Koyosha Corporation Supports Sustainability by Investing in Forest Credit from Hokkaido

Koyosha Corporation's Commitment to Sustainability

Koyosha Corporation, headquartered in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is renowned for its high-quality commercial printing and environmentally friendly practices. Recently, the company made a significant move towards sustainability by purchasing 300 tons of CO2 credits from the "Flow Ice Forest Credit" program created by the city of Monbetsu in Hokkaido, through the forest value creation platform "Morikachi," developed in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry and NTT Docomo Business.

The Motivation Behind the Purchase

Monbetsu is a treasure of natural beauty along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, which showcases the seasonal changes of the landscape. However, due to global warming, the area has seen a disturbing decline in sea ice. This phenomenon threatens both marine environments and the local ecosystem. In light of these challenges, Monbetsu aims to maintain its rich natural environment while promoting sustainable forest management. The city has developed forest management practices aligned with the SGEC (Sustainable Green Eco-Committee) certification system and created the Flow Ice Forest Credit program targeted to enhance forest health.

Koyosha Corporation resonated deeply with Monbetsu’s commitment to combatting climate change and safeguarding the environment. By supporting this initiative, the company not only offsets its greenhouse gas emissions from its business activities but also directly aids in preserving Japan's abundant forest resources.

Social Significance of the Credit Purchase

The proceeds generated from the sale of the 300 tons of credits purchased by Koyosha will be entirely directed toward maintaining and promoting forest functions on privately-owned forest lands within Monbetsu. This initiative will not only cultivate forests as carbon sinks but also enhance biodiversity, revitalize local forestry, and contribute to protecting the marine environment through efforts aimed at creating abundant forests that help preserve sea ice.

Leveraging the Forest Value Creation Platform "Morikachi"

The transaction was facilitated through the forest value creation platform "Morikachi," a collaborative project between Sumitomo Forestry and NTT Docomo Business. Morikachi visualizes information regarding the ownership and details of the target forests on a map, connecting forest owners with companies aiming to contribute to environmental sustainability. By utilizing this innovative platform, Koyosha successfully engaged in transparent and reliable credit trading that directly supports forest management in Monbetsu.

Visit Morikachi's official website

Koyosha's Approach to Sustainability (SDGs)

Koyosha recognizes environmental contributions through its printing business as a pivotal management concern and is actively working towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through diverse strategies:

- Offering Environmentally-Friendly Printing: The company calculates the carbon footprint (CFP) of its print products, aiming for a net-zero impact through carbon-free production facilities and utilizing credits to offset emissions.
- Implementation of Renewable Energy: Actively participating in the "RE Action" initiative and installing solar power equipment on the rooftops of its own facilities (Hanano Printing Center BASE), achieving 100% renewable energy through non-fossil certificates.
- Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Processes: Supporting environmental burden reduction by using non-VOC inks, plant-based inks, and committing to a complete non-processing of CTP plates.
- Adopting International Sustainability Standards: Acquiring SBT certification for greenhouse gas reduction targets, thereby pursuing climate change action in line with global standards and advocating for transparency in data disclosure.

Learn more about Koyosha's sustainability efforts here

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, Koyosha vows to continue balancing high-quality printing solutions with environmental considerations, driving CO2 reductions across the entire supply chain. The company is committed to ongoing support for initiatives like the Flow Ice Forest Credit, which directly contributes to forest conservation and the revitalization of local economies, as part of a united effort to realize a sustainable society.