In line with the Environmental Policy, the SCREEN Group thoroughly assesses its activities to ensure full compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations. For example, twice a year, the Group in Japan uses regulatory registration tables to conduct compliance assessments and produce outcome reports, covering legal and regulatory requirements related to chemicals.
Metrics and targets
Reduce virgin PFAS usage 15% compared with FY2024/03 by FY2027/03
Major initiatives
We are working to reduce the use of virgin PFAS by surveying the PFAS content of products, effectively using recycled materials, and improving manufacturing methods.
Complying with product legislation
SCREEN is committed to sustainable management based on a policy of delivering safe, environmentally friendly products. This approach is specified in our EHS management framework. To satisfy environmental legislation requirements in different countries, we quickly share updates through the Product EHS subcommittee, which operates under the Sustainability Committee, so that individual business operating companies can maintain full compliance with environmental regulations for products.
We also perform regular assessments at related group companies to ensure compliance with product legislation. The evaluations are carried out twice a year using regulatory registration tables and compliance assessment and outcome report formats .
In addition, as the first step in ensuring compliance with anticipated future PFAS regulations, we have set a target in Sustainable Value 2026 for reducing virgin PFAS usage in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027. We also implement surveys of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in the supply chain and preferentially purchase from suppliers that practice appropriate chemical management.
Complying with legislation on chemicals and high-pressure gases
Following revisions to Japan’s Industrial Safety and Health Law, risk assessments of hazardous chemicals are now mandatory. Accordingly, SCREEN has introduced a management system for chemicals and high-pressure gases to enhance their management. We perform thorough risk assessments of chemicals for new uses and have been working to implement inventory management.
In accordance with Japan’s Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Law, we report the volumes of chemical substances, such as hydrogen fluoride and its water-soluble salts handled at the Hikone Site.
In addition, we perform both spot and regularly scheduled inspections of all relevant equipment in accordance with Fluorocarbon Emission Control Law.
Response to environmental risks
Managing environmental risks
Scrubber (exhaust cleaning device), Hikone Site
Advanced scrubbers (exhaust cleaning devices) are installed at all laboratory and research facilities handling chemical substances in our semiconductor production equipment and other businesses. After contaminants have been removed from the exhaust gas, it is discharged into the outdoor air. We also work to reduce risk factors by regularly analyzing exhaust particles and inspecting equipment.
Waste liquid generated at production sites is collected in tanks and undergoes treatment as industrial waste. Liquid waste from water cleaning is purified to our own voluntary standard, which is stricter than legally mandated, using wastewater treatment equipment.
Regarding discharged effluent, we conduct environmental impact assessments using whole effluent toxicity (WET) tests* that ascertain impacts on organisms. Wastewater treatment facilities use a 24-hour monitoring system. The presence of fireflies in the downstream areas of rivers into which the purified water is discharged demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach. In addition, we have in place emergency tanks to take on polluted water during emergencies to ensure pollutants are not discharged offsite.
*Whole effluent toxicity is a wastewater management technique that uses biological assays to make a comprehensive assessment of the impact of chemical substances contained in rivers, public water supplies, and industrial wastewater.
Chemical leakage training
Chemical leakage drill, Rakusai Site
The Hikone Site, Yasu Site, Rakusai Site, and other facilities handling chemicals conduct regular training on cleaning up leakages of substances with different characteristics. The frequently repeated drills ensure employees can respond quickly if an accident unexpectedly occurs.
Managing soil and groundwater contamination risks
Above-ground waste liquid piping, Hikone Site
The Hikone Site is the main manufacturing base for SCREEN’s semiconductor and display production equipment businesses. The facility uses above-ground piping to handle waste liquid requiring purification to prevent the contamination of soil and groundwater.
As the waste liquid is transported above ground all the way to treatment facilities, employees can visually monitor piping conditions and respond quickly in the event of an emergency. The piping system is also inspected regularly to minimize the risk of leakage.
Embankment around waste treatment systems, Hikone Site
Embankments have been created around storage tanks for chemicals that require waste treatment processing. These areas have also been made chemical resistant. Even if a leak does occur, the structures mean no harmful substances leave the site.
Groundwater observation wells
Groundwater observation wells, Yasu Site
The Yasu Site, which handles chemicals, is equipped with groundwater observation wells. Employees perform regular water quality surveys to confirm there is no contamination.
