NGK Recognized as an “Eco-First Company” by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment

NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (hereinafter “NGK”), based in Nagoya, Japan, announced that it has been certified as an “Eco-First Company” under the Eco-First Program promoted by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. NGK was recognized as an environmental front-runner based on its environmental conservation initiatives and its five commitments toward contributing to a sustainable society.

The Eco-First Program is a framework in which companies voluntarily pledge their environmental initiatives to the Minister of the Environment and are certified when those initiatives are recognized as advanced. Certified companies, as “Eco-First Companies,” are expected to further promote industry‑leading environmental activities.

Under the NGK Group Environmental Vision established in April 2021, the NGK Group has set targets to reduce CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and 2*¹) by 50% from fiscal 2013 levels by fiscal 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve these goals, NGK has formulated a Carbon Neutral Strategy Roadmap and has been implementing initiatives such as introducing high-efficiency equipment and improving energy operations. In addition, NGK is strengthening initiatives aimed at realizing a sustainable society, including the development of environmentally conscious products and regional collaboration projects utilizing J-Credits. Furthermore, based on the SBT*² certification obtained in 2024, NGK is also pursuing reductions in Scope 3 emissions*³.

Going forward, NGK will continue working toward the realization of a sustainable society through technological development that contributes to carbon neutrality.

■ NGK’s Five Eco-First Commitments

• Work toward achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050 and promote reductions in Scope 3 emissions.
• Promote the development and provision of carbon-neutral (CN) related products and services, including ceramic substrates for Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies that remove CO₂ directly from the atmosphere.
• Maintain a recycling rate of 99% or higher at domestic manufacturing sites.
• Register NGK’s company-owned forest, “NGK Minna no Mori Mizunami,” as a Nature Coexistence Site and participate in the 30by30 initiative*⁴.
• Obtain TNFD Early Adopter recognition*⁵ for early implementation of the TNFD framework for nature-related financial disclosures.

Notes:

*¹ Scope 1 and 2 emissions: Direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s own operations.

*² SBT: An international certification body for corporate greenhouse gas reduction targets.

*³ Scope 3 emissions: Greenhouse gas emissions generated across the supply chain, excluding a company’s own direct and indirect emissions.

*⁴ 30by30: An international goal to conserve and manage more than 30% of national land and sea areas as healthy ecosystems by 2030.

*⁵ TNFD Early Adopter: Organizations officially recognized by the TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures) for early implementation of the TNFD framework, which guides disclosure of nature-related risks and opportunities.