Canon strives to eliminate and reduce harmful chemical substances used in the manufacturing process. For substances difficult to eliminate or reduce, our policy is to ensure they do not enter the atmosphere or public waterways.
Approximately 2,000 controlled chemical substances (*1) that we handle are classified and accordingly managed in three categories: A) Elimination of use; B) Reduction of use; C) Reduction of emission.
Under our Mid-Term Environmental Goals (2006-2008) established in 2005, to step up emission reductions of chemical substances that are difficult to eliminate, we set goals of achieving a 60% reduction from 2000 figures in controlled chemical substances and achieving a 78% reduction from 2000 figures for chemical substances covered by the PRTR system (*2).
In 2006, emissions of controlled chemical substances increased to 784 tons as a result of growth in manufacturing volumes. However, we reduced the emission ratios (emissions/amount used) for controlled substances. In addition, we reduced emissions of substances covered by the PRTR system 78% from the 2000 figure by replacing substances and improving the painting and cleaning processes.
From 2007, we are beginning to introduce devices for the removal of controlled chemical substances at operational sites that emit these substances.
To meet our Mid-Term Environmental Goals (2006-2008), we will continue to reduce controlled chemical substances and substances covered by the PRTR system across the entire Canon Group.
Emissions of Controlled Chemical Substances
Priority Controlled Chemical Substance Emission Reduction Measures
Among controlled chemical substances, Canon cites toluene, methanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and chlorobenzene for priority control as a result of the Company’s relatively high volume of emissions. We have established a reduction target of 15% for these substances by 2008, compared with 2004 levels. In 2006, we initiated activities to bring down emissions, and in 2007 we plan to introduce removal equipment.
Priority Controlled Chemical Substance Emissions
PCB Waste Management
In accordance with relevant laws, Canon strictly manages polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), which affects living organisms and the environment. As of December 2006, 15 operational sites were storing PCB wastes. There are 109 capacitors and transformers and 2,438 fluorescent ballasts in storage.
Canon has contracted the processing of its PCB waste to an outsourced specialist that has extremely advanced technical skills in that area. We expect this company to process in a safe and reliable manner the PCB waste that we have stored securely.
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 BOD (*3) and COD (*4) indexes, which have an environmental impact on water environments; and reducing discharges of phosphates and nitrogen compounds, which cause the eutrophication of water environments.
Specifically, as measures to prevent atmospheric pollution we are switching fuel types from heavy oil to kerosene and introducing low-NOx boilers. Furthermore, to preserve the aquatic environment we are installing the latest wastewater treatment equipment and striving to reduce substances that cause eutrophication, such as phosphates and nitrogen compounds.
We also regularly measure the environmental burden of emissions from operational sites under applicable laws and regulations for each region and also under Canon voluntary in-house rules.
Environmental Impact on the Hydrosphere
