Green industry

Electronic giant NEC of Japan has achieved its target of zero waste emissions status for its headquarters, six manufacturing plants and three research and development centres, all of which are located in Japan. The company set this target in 1985 and defines zero emissions to be reuse of at least 99 per cent of resources used. NEC claims that it has reduced discharges to about 60 per cent of 1990 levels.

A revision of its manufacturing processes is done to substitute recyclable materials, and priority has been given to use recyclable materials whenever new materials are introduced, says the company. All waste generated from its units is seperated and processed. It now plans to phase out thermal recycling in favour of expanding its material recycling ( Eddie Weekly Summaries , May 26).