Management of Chemical Substances
Lead-free and eco-friendliness products by environment-friendly design
Among the chemical substances used domestically by the Group in our raw product materials and manufacturing processes, any designated chemical substance specified by Japan’s PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) law* that is handled in a volume exceeding 1 ton has its emission and transferal amounts reported to the government by each Group company. In FY 2015, the Company together with the other 19 domestic Group companies emitted 7 tons and transferred 27 tons of Class I Designated Chemical Substances. We have set out goals for the reduction of the volume of PRTR-target chemicals handled in the 4th edition of the Environmental Management Activity Guidelines and are working to reduce their usage. With the revision of the PRTR law**, the number of chemical substances designated has risen from 354 in FY 2010 to 462. In FY 2015, the Company together with the other 19 domestic Group companies handled 876 tons of Class I Designated Chemical Substances. In FY 2015, we cut down on the amount of solvent and plasticizer used, reducing handled amounts by 47% when compared to FY 2010.
Antimony, lead compounds, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate etc., which are the main handling substances, are used as additives for plastics and rubber materials, xylene, toluene and others are used for ink solvents and gasoline for transport vehicles.
As an effort to reduce emissions and transfers of these chemical substances, we are proceeding to lead-free, eco-friendliness products and convert them into alternative materials.
Note1:PRTR(Pollutant Release and Transfer Register)Act: Act on Confirmation, etc. of Release Amounts of Specific Chemical Substances in the Environment and Promotion of Improvements to the Management Thereof
Note2:From this financial year, the graph below will be changed from emissions/transferal to PRTR handling
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