The Suntory Group carries out various water-related activities, driven by its core corporate mission of “To Create Harmony with People and Nature” and social contract of “Mizu To Ikiru.” Since 2003 Suntory has worked on Natural Water Sanctuaries to cultivate forests that nurture groundwater, and since 2004 has conducted the Suntory Mizuiku-Natural Water Education Program for environmental education for future generations in Japan.

For the purpose of preserving sufficient wooded areas to cultivate groundwater at least equal to the amount used for the factory, Okudaisen Bunanomori Water Plant is developing 495 hectares of woods, the Okudaisen Natural Water Sanctuary, as a water resource for cultivation.

Project Results

Suntory Okudaisen Bunanomori Water Plant has become the first plant in Japan to receive the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certification with regard to its sustainable use of water in the basin around the plant. The AWS certification indicates approval of the Suntory Group’s grasp of water balance in the basin around the plant, water resource cultivation based on scientific data, water conservation and water quality management at the plant, collaboration with other stakeholders in the basin, and suitable information release, in accordance with its Sustainable Water Philosophy.

In Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary "Okudaisen", mid-to-long-term agreements are established with local government and Forestry Agency. Cultivation of forests has been implemented collaborating with experts from Tottori University.

As of 2020, there are 21 Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries in 15 prefectures which comprise a total area of approximately 12,000ha nationwide in Japan.