Advance Inspection System for Chemical Substances

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.

Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Efforts

In FY2006, Mazda used a total of 21 substances that require reporting under the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) law, which promotes improved disclosure and management of quantities of designated chemical substances released into the environment. As a result of our efforts to improve the rate of recovery for thinners and enhance coating efficiency, releases of PRTR-designated materials into the atmosphere and water system decreased 47% compared with FY1998, amounting to 1,463 tons.

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

Reducing VOC Emissions through Mazda's Proprietary Three-Layer Wet Paint System Technology

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

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

We have also developed the Three-Layer Wet Paint System technology, which integrates primer coating and top coating (base coating and clear coating processes). Deploying this technology in all our domestic plants has greatly reduced VOC and CO₂ emissions.

As a result of such efforts, VOC emissions per unit painting area in FY2006 were down by 1.6 grams per square meter from the previous fiscal year, to 32.7 grams per square meter. Mazda strives to decrease the environmental impact of its coating processes.