Manufacturers worldwide are considering how to reconcile industrial growth with environmental protection for future generations. At Tungaloy, this interplay of innovation and responsibility shapes the Think-Green initiative – a program based on concrete, measurable actions to reduce environmental impacts and contribute to a more sustainable society.
In 2025, Tungaloy further expanded this commitment: by increasing energy from renewable sources, using green hydrogen in production, and enhancing product development through environmental certifications. These steps reflect the belief that progress arises from genuine shared responsibility – not merely from compliance with regulations.
Continuous improvement through international standards
Tungaloy was the first company in the Japanese carbide tool industry to be certified according to ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) in 1997. In 2024, the headquarters in Iwaki received certification according to ISO 50001 (Energy Management), thereby strengthening a management approach that combines quality, safety, and energy efficiency.
Renewable energies and CO₂ reduction
Since 2022, the campus in Nagoya has been fully powered by electricity from renewable sources. At the headquarters in Iwaki, photovoltaic modules installed since 2015 generate about 160 MWh per year, saving approximately 75 tons of CO₂ annually.
Additional measures further reduced emissions: in 2023, the Iwaki site switched from kerosene to city gas, reducing emissions by 27% in 2024. At the Nirasaki site, locally produced green hydrogen was introduced, saving an additional approximately 300 tons of CO₂ per year.
Overall, these steps bring the company closer to its goal of reducing emissions by 46% by 2030 compared to 2013 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Recognition for progress in the industry
Tungaloy was awarded the Environment Grand Prize by the Japan Cutting & Wear-Resistant Tool Association in 2024 and 2025 – in recognition of its long-standing commitment to the environment.
Tungaloy does not view these awards as competitive success but as a reminder of the shared responsibility to promote sustainability throughout the manufacturing industry.
Environmentally conscious product development
All new Tungaloy products are evaluated according to the ECP standard (Environment-Conscious Products) of the Japan Cutting & Wear-Resistant Tool Association – the official Japanese framework for sustainable cutting tools.
Evaluation scale (100 points):
80 points and above ★★★
79-60 points ★★
59-40 points ★
below 40 points – not certified
Several core product lines – including DrillMeister, DrillForceMeister, the PVD grade SH7025 for precision small parts, and other innovative solutions – have received ECP certifications with two or three stars. This underscores Tungaloy's commitment to balancing performance and environmental awareness.
Waste reduction and resource conservation
Since 2004, Tungaloy has maintained a landfill rate below 1% ('Zero Emission').
Packaging optimizations save over 1.8 tons of plastic annually, and a take-back program for used carbide tools in Japan enables the recycling of tungsten and other valuable raw materials.
These are small but steady steps towards a more circular production.
'Sustainability and innovation must grow together,' said Satoshi Kinoshita, President and CEO of Tungaloy Corporation. 'With Think Green, we want to support our customers, employees, and society – and ensure that every advancement in manufacturing is also an advancement for our planet.'
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