Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.

Ajinomoto Sustainability Initiatives Contributing to the Improved Wellbeing of Our People and Planet

Guided by the Ajinomoto Group’s global objectives, Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. advances sustainability through science-based practices that promote wellbeing and environmental stewardship, contributing to a healthier planet and society.

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Sustainability Goals By the Numbers

Our vision toward a healthier planet through measurable impact and ongoing commitment.

Reduction in food loss and waste since 2018.
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Materials obtained from sustainable sources by 2030.
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Reduction in plastic waste by 2030.
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Reduction in our carbon footprint by 2030.
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Community Engagement Our Commitment to People Drives Our Sustainability Vision

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc., our commitment to people is the foundation of our sustainability strategy. We invest in and engage with the communities where we live and work, dedicating time, talent, and resources to initiatives that align with our mission to address global food and health challenges.

We take pride in being an active and positive force in communities across North America, striving to create lasting impact through meaningful partnerships and purposeful action.

Our Goals Reducing Environmental Impact and Improving Wellbeing

Through enterprise-wide goals and the Ajinomoto Group’s targeted reduction initiatives, we are actively working to create a healthier planet for all.

Discover how these efforts support our global commitments by visiting our global website.

Extending Healthy Life Expectancy

One of two main enterprise-wide targets for 2030 is to extend the healthy life expectancy of 1 billion people.

Reducing Environmental Impact

The second enterprise-wide target for 2030 is to reduce environmental impact by 50%.

Becoming Carbon Neutral

The Ajinomoto Group aims to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

By 2030, the Ajinomoto Group aims to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50%, and scope 3 emissions by 24%.

Let’s Create a Better Future for All

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Paving the Path Forward Sustainability in Action: Eddyville, Iowa

The Eddyville, Iowa campus stands as a strong representation of Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.’s enduring commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

As the largest production facility in our North American operations, Eddyville plays a critical role in advancing our environmental initiatives, supporting our customers, empowering our team members, and contributing to the vitality of the local community.

Eddyville Campus Certifications

Food and Feed Safety

  • Kosher certified
  • AFIA: Safe feed and safe food certification program
  • FSC 36: Safe feed and safe food

Production Quality & Safety

  • ISO 9001: 2015: Quality
  • ISO 45001:2009: Safety
  • FSSC-22000: Food safety system certification

Environmental

  • ISO 14001:2004: Environmental

Our Approach to Emissions Reduction

Since 2018, the Eddyville, Iowa campus has achieved significant reductions in emissions, with continued progress anticipated.

This reflects Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and operational excellence.

Sustainable Materials Sourcing

Sourcing raw materials responsibly is a core global priority for the Ajinomoto Group and is embedded in operations at the local level, including our Eddyville, Iowa campus.

Situated in the heart of the nation’s leading corn-producing state, the Eddyville facility proudly utilizes locally grown corn in its production processes. We actively promote best practices in soil and water conservation among our agricultural partners to help preserve natural resources.

All suppliers are required to submit their Environmental Policies as a condition of engagement and are held accountable to our sustainability-informed Supplier Code of Conduct.

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Energy Efficiency

The Eddyville, Iowa campus reflects Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy integration. The site is home to a modest solar installation and continues to explore opportunities to expand on-site renewable electricity generation.

Ongoing initiatives to improve energy performance include:

  • Implementation of an advanced control system for compressed air, one of the primary energy inputs in large-scale fermentation.
  • Targeted cleaning projects to restore the heat transfer efficiency of heat exchangers.
  • Water recovery initiatives designed to reduce energy consumption while upholding quality and raw material standards.

Water Conservation & Neutrality

Water conservation is a critical pillar of our sustainability strategy. At the Eddyville, Iowa campus, we are making measurable progress toward enhanced water efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

We have identified a clear pathway to becoming a zero-discharge facility and achieving 100% water neutrality, reinforcing our commitment to responsible resource management and long-term environmental stewardship.

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The Ajinomoto County Line Wetland Restoration

In 2024, Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. launched one of the region’s most significant wetland restoration initiatives near our production facility in Eddyville, Iowa.

The Ajinomoto County Line Wetland Mitigation Bank is restoring 130 acres of former cropland along the Des Moines River to its original wetland ecosystem. This project reflects our long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and reinforces our dedication to supporting the Eddyville community we are proud to call home.

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Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is central to building a more sustainable and resilient food system. At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc., we are actively investing in agronomic research focused on the application of amino acid fermentation coproducts and bio-stimulants.

These innovations unlock the potential of amino acids to enhance nutrient uptake, improve resistance to abiotic stress, and increase metabolic efficiency in both plants and soil, ultimately reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers and supporting more sustainable farming practices.

A close-up of an ear of yellow corn partially husked, still attached to its green stalk in a field.
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Waste Management

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc., waste reduction remains a core operational priority. While some waste is unavoidable, we are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint through robust recycling practices and responsible material management.

Key initiatives include:

  • Ongoing employee training in ISO standards, Stormwater Pollution Prevention, and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) protocols.
  • Contribution to composting programs that support nutrient recycling and land enrichment.
  • Recycling of electronic equipment, paper products, glass, cardboard, and other materials to promote circular resource use.

Recent Insights & News

Learn more about recent project contributions and local efforts that support our sustainability initiatives.

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