SATO works with suppliers to prioritize the purchase of eco-friendly products (materials, parts, finished goods).
Regulating procurements containing chemical substances
We have maintained our own environmental management standards since 2005 to keep toxic substances out of parts and materials used in our products and packaging. This standard prohibits the use of toxic substances subject to regulations in various countries, including the RoHS Directive*1, Batteries Directive*2, REACH regulation*3 and Directive 94/62/EC on Packaging and Packaging Waste (all of EU), as well as Japan’s Chemical Substances Control Law and its Industrial Safety and Health Act. It also identifies substances that need to be controlled by their use and amount contained, and sets forth how we control them. The SATO Group asks our suppliers to cooperate in submitting data on chemical substances used, reducing/replacing any that are subject to regulation, and signing an agreement on compliance. We revise our standard for environmental management periodically to ensure it complies with governing laws.
- *1Regulates the use of specific toxic substances contained in electronic and electric devices
- *2Prohibits the sale of batteries and cells containing a certain amount of mercury or cadmium, and stipulates rules on their collection, recycling, treatment and disposal.
- *3Regulates the registration, assessment and restriction of chemical substances for EU member states
Procuring paper materials from responsibly managed forests
SATO has acquired FSC® (CoC) certification (license no. FSC-C135435) as a company that produces labels using FSC-certified paper materials. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council®) is a globally recognized system of third-party assessment and certification for appropriate forest management.
The FSC CoC (Chain of Custody) certification validates that the end product uses wood from a FSC-certified forest and only certified materials throughout its production, processing and distribution processes.
Certification to support suppliers in reducing their ecological footprint
In 2007, the SATO Group set up our own SATO Green Factory (SGF) certification based on the ISO 14001 environmental management standard. We ask suppliers who have yet to acquire ISO 14001 certification to follow SGF standards, while also providing support on accreditation and regular audits.
SGF assesses suppliers on whether or not they:
- 1.have an environment policy
- 2.monitor environmental impact (power consumption, waste emission)
- 3.promote environmental activities
- 4.comply with related laws.
