Basic Approach and Policies
Because the Kanematsu Group conducts business activities all over the world, we are aware that water resources are important natural capital for businesses. While it is pointed out that the risk of drought across the globe affected by climate change associated with global warming is increasing, we recognize the finite nature of water resources and will continue to strive for their efficient use and conservation.
Business Activities in Water-Stressed Areas
Using Aqueduct, an assessment tool developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI), the Kanematsu Group conducted an analysis of water stress levels at our manufacturing and processing sites (23 sites), both in Japan and overseas. Business sites with extremely high-level water stress are designated as water-stressed locations. As of July 2025, we do not have any locations designated as water-stressed areas.
*As of July 2025
| Water stress level | Number of business sites |
|---|---|
| Low（＜10％） | 3 |
| Low to medium（10-20％） | 7 |
| Medium to high（20-40%) | 10 |
| High（40-80％） | 3 |
| Extremely high（＞80％） | 0 |
| Total | 23 |
Initiatives to Reduce Water Consumption
Offering beef that seeks harmony with the environment and resources
Since 2023, Kanematsu has been doing business with Harmony Beef, a beef processor and distributor based in Alberta, Canada. Founded in 2017, Harmony Beef is a relatively new player among the numerous beef producers operating in North America.
As its name suggests, the company seeks harmony between the environment, resources, animals, and the people involved.
The company is highly regarded for its proprietary system that provides high quality beef featuring both a soft texture and rich flavor.
Harmony Beef’s plant consumes a huge amount of water for processing, production line cleaning, and various other operations.
The company has a state-of-the-art water purification facility that allows approximately 90% of the water used in its plant to be treated that meets or exceeds Canadian environmental standards for reuse, thereby maintaining and improving water usage efficiency by recycling precious water resources.
We aim to contribute to the promotion of sustainable use of water resources in North America, a region with high water stress, by strengthening business with Harmony Beef.
Environmentally friendly label
Using LIMEX Sheet, a limestone-based material designed and manufactured by TBM Co., Ltd., Kanematsu has developed environmentally friendly labels that are now on the market. Unlike paper labels, LIMEX Sheet does not use any wood pulp as a raw material in its production. This significantly reduces the amount of water required during manufacturing, thereby contributing to the conservation of forests and water resources. In addition, compared to synthetic paper materials such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets, which are commonly used for labels, it can reduce emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, as well as the use of petroleum-derived plastics.
LIMEX,a new material produced from limestone,is more durable and water-resistant than paper.