Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) has announced the launch of solar power generation systems at the company's Tokushima Mima and Tokushima Factories and expanded the existing systems at the Takasaki Factory, with each facility commencing operation. As a result of these initiatives, it is anticipated that the annual CO₂ emissions will be reduced by approximately 970 tons across the four domestic plants where these systems have been installed.

The Otsuka group is progressing with energy-efficient initiatives as part of its commitment to the environment and goal to achieve carbon neutrality, which was identified as a key material issue. Since 2021, Otsuka has been actively introducing solar power generation systems at Japanese factories. Currently, such systems are operational at four factories, namely Tokushima Itano^*1, Takasaki^*2, Tokushima^*3, and Tokushima Mima^*4. Alongside the implementation of CO₂-free electricity across all 8 manufacturing facilities^*5 in Japan and the adoption of Green Power Certificates^*6 for all offices, the Otsuka group introduced a new cogeneration system^*7 in January of this year. The aim of the new system was to optimize the supply of electricity and steam to the plants of the Otsuka group companies, thereby further reducing CO₂ emissions.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical continues to adopt initiatives to contribute to the realization of a low-carbon, sustainable society by actively introducing renewable energy sources and maximizing the energy-use efficiency.

・Update of Cogeneration System^*7 in the Tokushima Factory Area

In January 2024, we updated the cogeneration system initially set up at the Otsuka Chemical Tokushima Plant in 2007. The new system is designed to minimize environmental impact, maintain an optimal balance in power generation aligned with the operational needs of neighboring Otsuka group factories, and provide both electricity and steam. Anticipated outcomes of this update include a projected reduction of approximately 8,000 tons in the Otsuka group's annual CO₂ emissions.

・Introduction of CO₂-free electricity at all 8 factories^*5 in Japan

Since April 2020, all manufacturing activities have been powered by CO₂-free electricity, derived from renewable energy sources that do not emit CO₂. This has been implemented at all 8 plants in Japan for all purchased electricity used in production activities.

・Adoption of Green Power Certificates^*6

Adoption in 2020 of Green Power Certificates for all offices of five Otsuka group companies^*8 in Japan has resulted in replacement of 12.5GWh of annual electricity consumption with green power.

The Otsuka group of companies has identified carbon neutrality, circular economy, and water neutrality as important areas (materialities) for environmental initiatives. Regarding carbon neutrality, the group has targeted a global medium-term target of a 50% reduction (compared to 2017) in CO₂emissions by 2028.

Reference: Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. Sustainability Mission - Carbon Neutrality