Social / Enviromental Responsibility

Kingston Technology Company, Inc. is committed to operating our business in a manner that is Socially and Environmentally Responsible (SER). Over the past 24 years, Kingston has maintained a basic philosophy that centers on the core values of the company: respect, loyalty, integrity, flexibility and adaptability, investing in our employees and having fun at work in the company of friends. These core values also influence our obligations to make a positive difference in the communities in which we operate and to help protect the environment.

Social Responsibility

Kingston's employees are our most important resource. We provide a work environment that is respectful, safe and healthy at all locations utilizing the OHSAS 18001 management system, for which certification was obtained in June 2004.

In the area of safety, we have implemented accident prevention steps such as risk assessments, occupational health and safety education, and emergency drills at all sites. On the health side, Kingston provides a variety of wellness programs for our employees. These include health education from health-care professionals, fitness programs, and wellness newsletters.

Kingston is committed to upholding a culture where diversity is valued and respected. We treat all individuals fairly, in all aspects of employment, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, family care status, veteran status or medical condition, including genetic characteristics. Kingston prohibits discrimination and harassment of individuals on any of the bases listed above, or any other legally-protected basis.

Kingston is dedicated to protecting the rights of employees worldwide, in both policy and practice. We operate in full compliance with applicable local labor laws, including those regarding minimum age, working hours, overtime, wages and benefits, at all Kingston facilities. Employment is voluntary and employees are able to associate freely.

Conflict Minerals

Kingston shares the concern of our customers that the sources of minerals used in the manufacture of our product are not considered "conflict minerals." Conflict minerals pertain to certain minerals (such as tin and gold) that are mined in countries where conditions of armed conflict and human rights abuses are reported to be occurring; most notably in eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Our commitment to address this concern includes a two step approach.

1) Kingston has taken steps to ensure that the purchased materials used in our manufacturing process (such as solder paste) that contain minerals (such as tin) are free of conflict minerals. Kingston has written assurances from all of its suppliers of metal alloy materials used in the manufacturing process of Kingston products that the sources of such minerals and raw materials are not from the DRC or other nations or regions in violation of human rights.

2) Kingston is also working with our supply chain to ensure that the purchased components used in our products are free of materials containing conflict minerals. We are asking that our suppliers support our concern and we are involved in an ongoing effort to collect the necessary supporting data and applicable evidence as part of our due diligence.

Environmental Responsibility

Kingston is doing its part to be a responsible environmental steward. In June 2004, Kingston obtained certification to ISO 14001 which provides guidance in environmental issues. We are operating in ways that are more sensitive to the environment in order to reduce our carbon footprint and disclose our efforts through our participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project. As energy use in our facilities makes up the majority of our carbon footprint, we are researching ways to reduce our energy usage.

We are increasing our recycling efforts at all sites, striving to recycle the majority of the waste generated by our operations. Kingston is the first memory manufacturer to launch an electronics recycling program for our customers in the U.S.

Kingston is making smart and responsible choices in packaging by using more eco-friendly materials and looking for ways to increase our use of post-consumer recycled materials.

Community

Kingston understands its role as a Global Citizen and strives to create positive change whenever we can. With the help of our employees, Kingston participates in endeavors to improve the communities in which we operate, such as contributing to local area food banks, co-sponsoring charitable drives, and donating educational equipment to schools.

Kingston is partnering with ERI to deliver worry-free recycling.

Kingston is proud to be the first memory manufacturer to launch an electronics recycling program. Thanks to Kingston's partnership with ERI® (Electronic Recyclers International, Inc.), the largest electronics waste recycler in the U.S., you can recycle your computer memory, Flash drives, SSD drives and other electronics without worry. Rest assured that all information stored is completely destroyed and certificates of destruction can be supplied. For your convenience, the program offers an easy-to-use mail-back feature and automated phone system.

Visit ERI to get started.

Learn more about ERI and their electronics waste recycling at electronicrecyclers.com

Kingston Technology has undertaken an emissions audit by an outside firm on the amount of carbon dioxide being generated at the Orange County facility. The results of the audit indicate that most of our GHG emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity (99.5165%), with the balance (0.4889%) in direct emissions from company vehicle usage and production. Calculations were determined using the IPCC methodology and the USEPA methodology. The data reflects the period 1/1/09 to 12/31/09 for all facilities reported here.

Environmental considerations are set to become an integral part of the professional conduct, practice and ethical considerations that Kingston Technology professionals will bring to this organization.

Carbon Disclosure Project

Kingston Technology has undertaken an emissions audit by an outside firm on the amount of carbon dioxide being generated at the US, Taiwan and China facilities. The results of the audit indicate that most of our GHG emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity (99.5165%), with the balance (.4889%) in direct emissions from company vehicle usage and production. Calculations were determined using the IPCC methodology and the USEPA methodology. The data reflects the period 1/1/10 to 12/31/10 for all facilities reported here.

Each year Kingston works to improve the data and scope of the information.

Water Usage

Kingston Technology's total water consumption from our operations is 110,178.9 cubic meters (global site totals for the reporting year of 2010). Approximately 10% of Kingston's production processes utilize water. The majority of water usage is for facility maintenance, janitorial functions, and employee use.

Solid Waste

Kingston Technology's global sites for the calendar year 2010 produced 1,679,825 kg of solid waste. Kingston utilizes certified recycling organizations to recycle the waste generated in our manufacturing processes, including the passive components, DRAM, PCB boards, plastics and cardboard. Kingston also recycles e-waste and universal waste to reduce the amount of waste deposited in landfills. Kingston (global sites) has set a goal of a 10% reduction of solid waste by Q4 2013.

