Tokyo, Japan -- Ajinomoto Co., Inc. is promoting preservation of the environment by setting a goal of "Ajinomoto Group Zero Emissions". Seven plants in three countries are newly designated as zero waste emissions plants in 2003, totaling 16 zero waste emissions plants in 8 countries which manufacture seasonings, feed additives, and foods.

Seasonings and feed additives manufacturing plants process enhanced and solid by-products into fertilizers and feed in partnership with local agriculture and the starch and sugar production industry, sell the converted products, and commit to segregation of general waste thoroughly. Also, food-manufacturing plants reuse residues, such as corn leavings produced by production process, into organic fertilizers and cattle feed.

Resource recovery ratio of waste and by-products, which is an important item of Ajinomoto Group‘‘s environmental activities, is steadily approaching the ultimate goal of 99.0 % since resource recovery ratios so far were 93.2% (2001), 95.0% (2002), and 96.3 (2003). Ajinomoto Group promotes 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) further to improve recycles based on characteristics of countries and regions and properties of wastes and will aim to early achievement of zero waste emissions across the entire group.

Definition of "Ajinomoto Group Zero Emissions"
Resource recovery ratio of wastes (by-products from production process and general waste) released from plants was 99.0% or more. (Rate of waste without any recovery means, such as simple incineration and landfill, was less than 1.0%)

About Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. is the largest seasoning manufacturer in Japan and ranks among the world‘‘s leaders in advanced amino application technology. Operations are carried out through the Food Products Division (Ajinomoto & other seasonings, edible oils, processed food, beverages, daily products) and Fine Chemicals Division (pharmaceuticals, amino acids, specialty chemicals).