The entire Group is promoting the reduction of hazardous chemical substances in products.
We have specified hazardous chemical substances for reduction, and are taking measures to reduce the amounts used across the Group.
Various chemical substances are used in products and their manufacturing processes. Some of these substances may harm the ecosystem during the manufacturing process or after the products become waste. The Tsubaki Group has a basic policy of not using hazardous chemical substances in our products. We have selected chemical substances for reduction based on Japanese laws and regulations outside Japan such as EU directives, along with the environmental demands of our customers. As a result, we have specified 64 chemical substances, including hexavalent chromium and lead, for planned reduction.
Setting specific reduction targets and promoting the achievement of the plans
The Group is conducting surveys on the amount of specified hazardous chemicals included in our products, formulating reduction plans, and promoting the reduction plans throughout the Group. The Group Environmental Committee oversees the implementation of the plans, and sets deadlines for meeting targets. The targets are set independently by the Group, taking into consideration EU directives and other regulations. We are striving to meet all of our goals for the reduction of hazardous chemical substances.
Main Reduction Plans
| Hazardous chemical substances | Examples of usage | Reduction plan | Example of reduction method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hexavalent chromium | Used in plating by forming a film on the metal surface of products to improve their anti-corrosion properties. | Hexavalent chromium to be gradually replaced with other substances in fiscal 2006. | Alternatives are being found for trivalent chromium, which is not covered by regulations. |
| Lead | Lead is added to paints and solders used in various equipment. | Lead to be gradually replaced with other substances fiscal 2006. | Chromium-free paints and solders without lead to be used. |
- List of hazardous chemical substances specified by Tsubaki Group (93 kb)