Green Procurement
Green procurement at Canon is the practice of purchasing environmentally conscious parts and materials that make Canon's products friendly to the environment. It also means to improve the environmental awareness of all the employees and enlarge the green products market by purchasing office supplies based on the green certification system.
Based on this principle, Canon has been taking action to reduce energy use, conserve resources, and eliminate hazardous substances in the procurement of raw materials, parts, and commercially available products. We have also set up promotion organizations and special committees, established basic policies and standards, constructed information networks, and conducted joint operations with suppliers in Japan and abroad.
Basic Stance on Procurement
Implementing the EQCD concept at Canon means delivering high-quality, appropriately priced products to customers around the world in a timely manner while minimizing environmental burden every step of the way. The cooperation of suppliers is essential to the successful implementation of this concept. Our Fundamental Procurement Policies and other internal regulations are conveyed to and understood by suppliers, and then carried out with their cooperation based on a strong working relationship.
Establishing a Product Chemical Substance Assurance System
Canon has begun operating a Product Chemical Substance Assurance System as a foundation for the management and verification of the chemical substance content of our products. The system is responsive to the European Union's RoHS directive on hazardous substances, and anticipates stricter regulations likely to be introduced in the future. The key components of the system for managing chemical substances in parts and materials are 1) Environmental assessment of suppliers, 2) Chemical substance content survey of products, and 3) Analytical assessment and internal audits for risk avoidance. These three components combine to form a comprehensive system capable of fully responding to the various regulations on hazardous substances.
