Environment
Air Emissions
Policy
Policy (our fundamental view)
The NOF Group actively carries out initiatives to prevent air pollution in accordance with the Management Policy Regarding Responsible Care.
- We manage atmospheric emissions generated from operations and comply with laws and regulations.
- We set targets and continuously pursue technical improvements to reduce atmospheric emissions.
- We take into account the impact on local communities and strive to minimize environmental burdens.
Basis for Policy
Policy 1:Manufacturing Business Guideline 8
“To reduce environmental impact, we comply with relevant laws and regulations, and establish management systems for atmospheric emissions, discharges to sewage treatment plants, rivers, and oceans, as well as for industrial waste and other outputs associated with operations.”
Policy 2:Manufacturing Business Guideline 8
“We set targets for reducing emissions as well as for minimization, volume reduction, recovery, treatment, and improved sorting of industrial waste, and will continue to make technical improvements.”
Policy 3:Manufacturing Business Guideline 7
“We pay due attention to the concerns of local residents regarding relevant product manufacturing, enhance communication with them, and establish systems that can provide appropriate information.”
Prevention of Air Pollution
In accordance with the Management Policy Regarding Responsible Care, the NOF Group measures sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), soot and dust,* and other substances contained in the exhaust gas from boilers and other combustion equipment to prevent air pollution, and manages operations in strict compliance with national and local environmental standards.
We are currently advancing reduction plans, including energy conversion of AFO boilers, which cause SOx emissions, to city gas.
In addition, there have been no cases of violations of laws and regulations related to emissions into the atmosphere.
Changes in exhaust gas monitoring items(Tons / year)
Category | FY2021 | FY2022 | FY2023 | FY2024 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NOF | SOx | 1.9 | 2.6 | 4.9 | 2.1 |
NOx | 48.0 | 49.1 | 52.9 | 40.6 | |
Soot and dust | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | |
Domestic Group | SOx | 3.3 | 4.4 | 6.5 | 3.4 |
NOx | 49.6 | 50.6 | 54.4 | 41.1 | |
Soot and dust | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.9 | |
NOF Group | SOx | 4.6 | 6.5 | 8.2 | 4.7 |
NOx | 55.3 | 55.4 | 58.1 | 45.8 | |
Soot and dust | 4.1 | 4.6 | 2.6 | 4.4 | |
Violations of laws and regulations (no.) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
PRTR Act-Controlled Substances
The emissions volume of PRTR Act-controlled substances by the Domestic Group in fiscal 2024 was 135.1 tons, a decrease by about 19% from 167.0 tons in the previous fiscal year. As a result, about 50% reduction of emissions volume was achieved from the 269 tons in fiscal 2010, the reference year of the Mid-term Target.
PRTR Act-controlled substances with an emissions volume of 10 tons or more are indicated in the table.
Substances high in volume(10 tons or more) discharged into the environment
[Covered organizations:Domestic Group]
Cabinet order No. | Name | Emission volume(tons/year) |
---|---|---|
186 | Dichloromethane | 37.4 |
300 | Toluene | 29.2 |
128 | Chloromethane | 15.4 |
83 | Cumene | 15.0 |
Total emission volume | 135.1 |
Measures to reduce emissions of PRTR Act-controlled substances
NOF has set a KPI of reducing emissions of PRTR Act-controlled substances to 170 tons or less each year. In particular, we are examining manufacturing methods in which PRTR Act-controlled substances are not used in order to reduce the amount of substances with high environmental emissions. We aim to reduce emissions through the adoption of alternative substances and environmentally friendly manufacturing methods.
In addition, the operating conditions of recovery equipment are optimized to improve the recovery rate of emissions. Regular maintenance and proper operation and management ensure effective recovery and lead to reduced emissions.
NOF will continue its efforts to reduce emissions of PRTR Act-controlled substances and promote more environmentally friendly manufacturing activities. In this way, we will contribute to the achievement of a sustainable society and work to protect the global environment.

