Iwaki, Japan, January 2026.

Manufacturers around the world are considering how to balance industrial growth with protecting the environment for future generations. At Tungaloy, this combination of innovation and responsibility shapes the Think Green initiative – a programme based on concrete, measurable measures to reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable society.

In 2025, Tungaloy further expanded this commitment by increasing the use of renewable energy sources, utilising green hydrogen in production, and strengthening product development through environmental certifications. These steps reflect the belief that progress comes from genuine shared responsibility, not merely from compliance with regulations.

Continuous improvement through international standards

In 1997, Tungaloy became the first company in the Japanese carbide tool industry to be certified to ISO 14001 (environmental management). In 2024, its headquarters in Iwaki was certified to ISO 50001 (energy management), reinforcing a management approach that combines quality, safety and energy efficiency.

Renewable energies and CO₂ reduction

Since 2022, the Nagoya campus has been powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources. At the headquarters in Iwaki, photovoltaic modules installed in 2015 generate around 160 MWh per year and save around 75 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Further measures have reduced emissions even further: in 2023, the Iwaki site switched from kerosene to town gas, reducing emissions by 27% in 2024. Locally produced green hydrogen was introduced at the Nirasaki site, saving a further 300 tonnes 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 a competitive success, but rather 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 Japan Cutting & Wear-Resistant Tool Association's ECP (Environment-Conscious Products) standard – 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 two or three-star ECP certifications. This underscores Tungaloy's commitment to balancing performance and environmental awareness.

Waste reduction and resource conservation

Since 2004, Tungaloy has maintained a landfill rate of less than 1% (‘zero emissions’). Packaging optimisations save over 1.8 tonnes of plastic annually, and a take-back programme for used carbide tools in Japan enables the recycling of tungsten and other valuable raw materials. These are small but steady steps towards more circular production.

Source | Tungaloy