ANA HOLDINGS Partners with Fermenstation to Implement ESG-driven Circular Project to Benefit Consume
ANA HOLDINGS Partners with Fermenstation to Implement ESG-driven Circular Project to Benefit Consumers
Companies will use biomass such as bananas and rice to create antibacterial wet wipes, ethanol and cattle feed.
· Collaboration is the latest example of ANA HD's commitment to ESG goals.
ANA HOLDINGS INC. (hereinafter "ANA HD") is partnering with Japan-based Fermenstation Co. Ltd (hereinafter "Fermenstation") to utilize food by-products to create consumer products. This collaboration is another effort by ANA to improve sustainability practices and place the company on track to achieve its 2050 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.
Fermenstation is an innovative startup that creates beauty products made from fermented rice and other ingredients. All Nippon Airways Trading Co., Ltd (ANATC), a group company of ANA HD, will procure and deliver unconsumable bananas from Ecuador-based Tanabe Farm to Fermenstation for use in the production of antibacterial wet wipes and ethanol. The wipes rely primarily on organic and natural components such as rice and bananas, coupled with Fermenstation's technology, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin.
"Everyone at ANA HD is excited about the opportunity to partner with Fermenstation to advance our ambitious ESG agenda," said Takashi Shiki, Chief Executive Officer of All Nippon Airways Trading Co.,Ltd. "By placing a continued emphasis on ESG and collaborating with other leading enterprises, we will contribute to societal good while growing the business. This is another example of ANA HD dedication to adopting innovative strategies that allow us to give back to the communities in which we operate."
The spread of COVID-19 has made people more mindful of the strong connection between hygiene and health, and there continues to be a strong demand for antibacterial wet wipes. Repurposing the banana by-products will also help ANA Group reduce its food loss levels.
After the ethanol is extracted from the fermented bananas and rice, the leftover residue will be used as cattle feed in Iwate Prefecture, where Fermenstation's production base and rice paddies are located. By fully using each component, ANA and Fermenstation are creating a new, circular economy.
ANA has been commended for its strong ESG efforts and was the only company in the aviation industry to receive the Gold Class distinction from the 2021 S&P Global Sustainability Awards. Other ESG-related awards for ANA HD have been presented by IATA, J-Win and the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.