Appropriate Management of Chemical Substances

The Kobe Steel Group appropriately handles treatment, emission and disposal of chemical substances, in line with laws and regulations such as the PRTR law, the PCB Special Measures law, and the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons.

In addition to accurately assessing the use, disposal and transfer of chemical substances covered under the PRTR Law¹ and Chemical Substance Control Law², the Kobe Steel Group engages in initiatives to limit the use and output of such substances.

According to estimated figures for reporting under the PRTR Law for each location in the Kobe Steel Group (in Japan), the Kobe Steel Group handled 55 substances, with a total output³ of 764 tons, and total transfer⁴ of 567 tons.

1. Law Concerning Pollutant Release and Transfer Register

2. Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacture, etc.

3. Amount discharged includes atmospheric and water emissions.

4. Amount transferred includes transfers of substances off company grounds and drainage.

Transformers, condensers and other used equipment containing PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) are appropriately stored and managed, as prescribed under the Act on Special Measures Concerning Promotion of Proper Treatment of PCB Wastes. We train responsible parties in appropriate management rules such as the need for an on-site witness when contracting for outside disposal, check management status during environmental audits and other opportunities, and work to ensure final disposal within periods prescribed by law.

The Kobe Steel Group appropriately manages the fluorocarbons used as coolants in equipment such as air conditioners and compressors, in line with the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons.

We strive to prevent atmospheric emission of fluorocarbons, including through regular inspection and upkeep of equipment containing fluorocarbons.