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Chemical Substance Management and Reductions

NEC carefully examines environmental impact and safety in all phases of handling chemical substances, from receipt and use to disposal. NEC takes all possible measures to reduce consumption of chemical substances and to replace harmful substances with safer ones.

Use of Chemical Substances

Use of chemical substances in FY 2013 decreased to 9,000 tons due to optimization of use and reduced production activities. In the production process, the manufacturing process is continually being improved through production innovation and other activities.
Since FY 2007, we have been managing the amount of chemical substances we use in terms of unit of actual sales, in the same way as CO₂ emissions. This system was introduced to improve resource productivity. In FY 2013, we reduced our chemical substance use by 80% compared with FY 2006 levels.

Preliminary Evaluation of Chemical Substances

Since 1979, NEC has been conducting preliminary evaluations to examine environmental and safety aspects carefully when using a new chemical substance for the first time. These preliminary evaluations are a series of strict examinations of physical properties, toxicity, handling methods, emergency response, recycling methods, environmental impact, and other items related to chemical substances. Only substances that have passed these examinations are allowed to be purchased.
Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are prepared based on this detailed data. A manufacturing assessment is carried out in all the manufacturing processes to evaluate the environmental and safety aspects.

Preliminary Evaluation System of Chemical Substances

Figure: Preliminary Evaluation System of Chemical Substances

Reduction in Use of Strictly Regulated Chemical Substances

  • Ozone depleting substances:
    The use of ozone depleting substances as cleaning agents in manufacturing processes was discontinued in 1993. By the end of FY 2011, the activity to totally discontinue the use of specific chlorofluorocarbon for refrigerant use in air conditioners and specific halon used in fire extinguishers achieved a reduction of 96%, almost accomplishing the milestone.
  • Dioxins:
    We discontinued the use of municipal waste incinerators in FY 1999. All industrial waste incinerators were shut down permanently in FY 2003.
  • Environmental endocrine disrupters:
    In FY 1999, we abolished the use of all agrochemicals and pesticides prescribed in Strategic Programs on Environmental Endocrine Disruptors (SPEED) '98 released by the Japan Environment Agency (currently the Ministry of the Environment).

Strict Control of Equipment and Parts Containing PCBs

At present, NEC strictly controls devices (equipment and parts) containing hazardous materials such as PCBs at its two plants and 22 companies (75% of these devices are small parts such as fluorescent light stabilizers). The products are protected by double or triple anti-leakage insulation.
In December of 2004, the Japan Environmental Safety Corporation (JESCO) launched its PCB treatment program in Kitakyushu. Since then JESCO has opened a number of PCB treatment facilities throughout Japan. Taking this program on board, NEC created a PCB treatment plan and handles PCB waste in complete compliance with the Law Concerning Special Measures against PCB Waste.