Prevention of Environmental Pollution

As a global healthcare company, the Eisai Group has established the ENW (Eisai Network Companies) Environmental Policy and conducts business activities with an emphasis on global environmental protection. It is stated that we will “4. Prevent environmental pollution by promoting proper management of chemical substances” and as such, we are promoting these initiatives in our business activities on a global scale.

With regard to PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) substances and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), which have a potential impact on the environment, we are working to utilize alternative solvents and develop synthesis methods in the research phase to reduce the amount of substances used, in order to prevent air pollution. We are also incorporating various means into our manufacturing processes to minimize their release into the atmosphere. In addition, to prevent global warming we are reducing emissions of fluorocarbons, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that have ozone-depleting effects and strong greenhouse effects, and shifting to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and non-fluorocarbons (NON).

Chemical substances that are used in the research and development and production of pharmaceutical products include some substances subject to the PRTR system in various countries that could have an impact on the environment. The amount of these substances handled, released into the environment, and transferred as waste need to be understood and properly managed. The Eisai Group globally promotes proper management of PRTR substances. The Eisai Group in Japan also strives to reduce emissions of PRTR substances into the environment, and when the amount of PRTR substances used exceeds the designated limit, we promptly submit notifications to the relevant prefectures.

1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Release Control

VOCs, such as ethyl acetate and acetone, methanol are highly volatile and turn into gas in the atmosphere, and as is the case with NOx discharged from production plants, cause the generation of photochemical oxidants. From the viewpoint of preventing air pollution, these substances need to be controlled to reduce their release into the atmosphere. The Eisai Group globally promotes the reduction of emissions of VOCs.

1. Management of Fluorocarbons

Fluorocarbons including hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in air conditioners and as refrigerants for refrigerators and freezers have ozone-depleting effects and strong greenhouse effects. The Eisai Group is promoting the reduction of fluorocarbon emissions and the transition to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and non-fluorocarbons (NON) from the perspective of preventing global warming.

Structures and Systems 

The Eisai Group has established an environmental management system to promote global activities and is working to strengthen activities to identify environmental risks and establish countermeasures in Japan and overseas.

1. Promotion Structure and Internal Audits of Environmental Management

https://www.eisai.co.jp/sustainability/environment/management/structure/index.html

The Eisai Group in Japan uses its own reagent management system to monitor the use of reagents and strives to reduce emissions of PRTR substances into the environment. When the amount of PRTR substances used exceeds the specified amount, prompt notification is submitted to the relevant prefectures.
The amount of chemical substances used in the manufacturing process depends largely on the amount of pharmaceutical products. In the commercial production stage, it is not easy to change the manufacturing process because of the need to maintain the quality of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. For green sustainable chemistry*¹, we aim to reduce our environmental impact from the R&D stage by reducing the use of chemical substances and developing synthesis methods using alternative solvents. When highly volatile PRTR substances are used, we strive to control their release into the atmosphere as much as possible and incorporate them into our manufacturing processes.

＊1 Chemical technology that considers the environment and supports the sustainable development of society.

Our major plants and laboratories in Japan are working to reduce the amounts of VOCs used as well as PRTR substances. We have also established equipment operation methods to minimize emissions from our processes.

The Eisai Group in Japan is systematically eliminating and replacing equipment that uses chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) with equipment that uses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or non-fluorocarbon refrigerants, which do not deplete the ozone layer. Because CFCs have a strong greenhouse effect, we regularly inspect our equipment to prevent leakage, and in the unlikely event of a leak, we promptly share information and take action to prevent recurrences. At the time of equipment disposal, we ensure that all fluorocarbons have been properly collected, destroyed, and disposed of, and obtains a disposal certificate from the contractors.

In FY2023, total amount of PRTR substances used by the Eisai Group in Japan was 379 tons, a 15% increase from the previous fiscal year. This was due to an increase in the manufacture of anti-cancer drugs, and drugs in the neurology and gastrointestinal fields. Following the partial revision of the Law for PRTR and Promotion of Chemical Management that came into effect in FY2023, a review of substances subject to PRTR was conducted and the amount of PRTR substances handled increased. As a result, eleven substances were reported to the authorities, an increase of three substances from the previous fiscal year.

The Eisai Group strives to comply with environment-related laws, regulations, ordinances, and agreements with local governments, while setting voluntary standards that are stricter than environmental laws and regulations in the course of conducting its business activities. Our plants and laboratories periodically measure their environmental loads that cause air and water pollution to ensure that they are below the standard values. Furthermore, we take countermeasures to prevent leakage of hazardous chemical substances in efforts to not cause pollution of the external environment. We are making continuous efforts to prevent environmental pollution, while conducting regular training regarding response to emergencies.