Manila, Philippines – JTI Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC) has cut the water used in its
operations by half at its manufacturing facility in Malvar, Batangas through a system improvement that is
helping strengthen both manufacturing efficiency and environmental performance.
The initiative, titled “Cutting Water Use by Half: A Practical Shift to Smarter Operations,” involved
transitioning from a reverse osmosis (RO) system to a water softener system for the facility’s boiler feed
water supply. Unlike the previous system, which generated significant reject water during treatment, the
new process minimizes water losses while continuing to meet the plant’s operational requirements.

“Our previous reverse osmosis system produced high-quality water but also generated significant reject
water. By shifting to a water softener system that better matched our operational requirements, we were
able to cut water consumption by half, reduce reject water from as much as 40 to 50 percent to just 1.2
percent, and significantly lower our operating costs. It is a practical example of how operational
improvements can deliver measurable environmental benefits while making our manufacturing operations
more efficient,” said Caglayan Yagci, Engineering Director of JT International Asia Manufacturing Corp.
Since the implementation of the initiative in 2024, monthly water consumption for the steam generation
process has been reduced from approximately 2,000–3,000 cubic meters to 1,000–1,500 cubic meters, while
reject water generated during treatment has dropped from 40–50 percent to just 1.2 percent. The
improvement has also significantly reduced operating and maintenance requirements, demonstrating how
process innovation can generate both environmental and business value.
The initiative earned JTI-AMC the Gold Award at the 2026 Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards. Organized
by the Inquirer Group, the annual awards recognize Philippine organizations whose initiatives demonstrate
measurable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact through responsible and innovative
business practices.
The recognition reinforces JTI-AMC’s commitment to continuously improving its manufacturing
operations by pursuing practical innovations that conserve resources, strengthen operational performance,
and support the company’s long-term sustainability goals.

About JTI. Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has operated in the Philippines since 2000, with offices in Taguig, a
manufacturing facility in Batangas, and a nationwide network of 41 sales branches employing around 4,500 people.
The company produces international brands such as Winston, Camel, and Mevius, alongside local brands Mighty and
Marvels, and continues to expand through investments in manufacturing, innovation, and reduced-risk products like
Ploom and Nordic Spirit. Recognized for its people-first culture, JTI has received multiple Investors in People
accreditations, been named a Top Employer from 2022 to 2025, and earned EY’s Global Equality Standard certification,
while also supporting community development and sustainability initiatives across the country.