Committed To The Environment

At Sharp, we’re very passionate about environmental conservation. Our environmentally friendly LCD television manufacturing facility in Kameyama, Japan, features one of the world’s largest roof-mounted solar systems. Our appliances and business products are among the industry’s most energy efficient. We’ve long been a world leader in solar cell production. Furthermore, all Sharp factories are working to eliminate waste and greenhouse gases, and achieve other environmental targets in 21 key areas.

Saving Energy. Saving Resources. Maximizing Recycling. Minimizing Hazardous Materials. That’s the Sharp commitment to the environment.

outstanding contribution to protectingthe environment through energy efficiency

EC Wins 2013 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award (United States)

SEC, Sharp’s sales and manufacturing subsidiary based in the US state of New Jersey, has received an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The 2013 ENERGY STAR Award winners were selected from among the roughly 20,000 companies and organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

For three consecutive years starting in 2010, SEC has earned an ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence, but this is the first time the company has won the higher-ranking Partner of the Year award.

SEC was lauded for securing ENERGY STAR13 certification on more than 150 product models sold in the US, including LCD TVs, home appliances, and copiers. Large-screen LCD TVs utilizing four-color14 technology were singled out for their outstanding energy efficiency. SEC was also commended for raising elementary school children’s awareness of environmental issues by providing ongoing environmental education on such topics as climate change and renewable energy through its Solar Academy programs.

13 A voluntary program by the EPA and DOE for promoting energy savings through increased energy efficiency in electrical equipment. Products that meet a certain level of energy efficiency are qualified to earn ENERGY STAR certification.

14 Sharp’s four-color concept was designed for use with LCDs; it differs from the conventional three-primary-color concept of light and color.

environmental policies

Sharp's dedication to environmental stewardship is a long standing corporate core value that's demonstrated in our products and our business activities, not a response to the latest trends.

Sharp's business philosophy revolves around attaining mutual prosperity with stakeholders by contributing to the culture, benefits, and welfare of people throughout the world. To realize the business philosophy, all employees hold to and follow our business creed, which calls for "Sincerity and Creativity".

We are proud of the many ways that Sharp is following its business philosophy and business creed of "Sincerity and Creativity" by working to fulfill the environmental and societal aspects of its corporate social responsibility.

Environmental Policy

The employees of Sharp Electronics Corporation at the Mahwah, New Jersey Headquarters are committed to leading Sharp’s North American facilities, both by example and through our guidance, to improved environment performance, and to move beyond fulfilling our legal obligations in regards to the environment issues in our facility and impacting our products.

View Sharp Electronic Corporation's (SEC) U.S. Environmental Policy

Sharp Corporation Global Website and Sustainability Report 2013

LEGAL NOTICE: The Sharp Corporation website and publications contain internal, specific designations of the Sharp Corporation that are not labels, acknowledgements or certifications of any capabilities which have been awarded by government or other external authorities.

Sharp’s efforts toward corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly the environmental and social dimensions of CSR, contribute to creating a sustainable society. Information on these efforts is made available in the Social and Environmental Activities section of the Sharp corporate website.

The Sustainability Report 2013 presents Sharp’s fiscal 2012 efforts in three sections—titled Management, Environmental Activities, and Social Activities—which are accompanied by a variety of related data. To keep our various stakeholders appropriately informed, the website also provides detailed data and information on Sharp’s latest CSR activities.

View Sharp Corporation's Sustainability Report 2013.

Innovations & Awards

Environmental Product Innovations

Sharp aims to minimize the environmental impact of our products by continually implementing and improving product technologies, designs and programs aimed at environmental conservation, from the materials used in the manufacture and packaging of our products, to their transportation, use and safe disposal at the end of their product life.

