Management of Chemical Substances and
Reduction of Emissions

  When utilizing chemical substances, the Yamaha Group strives to minimize adverse impact on people and the environment by thoroughly managing chemical substances such as those designated under the PRTR^*1 Law, and reducing emissions of substances from production processes and products. For these reasons, the Group has launched the Chemical Substances Management and Reduction Working Group as a cross-sectional organization under its Yamaha Group Environment Committee to direct the Subcommittee on Chemical Substances at each of the Group's business sites toward the implementation of specific measures.

  At present, the chemical emissions that occur in the course of production processes at the Yamaha Group mainly consist of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)^*2. In fiscal 2006, the Group conducted a survey of the Yamaha Group's usage and emissions of VOCs, followed by the establishment of a reduction plan in fiscal 2008 with a set target of a 30% reduction in emissions by fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2000. Yamaha has remained committed to its efforts to substitute or reduce chemical substances throughout the Group.

  In fiscal 2010, the Group reduced its total usage volume of chemical substances designated by the PRTR Law by 59% compared to the previous fiscal year, while environmental emissions decreased by 23 tons to 52 tons. The Group's usage and emissions of VOCs also decreased by 28% compared to the previous fiscal year and 70% when compared to fiscal 2000, achieving well over the targeted 30% reduction goal. Contributing to these achievements were emission reduction measures such as rationalizing production processes and using alternative materials in addition to consolidating factories, which even included reducing production output.

  From fiscal 2011 and into the future, the Yamaha Group will comply with the standards independently set by the Japan Musical Instruments Association, while continuing to take steps to consistently meet the target for a 30% reduction of emissions compared to fiscal 2000.

  (For information about the management of chemical substances in products please visit the following website. )

• *1 PRTR: An abbreviation for Pollutant Release and Transfer Register. The PRTR Law is an abbreviation of the Law Concerning Reporting, etc. of Releases to the Environment of Specific Chemical Substances and Promoting Improvements in Their Management.
• *2 VOCs (volatile organic compounds): These compounds, contained as thinning agents for coatings and adhesives, are believed to be one factor in the release of photochemical oxidants and suspended particulate matter (SPM).

Kakegawa Factory, Yamaha Corporation

Using the consolidation of the piano production processes at the Kakegawa Factory as an opportunity to make facility improvements, from fiscal 2010, a portion of the paint was switched from an organic solvent based- to a water-based paint. As a result, from the paint drying process to paint disposal, PRTR designated substances and VOCs were each reduced by approximately 2%. Additionally, through the process of using a water-based paint, local ventilation and other safety facilities have become unnecessary, contributing to increased energy efficiency.