Toshiba Group classifies approximately 2,000 chemical substances based on standards such as environmental laws and regulations into three substance ranks (hazard levels A, B, and C). Chemicals are classified as subject to prohibition, reduction, or control by determining their respective risks by evaluating the substance’s hazard level and the impact of exposure to the relevant substance.
Substance ranking and management classifications
Prohibited substances
We manage chemicals by ranking them according to the degree of restrictions on their use. Use of Rank A substances is prohibited or strictly limited under the Act on the Regulation of Manufacture and Evaluation of Chemical Substances (the Chemical Substance Control Law), the Industrial Safety and Health Act, and the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act, among others. Use of some Rank B substances is prohibited based on risks and regulatory trends.
Substances targeted for reduction
We have reduced the use of substances that we have specified, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and substances designated as Class 1 chemical substances under the PRTR Law, by replacing them with alternative substances; by reducing the amount of raw materials used by improving productivity and processes; and by strengthening management to reduce VOC evaporation. As a result, the quantity of chemical substance emissions per unit activity was 99% of the FY2022 level, meeting our target. Toshiba Group plans to use alternative substances and increase the efficiency of material use by improving processes as an upstream process countermeasure and to expand use of equipment for removing and capturing emitted substances as a downstream process countermeasure.
- Case studies "Reduction of chemical emissions by introducing a coating treatment device" (Toshiba Elevator (SHENYANG) Co., Ltd.)
- Case studies "Reducing the amount of chemical substances used and their emissions by introducing a multi-spot flow system" (P.T. TEC Indonesia)
For managed substances, we select materials and chemical substances that we determine have significant impacts on the environment, health, or safety while taking into account major regulations in Japan and abroad.
Substances targeted for reduction and managed substances are managed by registering them in the Environmental Management Information System, an internal system that enables all Group companies to input information on the amount handled. We promptly take corrective measures when the amount exceeds our internal compliance standard.
Prohibited substances
In order to prevent contamination with chemical substances and reduce contamination risks, Toshiba Group independently established the Structural Design Guidelines to prevent leaks of chemicals at its eight types of environment-related facilities (including wastewater treatment plants), and its overseas sites are also promoting continuous improvements in this area. In FY2023, Toshiba Group achieved a compliance rate of 95.7%.
In its overseas operations, at the time of establishing a new business or relocating a business, Toshiba Group also assesses contamination risks by investigating land use and contamination histories. Assessments are made in accordance with laws and regulations in each country, and Toshiba Group's own rigorous standards are applied in countries without relevant legislation.
As an effort to prevent contamination, Toshiba Group also conducts environmental assessments when investing in equipment and modifying or relocating equipment in order to confirm and examine whether laws and regulations as well as the "Structural Design Guidelines" are being complied with in advance.