#Japan #Nagoya #Kanematsu #TOWING #Bovaer

Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative, Kanematsu Corporation, in partnership with TOWING, has successfully completed the registration of a program project based on the J-Credit method, specifically AG-007. This method focuses on the use of feed additives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, and its registration marks a first for Japan.

Project Overview

This recently approved project has set an ambitious target: to achieve a reduction of approximately 65,000 tons of CO2 per year by 2031. Kanematsu is leveraging its strength in the food supply chain to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders to expand its efforts in methane reduction via feed additives. Furthermore, through the environmental value creation based on reduction achievements and a cohesive supply of livestock products, the company aims to contribute to Scope 3 reduction for downstream enterprises, all while adhering to the concept of Carbon Insetting.

Methodology and Development

As of February 2026, a new methodology focusing on feeding cattle with feed additives has been approved by the J-Credit Programme's governing committee. Kanematsu has partnered with dsm-firmenich AG to promote sustainable livestock production systems and minimize the environmental impacts within the livestock supply chain by utilizing Bovaer®, a feed additive that reduces methane produced in cattle's digestive systems.

Commitment to Sustainable Supply Chains

In its medium-term management plan titled 'integration 1.1', Kanematsu aims to position itself as a leading solution provider in transforming efficient and sustainable supply chains. A significant aspect of this strategy includes the promotion of Green Transformation (GX). Particularly in the agricultural and food GX sector, Kanematsu collaborates with farmers, fertilizer manufacturers, feed producers, meat packers, food manufacturers, and retailers to implement a variety of GX projects.

What is Carbon Insetting?

Carbon Insetting refers to a model where the greenhouse gas emissions reduced or offset within the supply chain are absorbed back within the same supply chain (e.g., purchasing and retiring carbon credits generated by producers, or using them to reduce product emissions). This contrasts with Carbon Offsetting, which involves acquiring carbon credits generated outside the supply chain (from other companies).

Kanematsu's Initiatives for Carbon Insetting

Kanematsu has a number of initiatives focused on carbon insetting, which include:
1. Launching a collaboration with dsm-firmenich to reduce the environmental footprint of livestock products using methane-reducing materials.
2. Achieving the supply of domestic rice coupled with environmental value to Skylark.
3. Conducting the world's first feeding trial of Bovaer® in black wagyu cattle, in collaboration with Shikishima Farm and dsm-firmenich.
4. Providing environmentally-conscious beef produced through the Bovaer® feeding trial at an internal café while paving the way for commercialization.
5. Realizing the supply of domestic rice and environmental value to Power Source Company, establishing a new supply model rooted in face-to-face relationships.

For more details on other GX initiatives, please explore our GX Acceleration overview.

Conclusion

With its commitment to reducing methane emissions and promoting sustainable livestock farming, Kanematsu is leading the way toward a greener future. The company's ongoing collaboration with TOWING and dsm-firmenich signifies its dedication to innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and the food supply chain.