Lowering Environmental Contamination Risk
Managing Chemical Substances
Star Micronics has created and implemented internal regulations for the management of harmful substances and dangerous materials handled by the company to ensure proper and safe management of chemical substances. These internal regulations, based on the relevant laws and statutory regulations, are designed to ensure that the environment is considered in the purchasing, storage, use, and disposal of such substances.
Response to PRTR※ Law
In line with the PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) Law, we have been fulfilling our obligations to submit notifications regarding the emission and transfer volumes of Class 1 Designated Chemical Substances. The annual handling volume of these substances has markedly decreased due to the adoption of powder coatings that do not contain organic solvents (including substances subject to PRTR) and the shift to alternative materials. Despite the reduced usage of these substances, we continue to diligently collect data on both emission and transfer volumes, adhering to the principles of proper chemical substance management.
Note*:The PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) Law, established to enhance transparency and public awareness regarding environmental impacts, requires businesses to report their handling, emission, and transfer of specific hazardous chemical substances. This system assists in environmental preservation efforts and promotes safer chemical management practices.
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Reduced VOC Emissions (Powder Coating)
Initiatives of Subsidiary Star Metal Company
Our subsidiary Star Metal Company uses powder coating that does not contain organic solvents (containing PRTR target substances) in the coating work of sheet metal parts on our company’s machining tools. This is to reduce environmental impacts during manufacturing processes.
As an environmental effect, it has been possible significantly to reduce emissions of air pollutants (VOCs) and reduce industrial waste by one-third.
Initiatives of Subsidiary Star Micronics Manufacturing Dalian Co.,Ltd
At our overseas production base, Star Micronics Manufacturing Dalian Co.,Ltd., Star has improved the processing efficiency of organic exhaust gases by 90% or more by adding a ventilation system to the paint site VOC purification equipment and renovating the washing site. This has reduced exhaust gas-air pollution.
At the assembly site, activated carbon adsorption boxes were installed to enhance the treatment of exhaust gases at the washing site and to reduce air pollution.This has also improved the working environment for workers.
Response to EU Environmental Regulations
Environmental regulations in the European Union (EU) have had a significant impact not only within the EU region but also in various countries around the world, and many Japanese manufacturing industries have been forced to respond in some way.
For our products that fall under WEEE and RoHS directives, we are operating based on our internal regulations for management of substances that burden the environment and on green purchasing guidelines.
Also, for REACH Regulations, we are implementing sequential surveys regarding whether our products include any SVHC, which are added every year.
Soil Pollution Countermeasures
Star (including domestic subsidiaries) has created and operates "Soil Pollution Prevention Regulations" to prevent and properly manage soil contamination of land that is owned and used, and newly purchased land.
Noise and Vibration Countermeasures
Star (including domestic subsidiaries) has created and operates "Soil Pollution Prevention Regulations" to prevent and properly to manage soil contamination of land that is owned and used, and newly purchased land.
Asbestos Countermeasures
Investigation Reports and Responses of Our Products
It has been found that asbestos is contained in some of the purchased components (packing, and brake material) assembled into our products produced in the past. However, the asbestos-containing materials are sealed or contained in resin, and for that reason, pose no risk of getting out into the environment. It will pose no harmful effects to the human body when used. Furthermore, our products currently under production no longer contain asbestos.