Suntory creates water sustainability company
American and Japanese whisky producer Suntory Holdings has formed a new company in Japan as a solution for long-term water sustainability.
Named Water Scape, the company is based in Ashiya City, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.
Its establishment comes with on-going – and growing – challenges around water sourcing that Japan and the rest of the world face, Suntory noted.
The company cited issues such as droughts, flooding and aquifer depletion, which are affecting agriculture, manufacturing and global supply chains.
Water Scape will begin its full-scale operations this month (April) and will provide groundwater volume diagnosis, real-time monitoring and water resource management planning, as well as the action plans and investment strategies to secure water supplies sustainably.
Masatoshi Kawasaki, president and representative director of Water Scape, said: “As a corporation sustained by the gifts of nature and water, Suntory Group has consistently pursued sustainable water use through earnest engagement and knowledge built on scientific evidence.
“As water issues intensify globally, Suntory Group is committed to contributing to societal sustainability by sharing our accumulated water-related expertise to support businesses and local communities.”
The services are designed to support local businesses and communities in securing water supplies by sustainable measures.
Initial services will be offered to businesses facing challenges in securing groundwater, while in the future, help will roll out to local businesses and communities seeking to enhance their value‐added activities by contributing to a sound water cycle.
Hydrological research and expertise comes from Suntory Global Innovation Center’s Institute for Water Science, which was founded in 2003.
The institute has carried out both extensive domestic and international hydrological research since its inception, including improving the function of forests for recharging water resources.
The research has enabled Suntory to estimate the amount of groundwater recharge at Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries, and assess the environmental impact of water.
Suntory Holdings looks after spirits brands such as Japanese whiskies Yamazaki and Hibiki, and American whiskeys Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.
The company’s 2030 Water Commitments include expanding its water education programmes and initiatives, and collaborating with suppliers to improve water-use efficiency.
In 2018, Suntory was recognised with Japan’s first Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certification.
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