Chemical Substances / Pollution Prevention
Management of Chemical Substances in Products

Canon has built a Group-wide environmental assurance system for managing chemical substances in products. Taking the laws and major environmental-labeling requirements around the world into consideration, we established in-house standards in line with the most stringent regulations in the world. Specifically, our management system classifies chemical substances into three categories: “prohibited substances,” which cannot be used in products; “use-restricted substances,” for which we are working to find alternatives by specific deadlines; and, “controlled substances,” the amount of which should be monitored.

Utilization and Development of the chemSHERPA System for Information Sharing on Chemical Substances

To manage chemical substances appropriately, it is important to share information on the chemical substances contained in materials, parts, and products accurately and efficiently along the supply chain from upstream to downstream, and to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. After adopting the IEC62474^* international standard data scheme, Canon in 2017 began utilizing the chemSHERPA data scheme for information sharing, standardized under the initiative of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. We also upgraded our existing chemical substance integrated management system to be compatible with chemSHERPA. As of 2023, more than 99% of survey replies from suppliers have been made through chemSHERPA. This has led to increased workplace efficiency while helping alleviate the administrative burden on suppliers. Some suppliers have also adopted pre-filled survey replies that contain some of the required information. This shift to a more standardized approach contributes further to operational efficiency. Meanwhile, for suppliers who have difficulty with the reply process, guide manuals in Japanese, English, and Chinese have been prepared to promote the progressive global adoption of chemSHERPA.

• * Material Declaration for Products of and for the Electrotechnical Industry. International standards issued by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) in March 2012 aiming to streamline the material declarations on chemical substances and compositions contained in the products of the electrotechnical industry in the global supply chain.

Contributing to Upgrading of Supply Chain Information Sharing at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a body that carries out international standardization in all electrical, electronic and related technologies. As a member of the Technology Committee (TC111) that formulates its environment-related standards, Canon contributes in particular to the formulation of standards for information sharing on chemical substances contained in products. In this way, we work in partnership with specialists worldwide to upgrade the sharing of supply chain information.

UVgel460 Inks Certified as Meeting Rigorous GREENGUARD Gold International Standard

The UVgel460 inks used in Canon’s Colorado series of printers have been certified to meet the GREENGUARD Gold international standard relating to indoor emissions of volatile chemical substances from products. With stricter criteria than GREENGUARD, the GREENGUARD Gold certification indicates that UVgel460 inks meet rigorous indoor environmental standards and can be safely used in schools, healthcare institutions, and other facilities.