Prior to purchasing new raw materials for the manufacture of oils, chemicals, paints and other types of secondary materials for use in production processes, we evaluate their potential impact on worker safety and the environment, based on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

If this screening uncovers any nonconformity of the material with the standards, we eliminate or minimize use, and search for an alternative.

In FY2007, Mazda used 21 substances that require reporting under the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Law, which promotes improved disclosure and management of designated chemical substances released into the environment. As a result of our efforts to improve the rate of recovery for solvents and enhance our coating technology, the amount of PRTR-designated materials released into the atmosphere and water system decreased 43% from FY1998, amounting to 1,564 tons.

We will continue working to reduce emissions of PRTR-designated materials.

• Site Data

Mazda is taking steps to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in coating processes.

In our e-coating process, we developed a new electrocoating that cuts VOCs in the paint by half, and uses less paint overall. We have introduced this paint in all Mazda plants in Japan, thereby reducing VOC emissions.

We have also deployed at all our domestic plants the Three Layer Wet Paint System, which integrates the processes for applying the primer and top coats (base and clear coat). This process cuts VOC and CO₂ emissions.

As a result of these efforts, VOC emissions in FY2007 fell to 33 grams per square meter, achieving our objective. Mazda will continue to strive to decrease the environmental impact of its coating processes.

• Three Layer Wet Paint System
• High throwing power e-coat

Mazda stores condensers and transformers containing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in strict accordance with the Law on Waste Processing and Cleaning. As of March 31, 2008, Mazda held 545 such devices in storage.