Ultrapure water recycling system

In Japan, OMRON continues to strive to maintain its use of office paper at the fiscal 2005 level (226 tons). In fiscal 2007, promotion of paper-less documentation through the use of information systems pushed the volume of office paper used in Japan (including new sites) to 208 tons. This was down by 11% compared to fiscal 2006.

As for water usage, OMRON worked to reduce water usage to meet the goal of maintaining it at the fiscal 2005 level (980,000m³). Thanks to aggressive reduction efforts, the amount of water used in fiscal 2007 was 800,000m³, which represents a 10% reduction from fiscal 2006 and meets the initial goal. However, the amount would increase to 1,110,000m³ should new sites be included in the calculation. Overseas, the increased production pushed up water usage by 12% compared to fiscal 2006 to 1,070,000m³.

OMRON Semiconductors Co., Ltd., one of the new sites, uses about 600m³ per day of 100% pure water. Used for semiconductor manufacturing, the water is virtually free from any impurities such as metal ions and microorganisms. This amount corresponds to 2,400 times the amount of water used by an average household in a day. Therefore, the company implements a high-purity water recycling system to recover 55% of the water used. It then treats it to produce ultrapure water for recycling, which in turn helps the company to reduce water usage.

In fiscal 2008, OMRON plans to review the water usage reduction target in Japan including new sites, while also launching measures for water usage reduction overseas.

• Paper and Water Usage
• Usage of Raw Materials
• Usage of Packaging Materials for Transportation
• Usage of Product Packaging Materials

Recycling of automated ticket vendors and passenger gates

Following the verification of the effectiveness of material recycling in fiscal 2006, OMRON built a recycling scheme for end-of-life rail stations systems by reviewing their collection and distribution channels, aiming for effective usage of resources. Through this system, OMRON collected and recycled automated ticket vending machines and passenger gates in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

To ensure appropriate disposal of collected products generated from replacement, OMRON also organized a product disposal seminar for sales staff. The seminar provided education on proper treatment by introducing cases they are likely to encounter on a daily basis, as well as the responsibility that customers should assume. In October 2007, the seminar was held in Tokyo, attracting 10 participants. The seminar in Osaka held in February 2008 drew 14 participants.