Yokogawa‘s products contribute to reducing environmental impact by ensuring that energy and raw materials used in production activities across various industries are utilized in the most efficient and stable manner through precise measurement and optimal control. Meanwhile, in the realization of the products we manufacture and sell, we have established the basic policies outlined in this document to promote the reduction of environmental footprints.
This document presents fundamental concepts, and the degree of application to products is determined during the design review process, taking into account the characteristics of the products and the market conditions.
1. Development and Design Basic Policy
Yokogawa's fundamental policy for product realization comprises high-reliability product design and environmentally harmonious product design. By offering high-reliability products, we aim to maximize resource utilization efficiency in our customers’ production activities, while environmentally harmonious products help reduce the environmental footprint of the products themselves.
(1) High-Reliability Design
In product development, our highest priorities are quality and long-term stable operation, which represent our universal values as a company.
- Products are designed in accordance with the standards and regulations of each country and region (e.g., safety standards, explosion-proof standards, product liability, EMC standards) while aligning with the specific characteristics of the products.
- Conduct reliability evaluations of software.
- Perform evaluation tests for basic aspects and environmental resistance (e.g., power fluctuations, temperature, and humidity variations).
- Implement designs that prevent chain failures caused by heat generation within the product.
(2) Environmentally Harmonious Product Design
For environmentally harmonious product design, we have established guidelines that include long lifespan design, energy-saving design, resource-saving design, design for recycling and disposal, and design considering processing and assembly. Environmental assessments are conducted while taking into account the characteristics of the products. At the start of development, we set goals in the following areas:
ease of recycling and processing, resource conservation, energy efficiency, long-term usability,
ease of collection and transportation, safety and environmental preservation, information disclosure, packaging. These goals are pursued throughout the development process to ensure environmental compatibility.
2. Environmentally Friendly Design
(1) Environmental Assessment Standards for Product Design
We have established assessment standards in eight areas: ease of recycling and treatment, resource conservation, energy conservation, long-term usability, ease of collection and transport, safety and environmental protectiveness, information disclosure, and packaging. These standards are used in conducting assessments during each inspection (initial design, intermediate design, and final design).
(2) Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) Standards
The LCA standards are used for preliminary assessments of energy use, CO₂ emissions, NOx emissions, SOx emissions. These standards are used in conducting assessments during each inspection (initial, intermediary, and final design).
(3) Environmentally Friendly Product Design Guidelines
These guidelines state for long-life design, energy-saving design, resource-saving design, design considering recycling and disposal, design considering processing and assembly, and the guidelines for selecting materials and components.
(4) Management Criteria for Hazardous Substances Contained in Products
Yokogawa has established chemical substance management categories to be the criteria for selecting environmentally friendly components and materials in the design stage.
Banned Substance 1: Substances globally prohibited for use in products.
Banned Substance 2: Substances nationally/regionally prohibited for use in products.
Banned Substance 3: Substances prohibited for use in products for specific uses.
Controlled Substance: Substances whose content should be known and notified.
(5) Recycled Product Design Standards
These standards encourage the three reuse Rs: the reduction of waste, and recycling of used products.
- Consideration is recommended on promoting the use of software to extend the product's service life and reduce the amount of hardware components used.
- Consider shapes and material cutting methods that minimize scrap generated during processing steps, such as material cutting.
- Design structures that are easy to dismantle and disassemble, taking into account maintenance safety and material separation.
- For products that use batteries, clearly indicate battery usage and provide information on collection and recycling.
- Promote the use of recycled materials for metals.
3. Procurement
Based on the “Corporate Philosophy” and the “Yokogawa Group Code of Conduct,” Yokogawa conducts procurement activities that include compliance with laws and regulations and consideration for human rights and the environment.
Refer to the link for further: https://www.yokogawa.com/about/procurement-information/
4. Production
Quality and Environmental Impact Reduction
Strict standards are established for the processing, assembly, and inspection processes of components to ensure product quality while complying with environmental standards in the regions where the factories are located. Additionally, we promote the efficient use of energy in production processes, as well as the reduction and recycling of waste materials generated during these processes.
5. Packaging and Logistics
Yokogawa strives to minimize product packaging and waste while reducing CO2 emissions during logistics and transportation.
Initiatives
- Promote the establishment of reusable packaging and delivery methods while simplifying packaging for transportation without compromising safety.
- Consider environmentally friendly transportation methods, such as consolidated shipping of multiple products and utilizing sea freight whenever possible.
6. Usage and Maintenance
Yokogawa enhances installation guides to ensure that our products perform optimally in customers' installation environments. Additionally, we provide support systems for installation, wiring, piping, and preparations necessary for operation.
With a globally deployed service network, we maintain a 24/7/365 support system.
7. Collection and Recycling Basic Policy
Yokogawa is committed to designing products that facilitate the collection and recycling of used products and consumables, keeping in mind the needs of customers once the products have reached the end of their lifecycle. Additionally, we will strengthen efforts to support product repairs and extend product lifespans.
*This policy has been approved by Yokogawa’s Senior Vice President & Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO).