Sustainability | EnvironmentResponsible Management of Chemical Substances
Our Approach
Management of Chemical Substances in Products
In 2004, TDK introduced the "Environmental Product Quality Management System" (EPQMS) as a system to prevent and control exposure to hazardous substances in products that threaten human health and the environment, and we operate it within our Quality Management System (QMS).
Management of Chemical Substances in Manufacturing Processes
We are promoting management of chemical substances globally by means of common guidelines with the goals of understanding the hazardousness and danger of chemical substances, and improving safety in their handling in compliance with each nation's laws and the like.
In addition, we are moving forward on reducing the use and emissions of hazardous or dangerous chemical substances in order to reduce their impact on the environment as well as to mitigate the health risks to team members (employees) and risks of fires or explosions.
Governance
Responsible Departments
Product Chemical Substance Management: Quality Assurance Group
Chemical Substance Management in Manufacturing Processes: Safety & Environment Group
Management of Chemical Substances in Products
The Quality Assurance Group of the Quality Assurance HQ manages risks and opportunities relating to the management of chemical substances in products under the supervision of the Board of Directors. The management of chemical substances in products is conducted in accordance with policies formulated by the Quality Assurance Group of the Quality Assurance HQ. The Quality Assurance HQ undertakes activities in cooperation with related divisions, and proposed measures are reflected in the day-to-day operations of each division. Resolution matters are reported to and deliberated by the Executive Committee, maintaining a reliable decision-making process.
Management of Chemical Substances in Manufacturing Processes
The Safety & Environment Group of the Sustainability Promotion HQ performs management of risks and opportunities relating to chemical substance management in manufacturing processes under the supervision of the Board of Directors. We promote those initiatives through a framework that integrates corporate management and environmental management under an Environmental Management System (EMS) with the President and CEO at the highest level of responsibility. Environmental activities including plans, progress, and risks are also reported to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis, and are deliberated when necessary.
Education and awareness raising
To raise awareness of responsible chemical substance management and deepen the correct understanding, we continuously provide team members with education on the "Environmental Product Quality Management System" (EPQMS) and e-learning training, etc., on chemical substance management in manufacturing processes.
Strategy
Management of Chemical Substances in Products
The TDK Group aims to provide products with a low environmental impact. In doing so, we comply with international rules, national and regional laws and regulations, and industry association standards related to chemical substance management. Furthermore, we seek to understand the underlying principles and values of these regulations and may consider proactively restricting the use of certain substances in TDK products ahead of regulatory enforcement.
Management of Chemical Substances in Manufacturing Processes
By understanding the essence and values of international rules, national and regional laws and regulations, and industry association standards, we proactively and strategically engage in initiatives to enhance corporate value.
Risks and opportunities
Regular risk assessments are conducted by the responsible departments, identifying risks within the TDK Group. If not properly managed, these risks can cause problems for the planet and society, making it difficult to continue business operations. By promoting "responsible chemical substance management," we contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, including measures against climate change and biodiversity loss. This not only gains social trust but also promotes business growth.
Business impacts
Continuing to introduce products with minimized environmental impact from raw material procurement to disposal and recycling leads to sustainable business growth. By disclosing information about "responsible chemical substance management" to a wide range of stakeholders, including consumers, customers, team members, distributors, industry associations, and governments, and enhancing communication using this information, the understanding of products and the dissemination of proper handling methods improve. As a result, this ensures social safety and trust, leading to business growth.
Social impacts
The responsible management of chemical substances is deeply related to a variety of social and environmental issues including resource depletion, climate change, biodiversity loss, water shortages, air and water pollution, plastic-related problems, waste-related problems, and the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation. In accordance with our policies and strategies, we are deepening collaboration among industry, government, and academia and sharing information and collaborating with society concerning responsible chemical substance management initiatives including risk assessment, thereby ensuring the safety and security of people and contributing to solutions to various social issues including environmental issues.
Risk Management
Management of Chemical Substances in Products
TDK operates the "Environmental Product Quality Management System" (EPQMS), introduced in 2004, as part of its overall Quality Management System (QMS). Through this system, we ensure thorough prevention and control at each stage of the product lifecycle-"buying," "creating and making," and "selling."
Management of Chemical Substances in Manufacturing Processes
We manage operations by confirming handling precautions and applicable regulations through the use of GHS-compliant labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Metrics and Targets
Management of Chemical Substances in Manufacturing Processes
Goals and Achievements in FY March 2025
| FY March 2025 Goal | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Mitigation of impacts on people and the environment from chemical substances | Reduced the use of hazardous substances through voluntary substitution, responding to customers’ requests, and enhancing the efficiency of resource utilization |
Evaluations and Future Activities
| FY March 2025 Goal |
|---|
| Mitigation of impacts on people and the environment from chemical substances |
Initiatives
Management of Chemical Substances in Products
In the context of the increased stringency of laws, regulations, and international conventions relating to the management of chemical substances in products-including the EU RoHS Directive, EU REACH Regulation, EU ELV Directive, China's RoHS management regulations, the United States' TSCA regulations, and the UN's POPs Convention-the TDK Group complies with domestic and international laws and regulations as well as customer requirements, implementing initiatives aimed at "delivering products with low environmental load." All TDK products*1 comply with the RoHS Directive. Furthermore, as a proactive measure, TDK has prohibited the inclusion of certain substances in its products, such as PIP (3:1), restricted under the U.S. TSCA, and Dechlorane Plus and UV-328, which have been designated for elimination under the POPs Convention, prior to their enforcement by major countries. Introduced in 2004, the Environmental Product Quality Management System (EPQMS) is operated within our broader Quality Management System (QMS) and ensures thorough prevention and control across each stage of the product lifecycle-"buying," "creating and making," and "selling."
*1 Excluding some products based on customer specifications
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