Tokyo, JAPAN (December 14, 2022) -- Suntory Holdings today published the English version of its Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Biodiversity Restoration Report, following its Japanese version which was published in September. The report, which consist of two sections, shares how Suntory Group's Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative have managed and conserved forests in order to help replenish and recharge groundwater near its plants in Japan since 2003.
The "Facts & Data" section summarizes various issues facing Japanese forests, and the "Actions" section provides simple explanations and examples of activities taken to address these issues in the Natural Water Sanctuary. Examples of the actions mentioned in the report are regreening deforested land in forests with local seedlings that have matching DNA with the surrounding plants and careful thinning of neglected planted forests to restore balanced forests with a rich, healthy mix of conifers and broadleaves.
While the Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative has expanded beyond Japan to its production facilities in the US, as well as similar watershed conservation activities in local areas of France, India and Mexico, this report focuses on the longstanding efforts conducted in Japan. The initiative has now expanded to approximately 12,000 hectares in 21 locations in 15 prefectures across Japan, and has already recharged double the amount of water it uses in its owned plants in Japan.
"We're pleased to release the Restoration Report which outlines both the current challenges Japanese forests are facing while spotlighting the work Suntory is actively doing to address these challenges," said Makiko Ono, Chief Sustainability Officer at Suntory. "We look forward to continue making progress to restoring these natural forests and supporting water sustainability, which is key to both continuing our business and to becoming nature-positive."
With a mission to create harmony with people and nature, Suntory Group will accelerate its efforts toward sustainability management to contribute to creating a sustainable society.
The full report can be found here. Learn more about Suntory Group's sustainability initiatives here.
About Suntory Group
As a global leader in the beverage industry, Suntory Group offers a uniquely diverse portfolio of products from premium spirits, beer and wine to brewed teas, bottled water, carbonated soft drinks, ready-to-drink coffee and energy drinks, along with health and wellness products. Suntory is home to award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu as well as iconic American spirits Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. Suntory also fascinates the taste buds with The Premium Malt's beer and also owns the exceptional Japanese wine Tomi and the world famous Château Lagrange. Its brand collection also includes Sauza Tequila, non-alcoholic favorites Orangina, Lucozade, Ribena, BOSS coffee, Iyemon green tea, Suntory Tennensui water, TEA+ Oolong Tea, V and BRAND'S, as well as popular health and wellness product Sesamin EX.
Founded as a family-owned business in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory Group has grown into a global company operating throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania with an annual revenue (excluding excise taxes) of $19.8 billion in 2021. Suntory is driven by Yatte Minahare - the spirit of bold ambition - and our 40,275 employees worldwide draw upon our unique blend of Japanese artisanship and global tastes to explore new product categories and markets.
As a company that delivers blessings of water and nature to our customers, Suntory is committed to its mission to create harmony with people and nature. Always aspiring to grow for good, Suntory is devoted to giving back to society through protecting water resources, nurturing its communities and fostering the arts.