The outline below lists the specific measures we are taking to reduce the environmental impact of our business activities in line with our voluntary environmental action plan.
Routine maintenance-type activities to reduce environmental impact
We are working on reducing CO2 emissions and quantities of waste products.
As part of our work on reducing CO2 emissions, we have switched the boiler fuel used in Tsubakimoto Chain automotive parts facilities from fuel oil A to city gas. This move has reduced CO2 emissions from boilers by 33%, and greatly reduced the amount of NOx and SOx generated during combustion. We plan to step up the switch to city gas since it reduces the risk posed by fuel oil tanks during disasters, and offers other safety benefits for plant operation. To achieve our goal of zero emissions, we are reducing waste products by discontinuing the use of hazardous substances and actively recycling waste plastic and other resources. We are also active in separating trash (non-industrial waste products), and are working on raising our rate of recycling.
We are reducing quantities of regulated substances used in production processes.
In FY 2005, the Tsubaki Group filed PRTR Law compliance forms for 7 regulated substances emitted by 6 Group companies and 7 plants. We are working on reducing the quantities of these substances used or emitted by all our facilities, and have currently reduced atmospheric VOC* emissions by 2.9% from the FY 2004 level.
*VOCs (volatile organic compounds): The general term for compounds that volatilize easily in air at normal temperature and pressure. VOCs released into the atmosphere are thought to generate photochemical oxidants and suspended particulates. In Japan, VOC emissions are regulated by the 2004 revision to the Air Pollution Control Law.
Work on environmentally-friendly products
We are applying eco-design principles throughout the product development phase.
Each business unit is creating and implementing procedures tailored to particular product features, driven by design reviews, design standards, and check sheets.
We are dealing with hazardous substances on a Group-wide basis.
In the past, each Group company managed hazardous substances individually, dealing mainly with the substances used with the products requested by clients. Now the entire Group works as a single unit to independently identify and reduce these substances in line with Japanese laws, and the European RoHS and ELV Directives.
Promote green procurement for outside processing manufacturing materials, and consumables.
Attention to the parts procured for use in finished products is an indispensable part of green product procurement. The Tsubaki Group fully complies with the principles of green procurement, and examines ways to reduce hazardous substances in products and to reduce environmental impact during product use. As part of our Group-wide efforts to reduce hazardous substances, we are now creating a set of procurement guidelines to address a wide range of issues such as suppliers and procured parts. Since green procurement is only effective when manufacturers work together with suppliers, the Group arranges green procurement events such as annual or biannual supplier seminars, and buyer conferences.
Optimize product packaging
The Tsubaki Group is committed to reducing the environmental impact of product packaging and packing materials. We are redesigning packaging materials for easier separation during recycling, standardizing packaging materials, reducing packaging material quantities, and streamlining product packaging designs.
Operation of Environmental Management System
Thirteen domestic Tsubaki Group facilities (including the Kyotanabe Plant and Saitama Plant) and 5 overseas facilities have received ISO 14001 certification and operate in compliance with the standard.
We have expanded the scope of our Environmental Management System to include the Tsubakimoto Chain branches (the headquarters, Osaka Office, Tokyo Office, Nagoya Office and Toyota Sales Office).
ISO-certified Offices and Plants (2005-03)
The following Tsubakimoto Chain Group plants and offices have obtained ISO14001 certification.
| 2001-09 | Tsubakimoto Chain Saitama Plant |
| 2001-09 | TSUBAKIMOTO IRON CASTING CO., LTD. |
| 2001-11 | TSUBAKIMOTO MAYFRAN INC. |
| 2002-08 | U.S. Tsubaki, Inc. |
| 2002-09 | TSUBAKIMOTO MACHINERY CO.* |
| 2002-12 | TSUBAKIMOTO CUSTOM CHAIN CO.** |
| 2003-08 | TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN KYOTANABE PLANT |
| 2003-11 | Tsubaki Conveyor of America, Inc. |
| 2003-12 | TSUBAKIMOTO SPROCKET CO. |
| 2004-01 | TSUBAKIMOTO NISHINIHON CO., LTD. |
| 2004-02 | Tsubakimoto Automotive (Thailand) Co., Ltd. |
| 2004-02 | Tsubakimoto U.K. Ltd. |
| 2004-09 | HOKKAIDO TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO., LTD. |
| 2004-10 | SHINKO MACHINERY CO. |
| 2004-12 | TSUBAKIMOTO BULK SYSTEMS CORPORATION |
| 2004-12 | TSUBAKI EMERSON CO. |
| 2005-10 | Tsubakimoto Singapore Pte. Ltd. |
* Consolidated certification for 16 branches and sales offices.
** Expanded and integrated along with Tsubakimoto Chain's Kyotanabe Plant, to become part of the Kyotanabe Unit in August 2006.
Compliance with environmental regulations
We have created a set of rules for legal compliance management, setting forth areas of legal applicability and procedures to ensure we keep up with the latest versions of laws.
The rules specify the areas of legal applicability, such as compliance with pollution prevention standards, facility management and filing requirements. In addition, we have created a management organization at each business unit for better management, and have set forth communication protocols to ensure smooth interaction with all the interested parties.
Carrying out environmental education and awareness activities
- We have published an environmental report.
- We have created educational materials for our workforce. In addition, our company newsletter, intranet, and company activities and events help us implement our work on the environment and publicize its importance.
- This section of our Web site is dedicated to the environment, providing the public with information about our work in this area.
- The Group takes part in the 'Cool Biz'/'Warm Biz' program spearheaded by the Japanese government to help combat global warming. The program helps reduce CO2 emissions by eliminating excessive climate control at our clerical offices. Such front-line CO2 reduction efforts at Group branches are raising employee environmental awareness, aided by our activities for receiving ISO 14001 certification at a greater range of facilities.