AQUOS® LCD Televisions

  • Sharp has worked to take the lead in LCD research and development to fully realize its promise in energy-efficient, resource-saving devices. As an example of our success, power consumption of the 32-inch Class (31-1/2" diagonal) Sharp AQUOS® LCD TV was reduced from 271 kilowatt-hours per year in 2000 to just 135 kilowatt-hours per year in 2006.
  • Most AQUOS® models are ENERGY STAR® qualified for energy efficiency.
  • Superior environmental performance includes not just low power consumption but also extended operating life and the increased use of recycled parts.
  • The easy-to-recycle design features environmentally conscious components and materials including lead-free solder for circuit boards.
  • All products for the U.S. market comply with the EU RoHS (European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directives for elimination of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).
  • Larger AQUOS® LCD panels are manufactured in the Sharp Kameyama plant #2 in Japan, one of the world's most environmentally friendly LCD TV factories. From the earliest planning stages the plant was designed with environmental consciousness at the heart of every activity.
  • The plant features one of the world's largest roof-mounted solar electric systems. Thus, AQUOS® LCD TVs are literally made with the power of the sun.
  • Waste heat is recovered for air conditioning with a co-generation system producing about 1/3 of the electricity used in the plant.
  • The 5MW solar power system, 1MW fuel cell system and co-generation system together reduce overall CO2 emissions by 40%.
  • All of the plant's production waste water is recycled, purified and reused.
  • The entire LCD TV manufacturing process—from fabricating the LCD panels to final assembly—is carried out in a single plant, eliminating the need to ship sub-assemblies between distant plants. This enables Sharp to slash the amount of packaging materials required for shipping while reducing emissions.

Business Products, Copiers and Printers

  • Sharp copiers and printers are among the industry's most energy efficient.
  • All Sharp models in the present Document Systems and Multifunction Products line are ENERGY STAR® qualified for energy efficiency.
  • The organic photoconductive drum unit has an extended life of up to one million pages.
  • Sharp fax products require an extremely low power consumption of less than 1W in standby mode.
  • High-speed MFPs deliver energy savings through external heat-fusing technology using an external system to heat thin-walled steel fusing rollers.
  • The SharpToner Recycling Program helps customers collect and recycle toner cartridges free of charge for all Sharp copiers, MFPs and printers sold in the U.S. www.sharpusa.com/recycle
  • Other Sharp recycling programs provide for recycling products' used Nickel-Cadmium and Lithium-Ion batteries.

Home Appliances

  • Many Sharp Air Conditioners are ENERGY STAR® qualified and use at least 10% less energy than conventional models.
  • All Sharp Air Purifiers are ENERGY STAR® qualified and are 35% more energy-efficient than standard models.
  • Sharp Air Purifiers use lead-free solder on printed circuit boards and are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
  • Sharp Air Purifiers use high efficiency motors, inverter technology, a wide range of fan speeds and air quality sensors to automatically adjust the fan speed to the room conditions, contributing to energy efficiency.
  • All of the Sharp Appliance factories are ISO 14001 certified, ensuring environmental management compliance.

Environmental Awards

Sharp divisions in the U.S. and around the world have won numerous awards for corporate responsibility and sustainability, creating products with high environmental performance, developing unique environmental technologies and contributing back to their communities and society at large.

For more information about Sharp awards, please visit the Sharp Corporation worldwide site.

LEGAL NOTICE: The Sharp Corporation website and publications contain internal, specific designations of the Sharp Corporation that are not labels, acknowledgements or certifications of any capabilities which have been awarded by government or other external authorities.

2013

  • SEC Wins 2013 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award (United States): SEC, Sharp’s sales and manufacturing subsidiary based in the US state of New Jersey, has received an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The 2013 ENERGY STAR Award winners were selected from among the roughly 20,000 companies and organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

    For three consecutive years starting in 2010, SEC has earned an ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence, but this is the first time the company has won the higher-ranking Partner of the Year award.

    SEC was lauded for securing ENERGY STAR13 certification on more than 150 product models sold in the US, including LCD TVs, home appliances, and copiers. Large-screen LCD TVs utilizing four-color14 technology were singled out for their outstanding energy efficiency. SEC was also commended for raising elementary school children’s awareness of environmental issues by providing ongoing environmental education on such topics as climate change and renewable energy through its Solar Academy programs.

13A voluntary program by the EPA and DOE for promoting energy savings through increased energy efficiency in electrical equipment. Products that meet a certain level of energy efficiency are qualified to earn ENERGY STAR certification.

14Sharp's four-color concept was designed for use with LCDs; it differs from the conventional three-primary-color concept of light and color.

2012

  • Newsweek Green Rankings® 2012:
    Sharp was ranked No. 40 in the "GLOBAL 500 RANKING", above competitors Panasonic (56), Sony (57), Ricoh (118) , Canon (132), Xerox (137), LG (261). Newsweek compared the actual environmental footprints, corporate management (policies, programs and initiatives) and transparency. Read more on the Newsweek Green Rankings® 2012.
  • U.S. General Services Administration:
    Sharp was recognized for achieving "Gold Level Exhibitor" as a participant in the 2012 GSA Training and Expo, Green Exhibitor Program.
  • 2012-2010 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) ENERGY STAR® Excellence in Energy Efficiency Product Design:
    Energy Star honors organizations that have earned national recognition for their leadership and accomplishments, as well as highlight the successful approach and practices to others.

