Based on its policy of not using any substances, raw materials, parts or equipment if concern for hazards arises, OMRON has been working to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemical substances.

In December 2006, OMRON reviewed and revised its own designated target substance groups to warrant non-use in products. This resulted in 16 target substance groups that conform to the electrical/electronic industry-wide guidelines issued by the Japan Green Procurement Survey Standardization Initiative (JGPSS).

To facilitate efficient management regarding avoidance of the target substances, OMRON also promotes implementation of its two support systems. Developed in 2003, the Rechs¹ system supports the survey of parts/materials for chemical substance content, while E-Warps² assists in the design of environmentally warranted products.

In fiscal 2007, OMRON also commenced studies toward responding to EU's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemical substances) regulation, which came into force during the year. In fiscal 2008, OMRON will strive to build a structure to promote compliance with REACH while also studying the possibility of constructing an information system.

¹ Rechs: System designed to collect necessary information from suppliers regarding regulated substances contained in parts/materials via the Internet.
² E-Warps: System that uses the data collected by Rechs to support product development, assessment and release of information to customers.

• Use, Release and Transfer of Chemical Substances