Management of chemicals contained in products
Chemical substances are essential for convenient and comfortable living, but if they are not managed appropriately, they can have harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. In addition to strictly following applicable laws and regulations, the Pigeon Group also controls chemical substances based on the regulations of the countries of sale and its own Principles of Quality Management.
Raw Materials Information Management System
The Pigeon Group manages chemical substance information and safety information about the raw materials used in the products sold by each of its businesses. These are used to identify the extent of the impact of responding to laws and regulations and to provide information to customers.
Controlled Chemical Substances
With reference to internationally influential regulations and regulations in countries of sale, Pigeon Group has defined two levels of chemical substance control: “Procurement-prohibited substances” and “Procurement-controlled substances.” The chemical substances controlled under each are described below.
Then, we investigate and control them at the design and development stage and for products that we purchase on an ongoing basis.
1. Procurement-prohibited substances
The use of these substances is prohibited under international treaties and/or domestic law. Pigeon does not manufacture or sell products that intentionally include these chemicals. We also require our suppliers to furnish proof that they do not use these prohibited substances and confirm that the relevant substances are not used.
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
- Substances designated Class 1 Specified Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law (Japan)
- Substances prohibited from sale under the domestic laws of each country and region where Pigeon products are sold (persistent and bio accumulative substances that have long-term toxicity to humans and/or to higher-order predatory animals) (outside Japan)
2. Procurement-controlled substances
These substances may only be used in restricted quantities or for specific applications in products, in accordance with restrictions in international treaties and laws and commensurate regulations. Pigeon controls and restricts the amount of these substances included in its products. We also require our suppliers to investigate and report on the use of these substances.
- Substances listed in Appendix XVII of REACH
- Substances listed in the Candidate List of REACH
- Substances governed by the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive (applies to electrical products only)
- Substances designated as Class 2 Specified Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law (Japan)
- Substances whose use is restricted under the domestic laws of each country and region where Pigeon products are sold (substances that carry a risk of impact on ecosystems or human health) (outside Japan)
Raw Materials and Components Not Used in Products
In addition to the procurement-prohibited substances and procurement-controlled substances listed above, there are also raw materials and substances that Pigeon does not use in certain kinds of product, based on its own judgment.
Pigeon prohibits the use of the following substances in the raw materials for products such as nursing bottles and pacifiers that are likely to find their way into babies’ mouths.
- Bisphenol A: Concerns about reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption
- Bisphenol S: Concerns about reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption
- Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether: Concerns about endocrine disruption
- Bisphenol B: Concerns about endocrine disruption
- Bisphenol F: Concerns about endocrine disruption
- Bisphenol AF: Concerns about reproductive toxicity
In skin care products, baby wipes, and other products used on the skin, we do not use the following components.
Methylisothiazolinone/Methylchloroisothiazolinone
In personal care products and home care products, these components are used as preservatives and antimicrobial agents. While they are considered safe when used within permitted concentrations, they have been noted as possible causes of skin trouble. Pigeon does not include these in products used against the skin.
Fragrances
These are substances combining essential oils extracted from plants, or synthesized aromatic components, with alcohol, stabilizers, and/or preservatives. It can be difficult to confirm their safety, as their compositions are not disclosed. Pigeon uses fragrances judged safe according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Standards.