NYK Line has been making every possible effort to protect the marine environment from exhaust gas emissions from NYK-operated vessels. This endeavor is exemplified by NYK's decision to begin using electronically-controlled diesel engines that are effective in reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and emissions of particulate matter (PM). In addition, NYK has begun introducing fuel additives that help to improve engine combustion, and the development of a new device using special compact filters to eliminate high-density soot/smoke from the exhaust gas of marine diesel engines was initiated in 2003 as part of our efforts.

  This new device (patent pending) was developed jointly with Daiwa Kogyo Co., Ltd., a Japanese manufacturer of industrial machinery, and is suitable for use with up to 800kW class diesel engines powered by heavy fuel oil. In February 2004, NYK carried out shipboard performance tests using a diesel-powered electrical generator onboard an NYK-operated pure car and truck carrier, thus completing the world's first onboard test of a device of this type.

Mitsubishi Plastics became the first company to receive a low-interest loan based on the quality of its environmental contributions.

To promote environment-oriented management among companies, the Development Bank of Japan, a 100% government-owned provider of policy-based financing, has established a scheme under which borrowers are eligible for reduced interest rates according to ratings based on their environmental protection initiatives. It has chosen Mitsubishi Plastics to become the first company to receive a loan under this system. During the screening, Mitsubishi Plastics received the highest rating (–Especially Progressive”) among applicants to the scheme.

 Mitsubishi Plastics actively considers the environment in its activities under –Responsible care,” the philosophy of the chemical industry. For example, it has reduced landfill waste at all of its plants to zero. It has also adopted a unique approach to the planning of environment-friendly products under strict quantitative standards. Mitsubishi Plastics will use the loan for environment-related R&D and facilities, on which it spends around ¥1.3 billion to ¥1.4 billion annually.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is issuing work clothing manufactured with fiber made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drink bottles. It is progressively introducing the new clothing at its various plants, research centers and other facilities. Just over four 1.5-liter PET bottles are used in each jacket, and about four in each pair of trousers. The company plans to supply around 30,000 sets of clothing to its employees each year, including uniforms distributed to new employees as well as replacement sets for existing employees. Approximately 250,000 PET bottles will be recycled each year as a result.

  In non-production locations, such as offices, work clothing made from cotton-polyester blends is used. The recycled PET bottle fiber will be used in the blended fabric clothing. The fabric will consist of 35% cotton, 55% recycled PET bottle fiber, and 10% polyester. The company will continue to supply 100% cotton clothing, which is resistant to heat and other factors, for production activities, which often include welding.

  The company is actively committed to green procurement as part of its ongoing effort to reduce the environmental load. The new clothing will help to heighten employees' awareness of the need to protect the environment.