In 2006, the Japanese government started to regulate suspended particulate matters (SPM) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), which could cause photochemical oxidant formation. This regulation was intended to reduce total emissions of these substances by 30% (of which 20% should be reduced through voluntary measures taken by companies) from the year 2000 level by 2010. Asahi Glass and other domestic Group companies set a target to reduce the emissions of these substances by 25% from the year 2001 level by 2010, a higher numerical target than the voluntary target set by the government. Indeed, we achieved the government-set target as early as in fiscal 2006. We subsequently set a higher target, a 40% reduction, and Asahi Glass achieved a 38% reduction in fiscal 2007.

With regard to the EU's REACH regulation, we conducted a survey on the chemical substances contained in our products, materials and other related materials as well as their usage, targeting the entire supply chain. Based on the results, we identified all the substances to be registered under the regulation and completed the pre-registration of a total of 101 substances across the entire AGC Group within the pre-registration period ended in December 2008. For chemical substances contained in our products, we provide relevant information through the Joint Article Management Promotion-consortium (JAMP), of which we are a member.

Emissions and Transfer of Substances Regulated by the PRTR Act, and Changes of VOC Emissions

*1 The scope of data varies by fiscal year.

Asahi Glass has put in place the "yellow card" system, which describes emergency procedures to be taken according to the type of chemical substance or characteristics of the product involved should an accident occur during transport. Yellow cards are available by product and type of substance; there are currently 116 variants as of May 2009. The yellow card system for container which instructions on a label has also been implemented. In addition, Asahi Glass is committed to providing education on this topic and holds workshops for people involved in transport.

Yellow cards used by Asahi Glass

Topic
Asahi Glass Becomes the First Japanese Company to Support the bluesign Standard

Fabric processed with Asahi Guard

The bluesign standard is an industry standard used in the textile and clothing field designed to encourage the provision of superior products in terms of environment, health, and safety (EHS) throughout the overall supply chain.

Asahi Glass has become the first Japanese company to be certified as a supporter of the bluesign standard, receiving high evaluations for its environmental consideration in its manufacturing process, commitment to safety at workplaces, quality assurance, and various other matters.

We currently have bluesign certification for some of our Asahi Guard fluorinated water/oil repellents, including the Asahi Guard E-SERIES, which do not contain perfl uorooctanoic acid (PFOA).*2 PFOA is found almost everywhere in the environment, including in human blood, although at very low levels. We plan to increase the number of the products certified with the bluesign mark, mainly from the E-SERIES line.

*2 At or above the detection limit

Prevention of Soil and Groundwater Contamination

The AGC Group formulated its Guideline for Prevention of Soil and Groundwater Contamination in 2005. While stating that strict compliance with the applicable laws and regulations is a prerequisite, the Guideline sets the standards for the storage and handling of hazardous substances, storage tank management, and for drainage and rainwater management. The Guideline also sets basic rules about information disclosure with respect to the measures to be taken when soil or groundwater contamination is detected.

Asahi Glass has been continuing the measures to prevent the spread of any pollutants and to decontaminate the polluted sites. We regularly report the progress to the relevant administration agency and disclose the information on our website and through other media.

Asbestos

The AGC Group has been removing friable asbestos used as protective equipment and insulating materials in the manufacturing process. Asahi Glass and all domestic Group companies completed the removal in fiscal 2008.

PCB

Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl(PCB) is legally required to be disposed of by July 2016. Asahi Glass stopped using PCB-containing electric appliances and equipment by fiscal 2005 and domestic Group companies by the end of fiscal 2007, respectively. These appliances and equipments stored since 2006 had strictly watched under the law and they have been transferred to Japan Environmental Safety Corporation (JESCO) to dispose properly. It is a fact that a minute amount of PCB is contained in some electric appliances, and some of the appliances that we use do contain a minute amount of PCB. We will dispose of these appliances in compliance with the law.