Management and Reduction of Chemical Substances during Production

Management of Chemical Substances

Daikin bases around the world take voluntary action to reduce the amounts of various chemical substances, such as PRTR substances and VOCs. In fiscal 2021, a new reduction target was set for emissions of chemical substances. We are working toward a target of reducing emissions per unit of production (total of PRTR substances and VOCs) in fiscal 2025 by 10% against the standard value (average for fiscal 2013-2015).

In fiscal 2021 we achieved a 39% reduction against the standard value. In fiscal 2021, Daikin Air-conditioning (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. achieved significant results in the initiative to enhance VOC recovery.

Chemical Emissions / per Unit of Production (total of PRTR substances and VOCs)

Compilation of PRTR Substances (PRTR Substances of which at Least 1 ton was Handled)

See ESG Data

Elimination of PFOA Emissions

Total Elimination of the Manufacture and Use of PFOA by Developing Substitutes

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) is a man-made chemical substance that has been conventionally used as a polymerization aid for fluororesins. It does not readily degrade in nature and is thus a substance of concern for the environment and human safety. At the end of 2015, as part of its efforts toward sustainable management of chemical substances, Daikin Industries, Ltd. ceased manufacturing and using PFOA and similar compounds, as well as products made from these.

After stopping the manufacture of PFOA, we conduct sampling inspections of PFOA concentration in products checking whether any contaminants from the environment are present, and we have been replacing it with substitutes that have a lower negative impact on the environment. For these substitutes as well, we are minimizing their discharge into the environment by pooling our technologies as part of our ongoing efforts to lower environmental burden.

Furthermore, the standard value for tap water and water environment was set at 50 ng/L^* for PFOS and PFOA combined since April 2020, and monitoring will be required going forward. The standard value of 50 ng/L is an extremely low value, with trace amount possibly still present in the groundwater on factory premises that had used PFOA in the past; therefore, we are working together with the local government and experts in groundwater pumping and purifying. We are also implementing enhanced measures such as enclosing the area with water impermeable walls.

*

There are 100,000,000 nanograms (ng) in a gram.