AT&S World

is complete, the array will have a total capacity of
10,300 kWh.
AT&S’s photovoltaic module is based on an innovative
new concept that uses an outstanding
combination of back-contacted solar cells and PCB
technology. AT&S designed the module’s backsheet
contact foils and produced them in-house.
Its existing equipment makes possible a 1.6m x 1m
production format, putting to good use the Group’s
accumulated printed circuit board manufacturing
expertise.
The major advantages of the AT&S photovoltaic
module are:
Improved efficiency due to the combination of
next-generation solar cells with PCB technology
Reduced space requirements thanks to optimised
arrangement of the solar cells in the
module
Compatibility with standard components, increasing
cost effectiveness and simplifying installation
Improved performance in shady conditions
through individual string switching
Choice of a range of colours and geometric forms
made possible by innovative flexible design.
Innovative wastewater treatment plants in Shanghai
and Nanjangud
Reducing and optimising materials consumption
is part of our management policy. The use of innovative,
high-performance wastewater treatment
plants is just one indication of the steady improvement
in the Group’s environmental performance.
Half of the wastewater produced at our largest
plant, in Shanghai, is recycled, and in recognition
of this achievement, AT&S China was named a
Model Enterprise in Water-Saving. In the course
of expanding the Nanjangud facility in India, the
proportion of wastewater recycled was increased
to 80%.
Reduction in chemicals use
The introduction of new copper chloride regeneration
technology at Nanjangud has resulted
in an 80% saving in consumption of hydrochloric
acid and hydrogen peroxide, both of which
are regenerated in a process that also involves
the recovery of copper. This groundbreaking
new technology was implemented in partnership
with a Chennai-based research institute.
Recycling printed circuit board waste
Metals such as copper, nickel and gold can be removed
from PCBs and recycled. At present an average
of 30% of a printed circuit board can be reused.
Social responsibility
Fulfilling its responsibilities as a corporate citizen
is central to AT&S’s way of thinking. This
means going beyond compliance with minimum
legal requirements for socially responsible behaviour.
We aim to make a significant contribution
to the welfare of people living in the catchment
areas of our plants around the world by
supporting health care and education projects.
Last year AT&S India supported the residents of
villages close to the Nanjangud facility by offering
free medical care at the plant once a week.
AT&S and Chinese football star Sun Xiang – an
ambassador for the Austrian pavilion – organised
a surprise visit to EXPO 2010 in Shanghai
for 10 ethnic-minority children from Ninglang,
a remote mountainous region in Yunnan province.
AT&S China also published a set of teaching
DVDs, entitled Low Carbon & Green Journey,
to mark the 2010 World Environment Day.
In Europe, AT&S’s sponsorship activities focused
on education, sports and social projects. The company
is supporting a range of activities at Vienna
University of Technology, Campus 02 in Graz,
Graz University of Technology and Montanuniversität
Leoben. AT&S‘s Leoben factory provided
the TU Graz e-Power Racing Team with printed
circuit boards specially designed for its Max-
Wheel 2011 vehicle. We are also supporting the
proposed referendum on reforms to the Austrian
education system. AT&S provided vital assistance
to numerous groups of people and organisations
by supporting social projects initiated by Caritas,
the Kinder-Krebs-Hilfe child cancer charity,
which supports children with disabilities. Sport
also played a significant part in our CSR activities.
Several employees participated in the 2010 LE-
Laufevent, an athletics event in Leoben, while the
company provided financial backing. AT&S staff
have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment
to social responsibility by organising spontaneous
charitable campaigns. Last year, employees in
Fehring collected donations to help victims of the
disastrous chemical spill near Devecser, Hungary.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Fulfilling our responsibilities
as a corporate
citizen and going
beyond compliance
with minimum legal
requirements for
socially responsible
behaviour: core considerations
in AT&S’s
way of thinking.
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