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The following information is provided by KEMET Corporation in an effort to
inform our customers, suppliers, employees and the public of its efforts to
protect the environment and operate in a safe and healthful manner.
Concern for the environment is of paramount importance at KEMET. It has been
part of KEMET's operating philosophy since the company began. KEMET's environmental
goals and policies are established and supported by senior management, and
apply to all of KEMET's operations worldwide. Overall coordination and goal
setting are provided by the Corporate Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection
Department. The primary responsibility for achieving these goals, however,
begins with each of the manufacturing plants.
Each KEMET location must address environmental solutions specific to its
product lines. These solutions meet or exceed both KEMET's policies and procedures
as well as locally applicable EPA (U.S.)/SEMARNAT (Mexico)/SEPA (China) requirements.
Each plant has its own Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection Department
that works in conjunction with cross-functional and interplant teams to ensure
that the appropriate procedures are identified, supported, and implemented.
Like other companies in the electronics industry, KEMET is required to use
a number of potentially harmful substances in its manufacturing processes.
KEMET is constantly seeking ways to eliminate or reduce the use of materials
which are defined as hazardous by the United States, Mexico, China and the
European Union. Strategies to achieve this goal include:
- Recycling wastes through the original supplier of the raw material.
- Reformulating products to "design out" the hazardous materials. For more
information, see our Green
Product Information.
- Finding suitable non-hazardous substitutes.
- Implementing changes in processes to minimize the volume of disposable
waste.
KEMET successfully eliminated ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and chlorinated
solvents used as cleaners/degreasers at all of its plants during the 1990's.
Material recycling is another important step KEMET utilizes to reduce waste.
KEMET recycles extensively. Some examples of the materials recycled by KEMET
facilities include:
- Ethylene glycol
- Metals, such as tantalum and silver
- Manganese
- Ceramic sheet
- Paper
- Plastic
- Scrap Metal
Other KEMET environmental efforts include participation in the South Carolina
and North Carolina Wildlife Federations and Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT)
programs. These programs involve the development of plant property as wildlife
habitats. KEMET was the first industry in both South Carolina and North Carolina
to be certified by their respective Wildlife Federations. All of KEMET's U.S.
manufacturing facilities are currently WAIT certified.
KEMET's South Carolina Plants meet the stringent criteria for membership in the
South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program (SCEEP). The SCEEP is a voluntary
program for companies committed to continuous environmental improvements in order
to protect and preserve South Carolina's environment. All South Carolina manufacturing
facilities are certified under this program.
KEMET's Mexico Plants have achieved the Excellence Qualification in its Accomplishment
of Environmental Regulation by PROFEPA, Mexico's Environmental Inspection Agency.
KEMET's Monterrey Plants have been recognized by State Environmental Authorities
with the "Recycling Award" for their efforts on this subject. KEMET's Monterrey
Plants have also been recognized by the Mayor's office, Ecology Direction, for
the collection and proper disposal of used batteries. KEMET's Matamoros Plants
have twice received the National Pollution Prevention Award from SEMARNAT/PROFEPA
and the National Maquiladora Association.
KEMET is very proud of its environmental accomplishments and continues to enhance
and improve its environmental programs and community activities. KEMET meets
or exceeds all locally applicable existing government environmental protection
guidelines and regulations at all of its facilities, including those in Mexico
and China. As a result of its ongoing company-wide efforts, KEMET provides a
safe and healthful workplace for its employees, and is a better neighbor in the
communities in which it does business. KEMET's commitment to environmental protection
has also improved its competitiveness within the electronics industry.
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