Measures to reduce waste
In Menicon, the plastics used in the manufacturing process are regarded as a high-quality resource. We limit disposal as much as possible, and utilize it effectively inside and outside the factory.
＜Seki Plant / Kakamigahara Plant in Japan＞
The plastics used in these factories are utilized as a raw material for various plastic products by a local recycling company.
＜Singapore Plant＞
In the Singapore Plant, approximately 40% of the used plastics are reused as a raw material for the secondary packaging. The remaining plastics are handed over to a recycling company.
Measure to use energy in a sustainable way
At the Emmen Plant in the Netherlands, we have made great steps for sustainability. On the roof of the plant, 550 solar panels were installed which are able to provide 150 MWh of electricity annually. This accounts for 15% of the energy required at our plant. In addition, the processes in our production area have been organized to be as sustainable as possible. For example, in winter we use a heat pump to store cold air in a well in the ground. The stored air can be reused for cooling the building in summer, and vice versa, the heat stored in summer can be reused to heat the building in winter.
Measure to reduce greenhouse gases
Menicon is working as an earth-friendly company. We regard climate change as an important issue and are working to reduce energy consumption at the Seki Plant by 1% or more per year.
Effective use of water resources
Before inserting and taking off contact lenses, users have to wash their hands with water. For hard contact lenses and regular replacement soft contact lenses, after use, it is necessary to perform lens care with contact lens care products (liquids). Therefore, water is recognized as an important resource for contact lenses.
At the Kakamigahara Plant established in 2015, a pure water production device has been adopted to save 50% of water compared to past performance. At the Seki Plant, we are working to make effective use of water resources. For example, some of the water discharged during the soft contact lens production process is reused in the toilets.
Miru 1day Menicon Flat Pack
The daily disposable contact lens "Miru 1day Menicon Flat Pack" produced at the Singapore Plant has reduced the amount of plastic used in the lens container by 80% compared to our conventional product (Menicon 1DAY). The package is produced by reusing 100% of plastics used in the contact lens manufacturing process.
Redesigned bottle for lens care products
Due to the new manufacturing technique, we have achieved up to a 30% reduction in the amount of plastic materials used. In addition, to upgrade the usage experience, we made improvements to the bottle design and created a flexible bottle with a smoother appearance and less notches on the bottle’s neck. When opening the bottle and squeezing solution out, less effort is needed.
Sustainable and recyclable packaging materials
For RGP lenses produced at the Emmen Plant in the Netherlands, we were looking for a sustainable solution with the development of new packaging for our lenses and our mailing envelopes. They are now made from a more sustainable and recyclable material, so we can further reduce our footprint.
Planting trees in the west of Nagoya
This is a forest development project sponsored by the City of Nagoya and carried out by citizens and companies. The objective of the project is to grow a rich forest to be passed on to future generations. Menicon has participated in the "Tree Planting Festival" since 2009 and has donated seedlings and joined a series of tree planting and growing activities.
Menicon Forest
Since 2011, we have participated in a reforestation project in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture to nurture an environment with rich forests and water which is indispensable for life. We donate seedlings and carry out a series of tree planting and tree growing activities.
Planting trees in France, Tanzania, Brazil, and the island of La Réunion
Menicon SAS, our subsidiary in France, held a reforesting campaign in 2019. They worked with Reforest'Action to plant a tree for every three boxes of contact lenses purchased by consumers. By the end of the campaign, approximately 2,000 trees were planted in France, Tanzania, Brazil, and La Réunion to conserve natural resources.