

General consumer 'RefF' products began advance sales at AEON Kyushu Co., Ltd. in 2024, promoting resource circulation initiatives in the Kyushu region. From late May 2026, in collaboration with AEON Retail Co., Ltd., the sales area has been expanded from Kyushu to the Chugoku, Kansai, Chubu, and Kanto regions, making it possible to deliver 'RefF' products to more customers.

② 'RefF ACTION' Energy and Resource Saving through Behavioral Change of Each Employee
(1) Reduction of Business Trips and Commuting
・Reduced global business trips by 50% and actively implemented remote meetings
・Minimized use of company cars and promoted use of public transportation

(2) Energy Saving and Power Conservation
・Principally implemented fully remote work on Fridays*2 with complete office lights-off
・Implemented plug-off for PC peripherals and other devices from 12:00 to 16:00
*2 Recommending 3 days in-office, 2 days work-from-home; one of those days is principally Friday

(3) Use of Reusable Items like My Chopsticks, My Cup
・Promoting active use of my chopsticks, my cup, my bottle, my bag, etc.

(4) Enhanced Sorting and Recycling
・Strengthened garbage sorting rules within the office
・Promoted paperless operations

The implementation of remote work every Friday and complete office lights-off through 'RefF ACTION' is expected to reduce approximately 20 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually.

③ Keizoku from 3.11 (Continued Support for Disaster-Affected Areas) Power Saving through Cool Biz & Warm Biz
(1) Response to the Social Issue of Power Shortage
Uni-Charm Group's domestic corporations have continued support activities for disaster-affected areas, including the Great East Japan Earthquake, since fiscal year 2011. In response to the social issue of power shortage at that time in 2011, the company set office room temperatures at 28°C in summer and 20°C in winter.

(2) Early Introduction of Cool Biz & Warm Biz
To enable comfortable work even under the set temperatures, the company early adopted Cool Biz & Warm Biz, which were advanced initiatives at the time, promoting the wearing of polo shirts.

(3) Implementing Disaster Area Support as a Matching Fund Activity
When employees purchase company-designated polo shirts or jackets, the company contributes an amount equal to the purchase price as a donation to disaster-affected areas. The products sold are not limited to Cool Biz & Warm Biz items; local foods and traditional crafts from disaster areas are also sold, thereby raising employee awareness and supporting disaster areas through consumption.

As a result, over the 14 years from 2011 to 2025, a total of 34,351 employees participated in the Cool Biz & Warm Biz activities, with total donations reaching approximately 110 million yen. (As of December 2025)

(4) Achieved Approximately 30% Power Saving Compared to Fiscal Year 2010
As for the power-saving effect in offices, in fiscal year 2011 when the initiative began, the company achieved approximately a 30% reduction in electricity usage compared to fiscal year 2010. This has now become established as a continuous energy-saving activity.

The company will continue to work towards creating a circular society, integrating behavioral changes of each employee, office activities, product development, and recycling technologies, aiming for a 'future without disposability'.