The Oji Group owns several boilers and turbines, the electric power and thermal energy obtained through the direct combustion of fossil fuels, waste fuels, and renewable fuels are used internally and provided to local communities.
The Group has set voluntary management values that are stricter than the regulatory values regarding the atmospheric release of the chemical substances produced through direct combustion. In cases where voluntary standards are over, we take measures to suspend operations and others for pollution prevention.
As part of this monitoring process, we have adopted an on-line continuous exhaust gas monitoring system (CEMS) for SOx, NOx, and dust to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. In addition, major large mills are continuously transmitting measurement results online to the authorities. We also have installed desulfurization equipment, denitrification equipment, cyclones, scrubbers, and bag filters to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas. In addition to continuous measurement and monitoring, analysis by a third-party measurement certification company is conducted on a regular basis.
We are working to maintain or reduce VOC (volatile organic compounds)*1 emissions to the FY2010 level, which is the guideline by the Japan Paper Association. In addition, we are also operating according to voluntary control values for SOx (sulfur oxides)*2.