Chemical Substance Control and Reduction

Yokogawa strictly manages chemicals that are harmful to the global environment and the human body. In addition, the reduction of using such chemicals by developing and introducing alternative processes is promoted.

Yokogawa Manufacturing Kofu Factory has been actively at work to "minimize environmental pollution," which is one of the requirements in the Yokogawa Group's Environmental Policy, by setting target each year. Products that support lead-free manufacturing were gradually expanded starting from 2003. Now, about two-thirds of the 300 models manufactured at the Kofu factory have been switched to products that support lead-free manufacturing. Since the use of lead-free cream solder for surface mounting was accelerated in fiscal year 2008, the amount of lead solder used at the Kofu factory in fiscal year 2009 was reduced by approximately 200 kg.

Additionally, there has been a movement towards using lead-free surface mount technology at production sites in China and South Korea. The lead-free surface mount process has also started at the Komine factory (production site in Japan) since fiscal year 2010. For 2010, the product chemical management promotion project will launch across the Yokogawa Group, and the REACH regulation and the RoHS Directive will be addressed.

The amount of substances reported under PRTR※ requirements (1,000 kg/year or more handled) is shown in the table.

※PRTR System:

PRTR SYSTEM…The PRTR, or Pollutant Release and Transfer Register, was established to enable society as a whole to manage chemical substances through the disclosure of toxic chemical emissions data and other information.