Fujikura and its Group companies in Japan set the FY2021 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 FY2020 (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 FY2021, Fujikura and its Group companies in Japan handled 159 tons of Class I specified chemical substances, a increase of 20.0% compared to FY2020. Emissions and transfers amounted to 17.1 tons, a 0.2% increase compared to FY2020. The intensity was 7.6 tons/100 million yen in net sales, achieving the goal with an improvement of 2.7% compared to FY2020. In FY2020, the decrease in production due to the Corona disaster resulted in a decrease in the volume handled and emissions/transfers, while the basic unit worsened. In FY2021, the volume handled and emissions/transfers increased due to the return of production, but the basic unit improved due to increased sales, thus achieving the target.