Manufacturers worldwide are rethinking industrial growth to balance innovation with environmental responsibility. For Tungaloy Corporation, this balance is central to its Think Green initiative, a programme focused on measurable actions to reduce environmental impact and contribute to a sustainable society.

In 2025, Tungaloy expanded renewable energy use, introduced green hydrogen in production, and strengthened product design through environmental certification standards. These measures reflect the company’s commitment to achieving meaningful progress beyond compliance requirements.

Tungaloy obtained ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certification in 1997, becoming the first in Japan’s cemented-carbide tool industry to do so. In 2024, its Iwaki Headquarters added ISO 50001 (Energy Management), reinforcing an integrated approach covering quality, safety and energy efficiency.

Since 2022, the Nagoya Campus has operated entirely on renewable electricity. Solar panels installed at the Iwaki Headquarters in 2015 generate approximately 160 MWh annually, reducing around 75 tonnes of CO? each year.

Further measures have reduced emissions across operations. In 2023, Iwaki transitioned from kerosene to city gas, achieving a 27 per cent reduction in emissions in 2024. The Nirasaki Campus introduced locally produced green hydrogen, lowering CO? emissions by an additional 300 tonnes annually.

These initiatives support Tungaloy’s target of reducing emissions by 46 per cent by 2030 (compared with 2013) and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

In both 2024 and 2025, Tungaloy received the Environment Grand Prize from the Japan Cutting & Wear-Resistant Tool Association, recognising its sustained environmental efforts. The company views these awards as a reflection of shared responsibility across the manufacturing sector.

All new Tungaloy products are evaluated under the Japan Cutting & Wear-Resistant Tool Association Standard for Environment-Conscious Products (ECP), Japan’s official framework for sustainable cutting tools.

Products are rated on a 100-point scale:
• 80 points or above - 3 stars
• 79–60 points - 2 stars
• 59–40 points - 1 star
• Below 40 points – Not certified

Several flagship products, including the DrillMeister and DrillForceMeister exchangeable-head drilling systems and the PVD grade SH7025 for precision small-part machining, have achieved two- and three-star certifications. These ratings highlight Tungaloy’s focus on combining performance with environmental responsibility.

Since 2004, Tungaloy has maintained a landfill disposal rate below 1 per cent, achieving its “Zero Emission” target. Packaging improvements have reduced plastic use by more than 1.8 tonnes annually, while a cemented-carbide tool collection programme in Japan enables recovery and reuse of tungsten and other valuable materials.

“Sustainability and innovation must advance together,” said Satoshi Kinoshita, President & CEO of Tungaloy Corporation. “Through our Think Green activities, we aim to serve our customers, employees, and society while ensuring that every step forward in manufacturing is also a step forward for the planet, and for the generations who will follow.”