#Japan #BONEARTH #Nikko Corporation #Environmental Power #Hakusan City

Nikko Corporation's Environmental Excellence

Nikko Corporation, headquartered in Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, has received the highest honor, the "Environmental Power Award," at the 2025 Management Environmental Awards by the nonprofit organization Environmental Civilization 21. This distinguished accolade recognizes business leaders who have balanced environmental protection with economic activities, significantly contributing to enhancing overall industry environmental capabilities.

The award was presented to Naoki Mitani, Executive Director of Nikko, in recognition of the company's pioneering introduction of the world’s first recycling fertilizer made from tableware, "BONEARTH," and efforts towards water environment conservation through wastewater treatment systems.

Background of the Award and Evaluation Points

Nikko Corporation, established in 1908, originally focused on ceramics but has diversified its business to include wastewater systems, custom bathrooms, and functional ceramic products. In recent years, the company has committed to a circular economy approach, fostering waste reduction and effective resource utilization across all operations. The judging committee particularly applauded the following initiatives:

1. Circular Economy in Ceramics: Turning Waste into Resources

Nikko has implemented a groundbreaking strategy to recycle damaged or non-compliant bone china tableware into phosphorus fertilizer named "BONEARTH." This initiative transforms waste into valuable resources, fostering collaborative communities involving numerous restaurants and farmers. Starting in 2025, Nikko plans to launch the "BONEARTH Paddy Field Owner System," allowing external businesses to participate, alongside the new venture "BONEARTH FOOD MARKET," featuring vegetables cultivated using their fertilizer and plant-based craft ice cream as the first product offering.

2. Water Processing Solutions: Protecting Vital Water Resources

Nikko's wastewater treatment business, a significant part of its residential systems division, has contributed to water environment conservation in areas lacking public sewer systems for over 50 years. The company has established a trustworthy reputation, going beyond simple equipment sales to provide comprehensive infrastructure maintenance for sustainable water resource management. Recently, they developed a service called "Everyone's Sewage Maintenance Check," set to launch in May 2025, aimed at easing the booking process for maintenance checks and raising public awareness regarding sewage systems and water environments.

Comments from the Award Winner

Naoki Mitani, Executive Director of Nikko Corporation, expressed gratitude upon receiving the prestigious award:

"We are honored to receive the Grand Prize at the historic Management Environmental Award. Our aim goes beyond merely creating quality products; we aspire to diminish environmental burdens and establish systems that recycle resources, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a rich cultural experience. This award acknowledges our unprecedented undertaking of recycling tableware into fertilizer and the diligence of our dedicated employees, as well as the support from our partner companies. We will continue to accelerate our 'environmental management' initiative that can only be achieved through our unique ceramicals and water treatment business portfolio."

About the Environmental Power Award

Established in 2008, the Environmental Power Award, hosted by the nonprofit organization Environmental Civilization 21 and supported by the Ministry of the Environment, honors business leaders of SMEs and mid-sized firms who have made exceptional contributions to addressing environmental issues in a pioneering manner.
More Information

Overview of BONEARTH®

"BONEARTH®" is an innovative fertilizer developed by Nikko from discarded tableware. By recycling tricalcium phosphate found in bone china, this initiative substantially reduces waste and promotes resource circulation. The fertilizer, characterized by low solubility in water, minimizes environmental impacts while enhancing soil fertility.
Fertilizer Registration Number: Seida107121 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
Recipient of the 2022 Good Design Award

About Nikko Corporation

Founded in 1908, Nikko Corporation is a renowned ceramics brand consistently catering to professionals who require high-quality and durable products for hotels and restaurants. Committed to sustainable manufacturing practices, the company performs in-house production of raw materials. Nikko aims to transition from linear mass production to a circular business model, wherein products are reused instead of discarded, facilitating enhanced social responsibility. Through projects like the recycling of bone china into fertilizer, Nikko collaborates with restaurants, farmers, and consumers to build a sustainable community focused on food security.

Company Name: Nikko Corporation
Location: 383 Aiki Town, Hakusan City, Ishikawa 924-8686
Corporate Website: Nikko Corporation