Changes in emissions of PRTR Act-controlled substances
[Covered organizations:Domestic Group]

Balance of emissions of PRTR Act-controlled substances (FY2024)
[Covered organizations:Domestic Group]
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are substances that contribute to air pollution and photochemical smog. NOF believes that controlling VOC emissions is part of our social responsibility.
We monitor and work to reduce VOC emissions. In fiscal 2024, the total VOC emissions from the Domestic Group amounted to 190 tons.
As part of our environmental protection activities aimed at realizing a sustainable society, NOF positions VOC emission reduction as one of our important issues. We are actively implementing process improvements and introducing new equipment. In addition, through technological innovation and research and development, we are exploring new reduction methods and contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.
VOC emissions (PRTR-controlled + JCIA-recommended substances: 303)[Covered organizations:Domestic Group]
- FY2024:NOF 142.8 tons/year, Domestic Group 189.8 tons/year
VOC substances under JCIA-recommended voluntary control
The Domestic Group also monitors and reduces emissions of VOCs recommended by the Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA) as substances for voluntary management. In fiscal 2024, VOC emissions amounted to 56 tons, representing a decrease of about 4% from the previous year’s 58 tons.

Changes in VOC emissions of substances under JCIA-recommended voluntary control
[Covered organizations:Domestic Group]
Hazardous Air Pollutants
Hazardous air pollutants are chemical substances that may pose risks to human health through long-term exposure even at low concentrations. Based on the list of chemical substances revised in the October 2010 report (9th report) of the Central Environment Council, we are working to monitor and reduce emissions of 15 designated substances.
The Domestic Group’s emissions of these substances in fiscal 2024 amounted to 89 tons. As with VOCs, we position the reduction of emissions as one of our important issues, and we are actively working on process improvements and equipment installation. In addition, through technological innovation and research and development, we are exploring new reduction methods and contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.
Emissions of hazardous air pollutants (15 substances overlapping with VOCs from the 23 priority substances)
[Covered organizations:Domestic Group]
- FY2024:NOF 56.6 tons/year , Domestic Group 89.1tons/year
Reduction of Fluorocarbon Emissions
In accordance with the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons (Fluorocarbon Emissions Control Act), which covers the entire life cycle of fluorocarbons from production to disposal, we have been carrying out simple and periodic inspections according to plan, as required by the law.
In fiscal 2024, we estimated leakage of fluorocarbons amounted to 2,118 tons of CO₂e at the Kawasaki Works, 622 tons of CO₂e at the Aichi Works, and 32 tons of CO₂e at the Amagasaki Plant, bringing the total for our company to 2,775 tons of CO₂e.
We will continue to strengthen inspections and maintenance, and ensure proper disposal of equipment. We will also promote the replacement of existing equipment to equipment that uses refrigerants with lower global warming and ozone depletion potentials and further reduce fluorocarbon leaks.
Calculated fluorocarbon leaks (FY2024)
Works / plants | Emission volume (tons of CO₂e) |
---|---|
Amagasaki Plant | 32 |
Aichi Works | 622 |
Kawasaki Works | 2,118 |
Oita Plant | 3 |
Total | 2,775 |
Risks and Opportunities
Risks and opportunities for atmospheric emissions
The NOF Group recognizes both the risks and opportunities related to atmospheric emissions and is implementing measures to address them. In terms of transition risks, tightening domestic and international regulations may lead to higher costs from facility investments and the potential loss of business opportunities if production of existing products is discontinued. Delays in regulatory compliance or in developing eco-friendly products may also damage our reputation among investors, customers, and local communities, posing a risk to the Group’s standing.
Natural disasters such as typhoons or volcanic eruptions could damage facilities, which would directly result in halted production activities and decreased sales.
On the other hand, growing demand for products that help mitigate air pollution presents opportunities for the NOF Group. The development of eco-friendly products such as waterborne anti-corrosion coatings and cement capsules is expected to enhance the Group’s reputation and lead to the acquisition of new market opportunities.
Risks and opportunities for atmospheric emissions
Category | Major risks and opportunities | Overview | Countermeasures |
---|---|---|---|
Transition risks | Tighter domestic and international regulations |
|
①Creation and execution of emission
②Reevaluation of production |
Deterioration of evaluation/reputation |
|
|
|
Physical risks | Natural disasters |
|
|
|
|
||
Opportunities | Growing needs for products that contribute to mitigating air pollution |
[Mitigation of air pollution]
|
|
Improvement of evaluation and reputation |
|
|