Prevention of Global Environmental Pollution

We recognize the increasing generation of waste and environmental pollution caused by chemical substances as global societal challenges and consider minimizing the environmental impact of our business activities to be a key responsibility.
Under our basic policy of “reducing the use of chemical substances throughout the entire product lifecycle as much as possible,” we promote the reduction of environmentally hazardous substances and the control of emissions in both products and manufacturing processes, taking into account regulatory developments across countries and regions, including the European ELV Directive^*1, the European REACH Regulation^*2, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)^*3.
In line with Eco Vision 2035, we are working to minimize waste generation and chemical emissions, promote the efficient use of resources, and develop manufacturing sites that contribute to a circular economy. We also strive to prevent environmental pollution and strengthen governance through risk management based on our internal standards (DAS) and collaboration throughout the supply chain.

^*1 An abbreviation for the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive. This European Union regulation concerning end-of-life vehicles entered into force in October 2000. Under the Directive, certain chemical substances contained in new vehicles sold from July 2003 onward have been progressively prohibited, in principle, from use.

^*2 An abbreviation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). REACH is a comprehensive regulation governing the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemical substances, and entered into force on June 1, 2007.

^*3 An abbreviation for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international treaty that stipulates the elimination or restriction of the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT, which are characterized by persistence in the environment, bioaccumulation, high toxicity to humans and other living organisms, and the potential for long-range environmental transport. The Convention also provides for the reduction of releases of these substances and the environmentally sound management of wastes containing such substances.

Keeping pace with global regulatory trends regarding environmentally hazardous substances in products, we promote initiatives that deliver peace of mind to all stakeholders by minimizing environmental impact.

We promote the evaluation and adoption of alternative materials for lead-containing applications that are currently exempt from lead restrictions under applicable regulations, including lead in “high-melting-temperature solder, glass, ceramics, and alloys (aluminum and copper),” while taking into account developments in future regulatory requirements.

We use our internal systems to manage the communication of information on the presence of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs^*4) in products and components.
In addition, in collaboration with relevant industry organizations, we promote activities to analyze the potential impact of these substances on automotive components at an early stage, before they are formally identified as SVHCs under the REACH Regulation, and to respond in a timely manner.

^*4 SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern): Approximately 1,500 substances, including endocrine-disrupting substances, have been identified as candidates for listing.

We actively monitor developments related to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), as well as “Japan’s Act on the Regulation of Manufacture and Evaluation of Chemical Substances” (CSCL), which is established based on the Convention, and related regulations in countries around the world. At the same time, we address these requirements by analyzing the impacts of substances regulated under the Convention throughout the supply chain and evaluating the feasibility of substitution with alternative substances.

We classify the chemical substances handled at our plants into “Prohibited” and “Controlled” categories and centrally manage the chemical substances used in our manufacturing activities through our proprietary chemical management system, “cmdb (chemical management database).” At the same time, we continuously reduce both the usage and emissions of these substances while developing alternative technologies.
Through this management system, we conduct chemical substance risk assessments and, based on an understanding of actual usage conditions, promote the substitution of substances with lower environmental impacts. In line with the pollution prevention goals set forth in DENSO Eco Vision 2035, we will continue to make company-wide efforts to prevent environmental pollution and reduce our impact on the global environment.

Under the Ministry of the Environment's VOC Emissions Control Program, which promotes both regulatory controls and voluntary initiatives by businesses and aims to reduce total VOC emissions from stationary sources such as factories by 30% from FY2000 levels by FY2010, we have promoted activities to reduce VOC emissions. As a result, we achieved a reduction of more than 30% by FY2010. We have continued our VOC emissions reduction activities since FY2011.

*VOC: An abbreviation for Volatile Organic Compounds. Organic compounds that readily evaporate into the atmosphere. Representative examples include trichloroethylene and dichloroethylene, which are contained in cleaning agents, printing inks, and other products.

Progress in VOC Reduction Initiatives (Japan) [DENSO Corp.]
The graph below shows the trend in VOC emissions since FY2000.
We achieved the government’s VOC reduction target of a 30% reduction from FY2000 levels by FY2010. Since FY2011, we have continued efforts to prevent increases in VOC emissions and maintain reduced emission levels.

In Japan, to mitigate global warming caused by fluorocarbons, operation of the regulatory framework under the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons began in April 2015 for Class I Designated Products. We support and promote government initiatives under the fluorocarbon leak calculation, reporting, and disclosure system.

We continuously promote initiatives to prevent soil and groundwater contamination from the perspectives of corporate social responsibility and environmental risk management.
At three sites where chlorinated organic compounds exceeding environmental quality standards were detected, we have continued remediation activities since 1998. Measurement results and progress are explained and reported at meetings with local governments and community representatives. In addition, when constructing new facilities or rebuilding existing plants, we implement soil contamination countermeasures in accordance with applicable laws and local ordinances.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which were widely used in insulating oils and heat transfer media, were designated as persistent organic pollutants under the Stockholm Convention in 2001, which requires the elimination of their production and use, the disposal of stored materials, and the reduction of releases. In Japan, the enforcement of the Act on Special Measures Concerning Promotion of Proper Treatment of PCB Wastes also made the storage and reporting of PCBs mandatory.
We have stored PCB-containing equipment in accordance with applicable laws and regulations since 1974. In 2006, we began proper treatment of high-voltage capacitors through a specialized PCB waste treatment company. All equipment containing high-concentration PCBs was completely treated before the end of FY2023, which was the treatment deadline stipulated by the Act. For equipment containing low-concentration PCBs, we continue to carry out appropriate treatment in a planned manner toward completion by the end of FY2027.