DRIVEN BASE

Eco-Materials & Low Emissions

Basic Stance

DENSO reduces environmentally hazardous substances included in products in light of regulatory trends in each country and region, including the European Union’s ELV Directive*1 and REACH Regulation,*2 based on a basic policy to reduce the use of chemical substances throughout a product’s life cycle to the greatest extent possible. Specifically, we pursue high resource efficiency using Factor Delta environmental factors for products, especially during the design stage, the first phase of a product’s life cycle.

We also apply this approach to the supply chain by collaborating with suppliers to create a green procurement system.

*1 End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive: A series of regulations concerning used automobiles that entered into force in the European Union in October 2000. In principle, the regulations are being phased in to prohibit the use of chemical substances in vehicle materials and components put on the market after July 2003.

*2 Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation: A comprehensive regulation for the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals that entered into force in the European Union on June 1, 2007.

Specific Initiatives

(1) Managing and Reducing Chemical Substances

Anticipating global trends in the regulation of environmentally hazardous substances in products by minimizing environmental impact, we promote activities aimed at ensuring peace of mind to all of our stakeholders.

Eliminating the Use of Lead

DENSO is assessing the appropriateness of lead alternatives in light of regulatory trends related to lead and other items in high-melting-point solder, glass, ceramics and alloys (aluminum and copper), which are presently exempt from the application of lead regulations.

Responding to REACH Regulation

We are utilizing an internal system and issuing responses concerning the communication of information about SVHC *3 in products and components.
Furthermore, we cooperate with related industries to analyze the impact of these substances on automobile parts from an early stage before they are designated as “SVHC,” subject to REACH regulations to promote activities facilitating prompt responses.

*3 Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC): A candidate list of around 1,500 substances such as endocrine disrupting agents

(2) Effective use of resources

Resource Recycling via Parts Rebuilding Business

In creating collection and recycling systems for used products, DENSO believes in the importance of ensuring effectiveness and efficiency. At the same time, we are focusing our efforts on our parts rebuilding business by practicing recycling with the following priorities in order to minimize environmental impact: product reconditioning rebuilding > parts reuse > material recycling.
Many alternators (electric generators) and starters taken from used automobiles can be restored to an adequate level of functionality if consumables such as brushes and bearings are replaced and serviced. We have built a recycling network consisting of our customers, substations, service stations, DENSO SOLUTION JAPAN CORPORATION, and DENSO REMANI CORPORATION (Anjo City, Aichi, Japan) for recovering, reconditioning, and shipping such parts, assuring their quality via rigorous performance inspections comparable to those used for new products. Group companies are increasing the distribution of reconditioned products by setting up similar parts rebuilding businesses in Europe, the United States, and China.

Product reconditioning volumes at DENSO REMANI [Japan]

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Note: There has been a downward trend in the supply of alternators and starters for rebuilding due to the extended lifespans of these components.