Harmony with Nature

Reducing Waste

Success in recycling 98.6% of waste by separating it thoroughly (Onahama Plant, Japan)
Success in recycling 98.6% of waste by separating it thoroughly
(Onahama Plant, Japan)

Alps Electric implemented a “zero-emissions”(*A) initiative and successfully achieved its goal of recycling all waste by the end of fiscal 2004. This initiative covers all waste, including ordinary waste from offices and canteens, but excludes products containing material for resale.

 

We aim to reduce the discharge of waste per unit of output in fiscal 2008 by 15% of fiscal 2004 levels. In fiscal 2006, however, the discharge of waste per unit of output increased due to a fluctuation in total production value. We also target a reduction in quantity of paper used in fiscal 2008 by 20% of fiscal 2004 levels, and results are already being seen as we are using less and less paper.

(*A)  Zero-Emissions: This is a system to create a recycling-oriented society by eliminating discharge of all kinds of waste and using them effectively as raw materials. This initiative was advocated by the United Nations University in 1994.


Total discharge of wasteWaste Classification and breakdown
Waste DischargeRecycling Rates


Regional Initiatives
Japan

Communication Devices Division, Kakuda Plant

We recycle all waste generated from offices and production processes. We also recycle used food packages and paper waste into recycled plastic fuels (RPFs). In addition, we have been recycling used oil from canteens into vehicle fuel since fiscal 2005.

Greater China

Tianjin Alps Electronics

 

Employees are required to separate waste appropriately. Education is provided for this purpose and in-house patrols are conducted. We have introduced “paperless” activities, including the distribution of documents via electronic file rather than hard copy. These efforts to reduce waste are in line with Alps’ mottainai concept.

Europe

Alps Electric Czech

 

We have attached photos to waste collection boxes to enable proper separation of waste. We have installed a crusher to compress papers and cardboard boxes that are generated in large quantities – around 115 tons per year. In addition, we use crushers to compress PET bottles and cans that come from our canteen.



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