Consistent with its emphasis on the importance of reducing atmospheric emissions of chemical substances, the Group has reduced emissions of PRTR Law substances by 57%. The Third Three-Year Environmental Plan also incorporates initiatives to reduce atmospheric emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)1.
Reducing Atmospheric Emissions of PRTR2Substances
Toray achieved a year-on-year reduction in emissions of 9% in FY 2006, although it couldn't completely reach the Second Three-Year Environmental Plan's target of a 74% reduction over the base year FY 1995. Japanese subsidiaries and affiliates achieved their targets for the second year in a row with a 66% reduction over FY 1998 levels. Overseas subsidiaries and affiliates reduced emissions 5% compared to the previous year, although increases in production since 2003 make that equivalent to a 9% increase in emissions over FY 2000 levels.
Note: The base year is the fiscal year in which surveys began (Toray: 1995; Japanese subsidiaries and affiliates: 1998; overseas subsidiaries and affiliates; 2000).
Reducing Atmospheric Emissions of JCIA*3PRTR Substances
Toray and its Japanese subsidiaries and affiliates achieved year-on-year reductions of 22% and 8%, respectively, during FY 2006, achieved Second Three-Year Environmental Plan targets. Overall the Group reduced emissions by 60% over the base year.
Voluntary Reductions Under the Third Three-Year Environmental Plan
The Third Three-Year Environmental Plan established the target of reducing Group-wide atmospheric emissions of PRTR Law substances by 55% over FY 2000 levels, reflecting our commitment to continue to pursue voluntary reductions. We are also extending our reduction efforts from JCIA PRTR substances to include all VOCs, with the goal of cutting overall Group emissions by 55% compared to FY 2000 levels.
- *1 VOCs: Japan's Air Pollution Control Law was revised in 2004 to establish the target of cutting nationwide atmospheric VOC emissions by FY 2010 by 30% compared to FY 2000, through emissions regulations and voluntary efforts by emitters.
- *2 Law designed to assess environmental emissions of certain designated chemical substances and encourage improvements in their management.
- *3 Japan Chemical Industry Association
Note: The base year is the fiscal year in which surveys began (Toray: 1995; Japanese subsidiaries and affiliates: 1998; overseas subsidiaries and affiliates; 2000).
Regenerative combustion facility (2nd stage) at the Chiba Plant
During FY 2006 we completed the installation (2nd stage) of a regenerative combustion facility for organic exhaust gases at the Chiba Plant. The new facility, which will enable the plant to reduce emissions by 14 tons, is expected to become fully operational during FY 2007.
Efforts to boost recovery of process exhaust gases at the Ehime Plant reduced emissions by 7 tons.
Toray Plastics (Malaysia) Sdn. Berhad continued efforts begun last year to boost recovery of organic exhaust gases during FY 2006.The initiative is expected to yield maximum results during FY 2007 by reducing emissions by 63 tons, and the company plans to systematically implement similar initiatives in the future.
