Lowering Environmental Contamination Risk
Managing Chemical Substances
The Group works to reduce environmental pollution risks associated with its business activities through chemical substance management, air pollution prevention, measures to prevent soil contamination, and noise and vibration control.At each site, the Group ensures compliance with laws and regulations and maintains rigorous management based on internal rules. Through education, training, and equipment improvements, the Group works to prevent pollution and minimize its impacts.
Management of Chemical Substances and Hazardous Materials
Star Micronics Co., Ltd. and four subsidiaries—Star Metal Company and Micro Sapporo Company in Japan, and Star Micronics Manufacturing Dalian Co., Ltd. and Star Micronics Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. overseas—have established Hazardous Substance Management Regulations for the handling of chemical substances and hazardous materials.These five companies manage such substances safely and appropriately throughout the entire process, from purchase, storage, and use to disposal, with due care to prevent environmental pollution.
Emergency Preparedness Response Training for Accidents Such as Oil Leaks
To prevent environmental pollution and minimize its impact, the Group conducts annual training at each site based on accident and emergency scenarios.During the training, participants practice response procedures for scenarios such as oil leaks, using actual recovery equipment to contain and collect spilled materials. This helps ensure a prompt and appropriate initial response in the event of an emergency.
Response to the PRTR Act
Reporting Releases and Transfers, and Reducing Handled Amounts
The Company has properly reported the release and transfer amounts of Class I Designated Chemical Substances in accordance with the PRTR Act.In recent years, the Company has been working to reduce the amounts of applicable substances handled as part of its efforts to lower environmental impact.
For details of our initiatives, please see here.
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.