Fujikura and its Group companies in Japan set the FY2020 target of achieving at least a 5% improvement in the main PRTR (pollutant release and transfer intensity (per 100 million yen in net sales)) compared to FY2015 (annual improvement of at least 1%). This was aimed at reducing the volume of PRTR substances handled, a goal in the Environmental Management Activity Guidelines.

The mainly used substances of antimonous or lead compounds, bis phtalate, (2-ethylhexyl), etc. are used as additives for plastic and rubber materials, and xylene and toluene, etc. are used in such products as ink solvents and gasoline for transport vehicles. In an effort to reduce the release and transfer of these chemicals, we promote changing to lead-free, green materials, and changing to substitute materials for use in manufactured goods.

In FY2020, Fujikura and its Group companies in Japan handled 133 tons of Class I specified chemical substances, a reduction of 84.9% compared to FY2015. Emissions and transfers amounted to 16.9 tons, a 49.9% reduction compared to FY2015. The intensity was 7.9 tons/100 million yen in net sales, achieving the goal with an improvement of 37.3% compared to FY2015. The main factors resulting in this improvement were the switch to alternative products to replace toluene-based detergent, switching to lead-free electric power cables that use PVC compounding agents, printing solvents, and cross-linked polyethylene, and reduction in production or ending production of products containing PRTR substances. This reduced both the volume handled and emissions and transfers.