Taisho was early in recognizing the importance of environmental protection, establishing the Environment Department (currently the Environmental Section) in 1978. The Omiya, Hanyu and Okayama Factories, have obtained ISO 14001 certification for their environmental management system. The Company has also reduced the size and weight of its products, and has begun using 100% recycled paper in packaging. In fiscal 2002 Taisho instituted environmental audits at its headquarters and published an environmental report as part of its information disclosure policy.