2011-2008

  • 2011 NJ Department of Environmental Protection:
    The N.J. Department of Environmental Protection awarded Sharp it's Outstanding Achievement in Recycling for 2011 based on Sharp's Solar Academy education program.
  • Best of Green Award 2010 - Science & Technology:
    Best Electronics Take-Back Program in MRM Recycling.
  • 2009-2006 - SmartWaySM Transport Excellence Awards:
    The USEPA recognized Sharp as the only shipper to win this award 4 times, for Logistics & Transportation initiatives to advance innovative strategies that save fuel, reduce emissions, and improve economic sustainability.
  • 2003-2009 - Plug-in to eCycling Award:
    Sharp has received this award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for participating in and contributing to collection events for recycling discarded electronics.

2007

  • 2007 Stevie® Award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program:
    Sharp won this award from the American Business Awards for the Sharp solar building project that benefited residents of New Orleans affected by Hurricane Katrina.
  • 2007 Evergreen Award:
    Sharp was awarded the Evergreen Award from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to recognize its efforts in recycling, affirmative procurement and waste reduction.
  • 2007 Excellence in Partnership Green Contractor Award:
    Sharp was recognized by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) as the government contractor demonstrating the strongest overall commitment to environmentally sound manufacturing and operating procedures.
  • 2007 Award of Excellence, Environmental Report and Sustainability Report Awards:
    The Sharp "Environmental and Social Report 2006" received a 5th consecutive honor in these awards since 2002.
  • 2007 Green Hero Award:
    Sharp received this award from the Green Organization, an environmental activity group, in recognition of the positive investment it made in introducing equipment for analyzing hazardous substances as well as making that equipment available to other enterprises.

2006-2004

  • 2006 Energy Conservation Encouragement Award:
    Sharp was recognized by the Japan Cogeneration Center for the Kameyama LCD TV plant's fuel-efficient cogeneration system, which utilizes waste heat as a source of energy for air conditioning and hot-water supply.
  • 2006 Industrial Technology Award:
    Sharp plant-based paint received this award sponsored by the Osaka Industrial Research Association.
  • 2005 Best Technology Award:
    The Sharp closed-loop plastic material recycling technology was awarded this prize by the Japan Society of Polymer Processing.
  • 2004 Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister's Prize:
    The Sharp closed-loop plastic material recycling technology received this award at the 13th Global Environment Awards sponsored by the Japan Industrial Journal.
  • China Electronics and Information Equipment Green Manufacturing Commendation
  • Award of Excellence, Evaluation of Corporate Energy Conservation Activities:
    Sharp was recognized as an outstanding energy-saving company by the Thai Ministry of Energy.

environmental programs

The industry leadership of Sharp extends to a number of partnerships and organizations that encourage our own company and others with strong environmental records to go above and beyond their legal environmental requirements.

EPEAT®

EPEAT® (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) is a 3rd party global rating system for greener electronics. It is a resource for purchasers, manufacturers and resellers to use to identify environmentally preferable electronic devices, including Imaging Equipment. The EPEAT testing criteria are strict, comprehensive criteria for design, production, energy use and recycling that requires ongoing independent verification of manufacturer claims.

ENERGY STAR®

ENERGY STAR® is a voluntary Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy program to promote energy efficient products. ENERGY STAR qualified models are those with advanced technologies that use less energy than the standard products in their categories. Sharp manufactures ENERGY STAR qualified models in a wide range of products without sacrificing the reliability and features customers expect.

ENERGY STAR Pledge Drive

More than 2 million people across the nation have pledged to take small energy-saving steps to help change the world. If everyone participated, Americans could reduce more than $18 billion in annual energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 18 million cars. Sharp Electronics Corporation is proud to support the EPA's Change the World program.

Join with millions of Americans who are making a big difference to address climate change. Take the ENERGY STAR Pledge

US EPA Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge Program

Sharp is proud to support the EPA's newest initiative as an inaugural participant in the Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge Program. As a founding participant in the EPA's electronics recycling program in 2003, "Plug-in to eCycling", the EPA recognized Sharp's achievements for 7 years, culminating with "Winner" in 2009. For more information, please visit: the EPA website.

