| Since its founding, Seiko Epson has always given co-existence with the local community the highest priority, and has always strived to meet a self-imposed standard stricter than that mandated by law. With this tradition to guide us, we at Seiko Epson have worked to develop clear and thorough anti-pollution measures. Seiko Epson has also given birth to a host of environ-mentally friendly products, such as wristwatches with self-winding generators that need no batteries, panel-top personal computers that consume only one-third the energy of conventional models with CRTs, and electronic devices origally based on energy- and space-saving watch technology.
During the latter half of the 80s, when worldwide environmental crises such as widening of the ozone hole became apparent, Seiko Epson quickly responded with its CFC-Freeﾓ policy, ending the use of CFCs for cleaning in all its manufacturing processes worldwide. The technology and know-how obtained by doing this has been released to a world far wider than our local community. The elimination of CFCs for cleaning served as a springboard for a widened emphasis on environmental activities such as elimination of chlorin-ated organic solvents and recycling. |
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Starting in 1996, an environmental management system based on ISO 14001 has been put into place. By fiscal year 1998, all divisions of Seiko Epson and affiliated companies had acquired certification under ISO 14001.
Seiko Epson has continued to push its strict self-imposed anti-pollution measures up to this day. Recently, an upwelling of concern about the problem of soil contamination has prompted Seiko Epson to launch an investigation of underground water contamination, based on records of past usage of chlorinated organic solvents. In that investigation, it was discovered that the standard was exceeded at four locations. Seiko Epson is determined to do its utmost to meet its goal to clean up pollution at those sites by fiscal year 2000.
Seiko Epson has designated 1998 as its Second Environmental Benchmark Year, resetting the starting point for a new corporate General Environ-mental Policy for global environmental protection. Along with establishing definite medium-term goals, this policy will be implemented for the entire Seiko Epson group worldwide. |
