环保面的工作开展
Reduction of Chemical Substance Emissions
In its Medium-Term Environmental Plan, Kuraray set the target of reducing emissions of PRTR*-designated substances by domestic Kuraray Group companies by 90% (3,991 tons) relative to the fiscal 1999 level. By fiscal 2007, we had achieved a reduction of 67% (2,977 tons).
In fiscal 2008, we reduced emissions of methanol from the Okayama Plant by 81 tons by altering the operating conditions of an absorption tower and n-Hexane from the Kashima Plant by 41 tons by combustion of emissions in a ground flare stack to detoxify them before release into the atmosphere, and lowered the total emissions to 1,119 tons, which was 23% (338 tons) less than in fiscal 2007. As compared to the fiscal 1999 level, this was a reduction of 75% (3,315 tons).
As for the future, we are going to embark on studies of new approaches, such as designating substances for priority reduction with consideration of the trade-off between environmental burden and toxicity on the one hand and countermeasure costs on the other.
- * PRTR
This program involves accurate assessment of the quantities of PRTRdesignated substances emitted, and making voluntary efforts to reduce them. Kuraray has participated in Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA) program in this area before the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register Law (PRTR Law) was enacted. Through the JCIA’s PRTR program, 480 chemical substances have been targeted (354 of which are designated by the PRTR Law), and the domestic Kuraray Group companies handle 79 of these chemicals, including 50 chemical substances designated by the PRTR Law.
Change in Emissions of PRTR-designated Substances
Breakdown of Emissions of PRTR-designated Substances (Domestic Kuraray Group companies)
Reduction of VOC
The regulations for VOC* emissions reduction effected in fiscal 2006 target a reduction by 30% relative to fiscal 2000 by 2010. They demand observance of emission standards and call upon companies to take voluntary action for reduction. The domestic Kuraray Group companies are targeting reduction of VOC emissions such as methanol, toluene, and formaldehyde by 80% relative to fiscal 2004 as part of their plan to reduce emissions of PRTR-designated substances. In fiscal 2008, they cut these emissions to 879 tons, for a reduction of 62% (1,404 tons) relative to fiscal 2004, or 68% (1,854 tons) to fiscal 2000.
- * Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Organic chemicals volatile in the atmosphere at normal temperature and pressure are known collectively as VOC. If VOC is released into water or the atmosphere, environmental pollution or health hazard may occur.
New Environmentally-minded Business
Facilities applying the new waste water treatment system in the Kuraray Saijo Plant
Kuraray’s development of environmentally-minded business is exemplified by its commercialization of a unique wastewater treatment system. This is a landmark system that saves space thanks to its utilization of PVA gel developed by Kuraray for the bioreactor, and produces almost no excess sludge as compared to the conventional activated sludge method.