Energy Efficient Product Transportation

Sharp was one of the 1st members of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWaysm Transport Partnership program. This voluntary alliance establishes incentives for fuel efficiency improvements and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through creating partnerships, reducing unnecessary engine idling and increasing the efficiency and use of rail and intermodal operations. The EPA recognized the Sharp legacy of environmental responsibility with its "SmartWay Excellence Award" in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

working with the community

In the spirit of building closer ties with the communities in which we work and live, Sharp Electronics Corporation and its employees play an active role in a large number of local efforts. The company is a sponsor of organizations that help children and communities in crisis all over the world, and also contributes to local hospitals and foundations that battle a wide variety of serious illnesses and diseases. Employee participation in annual blood drives and charity fundraising efforts have become company traditions.

Programs in Our Backyard

Sharp is an annual contributor to several local New Jersey colleges and universities, including support for the construction of the Sustainability Education Center at Ramapo College, a state of the art green building. For more information, visit the Ramapo College website. The company’s contributions have helped fund construction of the Mahwah Public Library and The Center for Food Action, both located in Mahwah, NJ, the Sharp U.S. corporate headquarters at the time.  Sharp headquarters has since moved to Montvale, NJ.

Sharp Recycles

We are proud of our efforts to collect and recycle items at the end of their lifecycle. Our goal is to help the environment and improve our recycling efforts to help support a better future.

Recycling TVs and Other Consumer Electronics in the US

In September 2007, SEC—Sharp’s manufacturing and sales subsidiary in the US state of New Jersey—established the Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, LLC (MRM) in cooperation with Panasonic Corporation of North America and Toshiba America Consumer Products, LLC. Tasked with recycling audio-visual products, especially TVs, the MRM program has since expanded nationwide to offer recycling opportunities at approximately 1,800 collection points. MRM holds special events and carries out voluntary activities to promote the recycling of used consumer electronics and complies fully with the laws and regulations of each state. In fiscal 2012, approximately 5,349 tons of used consumer electronics were recycled.

For opportunities in your area to recycle your electronics and Sharp televisions for free, please visit: www.mrmrecycling.com

US EPA Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge Program

Sharp is proud to support the EPA’s newest initiative as an inaugural participant in the Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge Program. As a founding participant in the EPA’s electronics recycling program in 2003, “Plug-in to eCycling”, the EPA recognized Sharp’s achievements for 7 years, culminating with "Winner" in 2009. For more information, please visit: the EPA website.

eCycling - Leadership Initiative

As a member of the Consumer Electronics Association, Sharp participates in the eCycling Leadership Initiative as a co-founder of MRM. For more information, please visit: the CEA website.

Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation

Sharp participates in the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) program, Call2Recycle, which allows consumers to drop off Sharp RBRC-labeled batteries at retailers and RBRC collection centers. For more information, please visit www.call2recycle.org.

Toner Recycling

As part of our commitment to helping preserve the environment, Sharp offers our customers zero waste to landfill recycling for all Sharp consumables including cartridges, bottles, waste collection containers and drum units. Sharp encourages customers to recycle their used toner cartridges in bulk by providing a pre-paid Recycling Kit for their return to our facility.

Get more information on the Sharp Copier Toner Recycling Program.

consumer resources

Sharp is dedicated to providing consumers with detailed information about our products and their use. We want to ensure that you have the resources you need for informed buying decisions, proper setup, high-quality performance, safe handling and effective recycling of all of our products at the end of their lifetime.

Material Safety Data Sheets

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) contain information regarding the chemicals used in products or supplies, such as toner used by business copiers and printers.

Mercury Education

LCD television screens incorporating a fluorescent backlight and some projector lamps contain a small amount of mercury. Disposal of these materials may be regulated due to environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling information please contact your local authorities, the USEPA, or the Interstate Mercury Education & Reduction Clearinghouse (IMERC).

Products Designed for the Environment

Sharp is committed to setting new standards for energy efficiency as well as continually improving products and the materials used in their manufacture. We offer a wide range of ENERGY STAR® qualified models, many of which employ patented technology for reducing energy usage without sacrificing reliability. We strive to produce our products and their packaging in an environmentally conscious fashion, incorporating recycled materials and plant-based paints and resins. We design our products for durability, with parts that are easily dismantled for recycling at the end of their long lifetime.

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