The exceptionally pure, synthetic quartz crystals found in quartz crystal devices are grown in high-temperature, high pressure vessels called autoclaves. The autoclaves at our plant in the U.S. state of Illinois represent the height of innovation, embodying cutting-edge technology that minimizes power usage and CO2 emissions. Crystal units and oscillators, meanwhile, are rapidly becoming lighter and smaller, a fact that is contributing substantially to a reduction in the volume of waste ultimately generated in connection with these products. At the design stages, NDK is actively designing oscillators that consume less power during operation, an action that in turn lowers CO2 emissions.

Since 1985, we have also promoted energy conservation by effectively utilizing late-night power usage schemes. In terms of environmental initiatives other than those in the manufacturing sphere discussed above, NDK has completely banned the use of CFCs since 1993. Since 2003, MDK has been developing lead-free products and rigorously applying to earlier products as well. NDK has completed switch to RoHS compliant products (as of June 2006). Also, on the products exempted from "RoHS Directive", NDK shall promote to pursuer the lead-free activities.