Logistics
Casio is working to ensure its logistical operations have as low an environmental impact as possible by improving its inter-site parts-shipment routes and switching to more efficient modes of product transportation.
Logistics process initiatives
Casio is actively reducing its environmental impact by striving to reduce CO2 and waste emissions arising from logistics.
In order to reduce CO2 emissions in the logistics process, Casio is promoting the following three action plans.
- Shortening transport distances： Promoting direct shipping to customers from logistics centers in and outside Japan
- Promoting a modal shift： Actively using modes of transport with low environmental impact such as rail for transport between sites
- Improving loading efficiency and reducing transport volume： Improving the packaging design of digital cameras, electronic dictionaries, musical instruments electronic cash registers, and other products, and reducing the volume of packaging
Relocation and Consolidation of Logistics Centers in Japan
Casio’s logistics center in Mie Prefecture was moved to Saitama Prefecture, and then its distribution center in Tokyo was ultimately consolidated with the logistics center, a transition that was achieved in stages.
In August 2011, the logistics center was moved from Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, to Toda City, Saitama Prefecture. Then in January 2012, the company’s Eastern Distribution Center in Koto-ku, Tokyo, was consolidated with the logistics center.
With this change, Casio reduced the number of consumer product distribution sites in Japan from five to four. This transition not only shortened transport distances, but also promoted a significant shift from truck to rail shipment, and has contributed greatly to CO2 emissions reduction.
Promoting Modal Shift and Reducing Intermediate Transport
■Results of the Transfer and Consolidation
- Elimination of intermediate transport
Shortened the distance from the logistics center to the Hokkaido Distribution Center in Sapporo
Intermediate transport no longer required from the logistics center to the Eastern Distribution Center in Tokyo - Promotion of modal shift
Partial shift to rail between the logistics center and the Western Distribution Center in Osaka
Switch to rail between the logistics center and the Kyushu Distribution Center in Fukuoka - Transport distance shortened
Shortened the transport distance in the Kanto (Tokyo) region which accounts for about 46% of direct shipments from the logistics center (delivery direct to customers without going through a distribution center)
* Based on the results above, CO2 emissions have been reduced by approximately 330 tons annually (20% reduction)
Promoting direct delivery to North America
Casio is promoting direct delivery from logistics centers to corporate customers.
In the past, products shipped from China to North America were sent to a warehouse of Casio America, Inc. in Chicago, before being delivered to the logistics centers of corporate customers. In 2009, however, Casio began shipping directly to the central logistics centers of customers, thereby helping to reduce CO2 emissions. In fiscal 2011, about 1,800 tons of CO2 emitted by the Casio Group and its customers were eliminated in this way.
In fiscal 2012, Casio will promote further direct delivery efforts, investigating direct shipment not just to the central logistics centers of customers, but also to their regional centers.
Promoting direct delivery to North America
Introduction of reusable shipping cartons in Asian distribution
A reusable shipping carton employed for distribution in Asia
To reduce packaging material, Casio is working to introduce the use of reusable shipping cartons in its Asian distribution operations.
In an effort to switch to plastic reusable shipping cartons in its air freight shipments between Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, Casio launched the use of new cartons in September 2009.
These cartons can be used to ship parts made in Japan to Hong Kong for use at Chinese production sites, and to ship timepiece parts from vendors in China, from Hong Kong to Thailand. By then transporting finished timepieces or timepiece parts from Thailand to Japan, the cartons never have to travel empty between the three countries.
Unlike traditional cardboard boxes, these cartons do not have to be discarded, and instead can be used many times over, thereby reducing environmental impact.
Casio has now begun to introduce even larger shipping cartons. The large shipping cartons are mainly used for ocean transport. Packaging damage can be avoided through the use of LCL shipping (freight from different companies in one ocean shipping container), which also eliminates the need to use air transport when the shipping volume is small.
Starting in fiscal 2012, the reusable large shipping cartons are also being used to transport products.
Eco Rail Mark certification
On October 29, 2009, Casio was certified by the Japanese Railway Freight Association as a company carrying out Eco Rail Mark initiatives.
The Eco Rail Mark indicates that a product or company is actively engaged in efforts to alleviate environmental problems through the use of rail freight transport. Rail transport has a smaller environmental impact, producing about 1/7th the CO2 emissions of commercial trucking.
Casio actively uses rail for shipping from its logistics center in Mie Prefecture to its distribution centers in Hokkaido and Tokyo.
Casio will continue working to reduce its environmental impact by pursuing environmentally friendly transport.
Eco Rail Mark
Promoting a modal shift to rail transport
Environmentally friendly rail containers
