Canon global

Reducing Emissions of Controlled Chemical Substances

Canon strives to eliminate or reduce hazardous chemical substances used in the manufacturing process. For substances difficult to eliminate or reduce, our policy is to minimize their release into the air or water.
Approximately 3,000 controlled chemical substances^*1 that we handle are classified as A) for elimination of use, B) for reduction of use or C) for reduction of emission. We have attained positive results by applying different measures for these substances based on their classification.
Controlled chemical substance emission volumes in 2011 were down 16% year-on-year, to 818 tons. Also, emissions of substances listed in the Pollution Release and Transfer Register (PRTR)^*2 were down 18% year-on-year, to 93 tons.
We will continue to implement effective strategies to reduce emissions of chemical substances in 2012.

Emissions of Controlled Chemical Substances and Amount of Chemical Substances Designated by the PRTR System

Substitutes for and Recovery & Recycling of Fluorinated Solvents

Introducing VOC Removal Equipment to Photosensitive Drum Coating Line

PCB Waste Management

In accordance with relevant laws, Canon strictly manages polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), which affects living organisms and the environment. As of December 2011, 19 operational sites were storing PCB waste. There are 170 capacitors and transformers (which also contain low concentrations of PCB waste) and 3,620 fluorescent ballasts in storage.
Canon has since 2004 contracted the processing of its PCB waste to the Japan Environmental Safety Corporation. We expect this company will continue its orderly processing of PCB waste.

Impact on Atmosphere and Public Waterways

Canon alleviates the environmental impact of its operational sites by reducing emissions of NOx^*1 and SOx^*2, which are major causes of air pollution and acid rain; reducing discharges of phosphates and nitrogen compounds, which cause the eutrophication of water environments; and reducing BOD^*3 and COD^*4 indexes, which have an environmental impact on water environments.
Specific measures to prevent atmospheric pollution include switching fuel types from heavy oil to kerosene and introducing low-NOx boilers. Furthermore, we are reducing environmental impact by installing the latest wastewater treatment equipment and striving to reduce the environmental impact of substances such as phosphates and nitrogen.
We also regularly measure the environmental impact of emissions from operational sites under applicable laws and regulations for each region and also under Canon's voluntary in-house rules.

Soil and Groundwater Remediation Status

Since the 1980s, Canon has focused on soil and groundwater protection by carrying out regular voluntary surveys of soil and groundwater, using records of past hazardous substances as a reference.
Continuous monitoring of groundwater quality through the use of monitoring wells has been mandatory since the 1990s. We have completed placement of monitoring wells at all of our production sites, including those overseas, and are now engaged in monitoring.
Also, our standard when acquiring new land is to conduct a preliminary soil examination and carry out any other necessary procedures, such as soil remediation, before making the purchase.
We also monitor the chemical substances used at each site, remaining fully aware of the national and regional standards where each site is located in order to implement countermeasures according to the situation at each location.
We responded to the passing of the Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law in Japan in 2003 by formulating a Basic Policy on Soil and Groundwater Pollution for the Canon Group in July 2006. Canon has continued to implement thorough countermeasures based on this policy.
As of 2011, outstanding pollution issues existed at 13 of Canon's operational sites in Japan. We are currently implementing legally mandated pollutant removal and other measures in line with our basic policies at these sites.