Through the reduction of waste and its effective utilization, we endeavor to conserve the natural environment, Okinawa’s greatest tourism resource, and bequeath Okinawa’s beautiful natural endowment as a precious inheritance to the next generation. 

In 2006, Nago Brewery, Orion Breweries’ sole brewery, achieved 100% recycling (zero emissions) of waste generated during production, and has maintained this performance to date. 

We are also promoting the recycling of malt lees, 10 tons of which are discharged on average per month in the brewing process.

(1) Composting of malt lees

In collaboration with the University of the Ryukyus, local companies, and farmers, we have succeeded in growing barley in subtropical Okinawa and composting the malt lees of the barley. 

Barley grown on Ie Island, Okinawa Prefecture, using this compost is utilized as a secondary ingredient in our beers, and the malt lees generated in the brewing process are composted again and used in the barley fields on Ie Island, contributing to fully circular cultivation of barley. 

We launched beers made using this barley as a secondary ingredient in June 2021, and as of 2023, it is being utilized in Orion Breweries’ beers.

(2) Fertilization of malt lees

We are working with various stakeholders to solve the problem of rising feed prices, which are inimical to the interests of those working in agriculture and fisheries in Okinawa Prefecture.

ーFeed for land-based aquacultureー

In collaboration with the University of the Ryukyus (Ryudai), local governments, and the private sector, we are participating in the “Ryudai Mibai” land-based aquaculture research and social implementation program and provide malt lees as part of the feed for the farmed fish. 

Mibai is the Okinawan name of the Malabar grouper. These fish farmed in this land-based aquaculture program are on the menus at Orion Group hotels. As a sustainable ingredient, Ryudai Mibai is offered for many tour groups and featured in banquets. 

This initiative was adopted as a full-scale project of the Program on Open Innovation Platforms for Industry-academia Co-creation (COI-NEXT) of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) in January 2022.

ーFeed for Okinawan Black Wagyuー

Since 1993, malt lees have also been used as feed for Motobu Beef, an Okinawan brand of Japanese black beef. Motobu beef has won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award and the first prize at the Wagyu Beef Olympics. We are contributing to the rearing of high-quality Japanese black beef cattle.