Kingston Taiwan Facility

Kingston Shanghai Facility

RoHS/WEEE Compliance Statement

RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU)

RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) Directive 2011/65/EU was passed into law on 21 July 2011. The Directive is a recast of the current Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS 1) Directive that was passed into law by the European Union (EU) in 2003. The recast addresses the same elements from the 2003 Directive: lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chrome, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE). However, the scope now includes the assessment of new hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). RoHS 2 is mainly aimed at developing better regulatory conditions and increasing the level of legal clarity. It also provides for a gradual extension of the RoHS requirements to all EEE, cables and spare parts with a view to full compliance by 22 July 2019. RoHS 2 also includes marking (CE marking) and declaration of conformity requirements. RoHS 2 comes into effect on 2 January 2013.

Kingston has worked diligently to ensure that all of Kingston’s products and their packaging materials sold to Europe are fully RoHS 2-compliant. A Declaration of RoHS 2 Compliance can be provided upon request.

If you have questions regarding the RoHS compliance of our products, please contact your distributor or reseller.

WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC)

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) applies to companies that manufacture, sell, and distribute electrical and electronic equipment in the E.U. It covers a wide range of large and small household appliances, IT equipment, radio and audio equipment, electrical tools, telecommunications equipment, electrical toys, etc.

The Directive aims to reduce the waste arising from electrical and electronic equipment and improve the environmental performance of everything involved in the life cycle of electrical and electronic equipment. This is translated into the following requirements:

• Producers (manufacturers or importers) of electrical and electronic equipment will be required to register in their countries.
• Private households will be able to return their WEEE to collection facilities free of charge and producers will be responsible for financing these facilities.
• Producers will be required to achieve a series of demanding recycling and recovery targets.
• Producers will be required to mark their products with the ‘crossed out wheeled bin’.
• This symbol indicates that the equipment carrying this mark must NOT be thrown into general waste but should be collected separately and properly processed under local regulations.

The WEEE directive has been transposed into each EU member state’s legislation and so the exact timing and details will vary slightly from country to country, but the above principles will apply. In particular, the arrangements for the separate collection of WEEE will vary in each country but might include for example: public collection points, retailers take back schemes, collection from households, etc. The Directive encourages reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery in order to prevent WEEE. Users of electrical and electronic equipment in the E.U. can therefore play an important role in reducing WEEE and helping the environment by separating out WEEE and disposing of it properly. Consumers can ask the supplier from whom they purchased the Electronic & Electrical equipment from about local arrangements for the disposal of WEEE.

Business users are advised to ensure that WEEE, which is not suitable for reuse or recycling, be disposed of properly via approved authorised treatment facilities. The Producer in your country may be able to assist you.

In the UK, The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 3289) were laid before parliament in December 2006. Kingston Technology Europe Limited and Kingston Digital Europe Limited have registered with UK compliance schemes in order to discharge their obligations as producers in the UK which arises as a result of their importing EEE products into the UK. The UK EEE producer registration numbers for each company is: Kingston Technology Europe Limited WEE/ED0057TS and Kingston Digital Europe Limited WEE/BD1072RT. However, please be aware these UK EEE producer registrations will only provide compliance for EEE products purchased via Kingston Technology Europe Limited and Kingston Digital Europe Limited in the UK and which remain in the UK. Any person who is responsible for importing any Kingston products into any EU member state (or other country) will have to ensure that they comply with any WEEE or other laws applicable in their country.

Kingston is dedicated to minimizing the impact our products have on the environment and to comply with the WEEE Directive.

Information for operators of treatment facilities

In general re-use & recycling of EEE is preferable to disposal. If disposal is necessary then this should only be undertaken by an approved authorised treatment facility (“AATF”). Any AATF in Europe requiring further information on Kingston’s products are advised to contact the Compliance Officer at Kingston Technology Europe Limited / Kingston Digital Europe Limited.

Kingston REACH Implementation

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals, EC 1907/2006) is the European Union’s chemical regulation that came into force on 1 June 2007 and will be phased in over an 11-year period (until 2018). Kingston does not produce, import or supply any substances subject to this provision and Kingston abides by all restriction requirements provided in Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation. Kingston supports the basic objective of REACH to further improve the European Union’s chemicals regulatory system, including the intent to advance public health and safety and protect the environment.

EU manufacturers and importers are required to register chemical substances they produce or import in quantities over 1 ton per year. As Kingston has offices in Europe, we recognized our obligation as defined in REACH and pre-registered the chemicals in our products that met the criteria set by ECHA. Kingston does not produce or import chemicals into the EU; therefore, Kingston has no further obligations for registration at this time.

Information on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)

Suppliers of articles must provide recipients with information on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) if those are present above a concentration limit of 0.1% on an article level. SVHC will be defined through the list of candidate substances for authorization that will be produced by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

SVHC candidate lists have been published that currently include 138 substances. Kingston products have been reviewed for SVHC at the article level and no SVHC are present above the concentration limit of 0.1% (by weight).

Kingston will continue to review the SVHC candidate lists that are released by ECHA for additional substances. Our customers and the European Chemicals Agency will be notified of any changes, if applicable, to comply with this and any future REACH requirements.

PFOS Compliance Statement

Declaration of Conformity — PFOS Restriction for Environment Protection

Kingston Technology does not use Perfluorooctyl Sulfonates (PFOS) in any of its manufacturing processes.

A limited number of wafer fabrication operations of Kingston’s die component suppliers use PFOS in some critical applications in the photoresist coatings of their photolithography process of wafer manufacturing. However, such uses are within the exemptions provided for photolithography processing in accordance to EU Directive 2006/122/ECOF restricting the use of PFOS.

Based on the supporting data provided by Kingston’s suppliers, our understanding is that PFOS does not remain in the product of any manufactured die components supplied to us, and PFOS is not contained in any Kingston product.