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Environmental Aspects

Production　Maintenance of Water Environment

Introducing a System to Purify and Recycle Industrial Effluents (Aisin Hokkaido)

One of AISIN's basic concepts is the “pursuit of zero emissions” in aiming to operate ecological plants. Aisin Hokkaido which was established in February 2006 installed the latest equipment to purify plant wastewater and recycle 90% of it as industrial water. This represents Japan's first die cast production plant to make such efforts.

Among the benefits that can be anticipated from this equipment are

  1. Reducing the amount of waste-water to enable a reduction of environmental load
  2. By purifying plant wastewater to a quality that exceeds that of industrial water, accumulation of scale inside pipes is prevented, which also leads to energy savings, as less power is required without pressure loss arising from pipe blockage.

We are working towards the goal of 90% recycling of plant wastewater by managing the operation of an economical and sustainable system.


Photo: Aisin Hokkaido head office

Aisin Hokkaido head office

Photo: Team Leader Mutsuhiro Seshita (left), making final confirmation with the person responsible for wastewater treatment

Team Leader Mutsuhiro Seshita (left), making final confirmation with the person responsible for wastewater treatment

Photo: Ion exchange resin tower

Ion exchange resin tower

Photo: Environment Department Mutsuhiro Seshita
Environment Department
Mutsuhiro Seshita

Voice from the Person in Charge

Aiming to be an environmental top player, AISIN is working to more effectively utilize its water resources. Our efforts in wastewater treatment are particularly noteworthy in that we have realized 20% recycling for cogeneration systems at the Kariya Plant. Currently, we are taking active measures, with Aisin Hokkaido installing the latest equipment directed toward realizing a recycling rate of 90%

Soil and Groundwater Contamination Countermeasures at the Nishio Plant

In June 2006, an abnormal discharge of water was found when renovating facilities at Aisin Seiki's Nishio Plant. When the soil was analyzed and surveyed, it was discovered that levels of hexavalent chromium and cyanide compounds in part of the soil exceeded environmental standards.

Aisin Seiki acted in accordance with guidance from Aichi Prefecture and other relevant authorities to swiftly implement purification measures after a more detailed survey of the site. We also offered briefings and 2,000 liters of drinking water to local residents until safety could be confirmed. After a thorough survey, it was confirmed the well water was not contaminated.

Regarding our facilities, in addition to purification of the contaminated soil, we quickly took preventive measures such as increasing the number of pumping wells in order to reinforce purification treatment capabilities for contaminated groundwater.

Photo: Nishio Plant's water treatment equipment

Nishio Plant's water treatment equipment


Photo: Environment Department Tatsuya Oji
Environment Department
Tatsuya Oji

Voice from the Person in Charge

While we caused worry among local residents, by April 2007 we were able to complete the implementation of countermeasures that included excavating contaminated soil, setting up 17 pumping wells and an additional 10 observation wells, as well as installing hexavalent chromium reduction devices. We will remain vigilant by continuing water treatment as well as periodic observations of groundwater to ensure that no contaminated water is leaked outside of our site.

Kariya Plant Wastewater Treatment Facility

To promote the introduction of wastewater treatment facilities, AISIN installed a new circulating system that meets its stringent environmental standards and employs the treated water in the plant's cogeneration system (20% reduction).

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