Chimei Innolux (CMI) recently obtained DNV third-party independent verification of its product supply-chain “water footprint” (Note 1) with regard to its 19-inch desktop LCD monitor and 42-inch LCD (LED backlit) TV, making CMI the first manufacturer in the world to announce water footprint verification for desktop monitor and LCD TV. At the same time, CMI is demonstrating its determination to increase the efficiency of water resource utilization, and its strength in developing green products in line with environmental trends worldwide. By taking concrete steps to promote the sustainable recycling of resources, CMI creates green value and fulfills its corporate social responsibility.

CMI has actively been conducting “water footprint” inventory since July 2010. The main objective is to fully grasp its products’ impact on water resources and the environment, and using this as reference for managing the associated risks in the face of global warming and the uneven distribution or gradual shortage of water resources worldwide due to climate change. In September 2010, CMI received the panel industry’s first supply chain “water footprint” verification statement for its 18.5-inch LCD panel used in monitor products. Early this year, its desktop LCD monitor and LCD (LED backlit) TV became the first of such products in the world to obtain product supply-chain “water footprint” verification statements.

Verified by Norway-based Det Norske Veritas (DNV), CMI's supply chain “water footprint” inventory and calculation was conducted in adherence to the Water Footprint Manual: State of the Art 2009 (Note 2) developed by the non-profit international organization Water Footprint Network. To complete the inventory and calculation, all internal units had to coordinate with each other, with the manufacturing plants compiling water usage figures, EHS providing wastewater data and production control providing input/output data. Externally, suppliers’ full cooperation was required as much time was spent on communicating the purpose of the inventory, and the contents and calculation method required for the inventory, during the supplier survey process.

As a major international panel maker, CMI not only provides customers with the most valuable LCD display solutions but is also committed to the coexistence of economic growth and environmental protection. With the verification of the world's first “product carbon footprint” (Note 3) for LCD panel and desktop LCD monitor in 2009, CMI ushered the electronics industry into the era of “product carbon footprint” disclosure. In light of the shortage of water resources worldwide, CMI has actively committed to conducting “product water footprint” verification in order to implement effective water-saving strategies and improve the efficiency of water usage across the board. CMI's effort will not only achieve cost reduction but also further demonstrate its strength in developing green products in line with trends to protect the environment worldwide. By taking actual steps to ensure sustainable recycling of resources, green value is created and the environmental impact of industrial development is reduced.

With regard to the sustainable development of water resources, CMI adheres to the 5Rs concept, i.e. Reuse, Reduce, Regeneration, Recycle and Recovery, and gradually achieves results through water-saving measures such as source improvement, water recycling and exploring alternative water sources. While exerting its corporate influence, CMI helps to protect the environment and ensures sustainability of its business.

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“Water footprint”: CMI evaluates water-use and wastewater emission data, and calculates total water consumed in the production process for each unit of product in the supply chain, based on the Water Footprint Manual: State of the Art 2009.
  Water Footprint Manual: State of the Art 2009: Originated from the Water Footprint Network, which is founded by six international organizations, including UNESCO and WWF (http://www.waterfootprint.org).
"Carbon footprint": Chimei Innolux Corporation uses the PAS 2050 and ISO 14067 standards to measure the CO2 emissions produced during the lifecycle of each product unit starting from raw material extraction and the production process.