Harima Chemicals Group, Inc.

Safety Initiatives for Chemicals and Products

As a chemical manufacturing company, it is our utmost priority to lower environmental impact. To achieve this, we strictly manage the substances we use, conducting thorough checks from the early stages of product development to the final process of shipping. Raw materials, byproducts and waste are assessed in advance to accurately monitor any hazardous effects. We also comply with international regulations and policies, sustaining efforts to introduce high standards at our sites in and outside Japan.

Regulation Compliance

Green Procurement

Harima has established the "Green Procurement Standards", working together with suppliers to enhance product eco-friendliness and protect the environment.

Chemical Substance Management System

Our "Chemical Substance Management System" comprehensively organizes information on product composition, safety and regulations. The data is used to respond to customer inquiries, check for restricted substances and prepare Safety Data Sheets in compliance with the "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals" (GHS).

Compliance with International Laws and Regulations

We ensure adherence to increasingly complex regulations, such as EU’s “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals” (REACH), “Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures” (CLP), and China's “Measures for the Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances” (MEE), by accurately monitoring information and strengthening cooperation with each country.

Export Control

Advanced products and technologies are constantly at risk of being misused by individuals and organizations that threaten the safety of the global community. To combat this issue, Japanese regulations require companies to surveil the destinations and intended uses of their export products.

As an enterprise that exports chemical substances, we have established the "Harima Export Control Committee", an internal organization that ensures compliance with said regulations. In addition, we offer in-house seminars and study sessions where employees can familiarize themselves with existing protocols.

■Voluntary Internal Rules for Export Control

We have also voluntarily established the "Internal Rules for Export Control” compliance program (CP) and have been recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for this initiative.

Measures Against Conflict Minerals

Conflict minerals such as tantalum, tin, gold and tungsten, which can be found in such products as electronics, have long fueled armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries, causing mass destruction of people and the environment. Harima Chemicals Group is strongly against these inhumane acts and has confirmed in investigations to date, that we do not use minerals mined in the region. We will continue to conduct surveys and confirmations when adopting new materials, and ensure adherence to the international standard for quality assurance ISO 9001, while also providing relevant information to our customers on an ongoing basis.

Initiatives for Quality Improvement

Quality Management System

The high quality of our products are supported by a comprehensive quality management system, and the dedication of each and every one of our staff. To improve customer satisfaction, we encourage all sites to acquire ISO 9001 certification and demonstrate competence with client requirements and international regulations.

Response to Quality Issues

We handle quality issues by carefully evaluating each element of the claim and considering preventive measures, and more severe cases are promptly dealt with. For human errors, we conduct thorough analyses to identify root causes and take measures to avoid repetition. Raising employee awareness is also essential in maintaining product quality, for which we assembled quality control teams and conduct periodic training sessions to create opportunities for employees to share and develop expertise.

ISO 9001 Certification (as of Mar 31, 2023)

The ISO 9001 certification ensures quality at global standards. Acquisition status at our sites in and outside Japan is as follows:

■Sites in Japan
Company Date Certification
Body
Harima Chemicals Group Kakogawa Plant Jun 1998 JCQA
Tokyo Head Office Sales Jun 1998 JCQA
Osaka Head Office Sales Jun 1998 JCQA
Sendai Plant/Sales Office Jun 1999 JCQA
Ibaraki Plant Jun 1999 JCQA
Tokyo Plant Jun 1999 JCQA
Fuji Plant/Sales Office Jun 1999 JCQA
Shikoku Plant Jun 1999 JCQA
Tsukuba Research Laboratory Apr 2002 JCQA
Harima M.I.D., Inc. Jun 1998 JCQA
Seven Rivers, Inc. Feb 2000 JCQA
Nippon Filler Metals, Ltd. Oct 2001 LIACA
■Sites outside Japan
Company Date Certification
Body
Harima do Brasil Indústria Química Ltda. Oct 1999 FCAV
Harimatec Hangzhou Co., Ltd. Oct 2004 CQM
Harimatec Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. Dec 2005 BVQi
Harimatec Inc. Feb 2006 UL
Hangzhou Hanghua Harima Chemicals Co., Ltd. Apr 2006 CQM
Harimatec Czech, s.r.o. May 2012 CERT
Dongguan Hanghua Harima Paper Chemicals Co., Ltd. Jul 2013 CQM
Shandong Hanghua Harima Chemicals Co., Ltd. Dec 2019 LYEC
LAWTER - Mt. Maunganui Oct 1992 TELARC
LAWTER - Maastricht Apr 1993 DNV
LAWTER - Nanning May 2009 CNAS
LAWTER - Fengkai Mar 2013 DNV

Plant Modernization Project

New Zealand

LAWTER - Mt. Maunganui

Operations are underway at LAWTER - Mt. Maunganui to modernize production facilities. Started in 2020 and planned over a span of 5 years, these initiatives aim to upgrade the production lines and equipment towards improving manufacturing efficiency, safety and eco-friendliness. It will also mean we can better meet the ever-changing market needs and enhance customer satisfaction.

FSSC 22000 Certification for Food Safety

Argentina

LAWTER - Concordia

In Jan 2021, LAWTER - Concordia acquired FSSC 22000 certification, an international standard for food safety, which requires organizations to meet terms of two food safety management systems, TS22002 and ISO 22000. This represents an additional testimony to the quality and safety of our items used in the food industry.

FSSC 22000
FSSC 22000

Effective Communication with Customers

Product Presentation at BIOBASED COATINGS EUROPE 2022

Belgium

LAWTER - Kallo

LAWTER - Kallo participated in BIOBASED COATINGS EUROPE, leading conference in the coatings industry. As a highly anticipated event, over 220 industry players from around the world convened in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and exchanged extensive information on the latest trends in biomass resource utilization and environmental preservation. The R&D department introduced new water-based biomass coating agents that help reduce environmental load associated with products in the food packaging industry. The presentation was met with enthusiasm, as well as numerous requests for samples and opportunities for collaboration.

Sustainability