Human Rights
Upholding Positive Working Environments by Protecting Human Rights and Prohibiting Discrimination
In August 2019, we established the Zeon Group Human Rights Policy, which sets forth respect for human rights and prohibits discrimination, and are striving to create a mutually accepting company that does not tolerate discrimination based on gender, age, nationality, or other attribute and understands diverse values.
Starting from FY 2022, we have begun to implement full-scale human rights due diligence initiatives. In implementing human rights due diligence, Zeon Corporation, group companies, and the supply chain have been carrying out relevant measures while receiving advice from external experts.
We, the Zeon Group, are committed to fulfilling our corporate social responsibilities in respect of human rights and contributing to realizing a sustainable society, based on international codes of conduct on human rights, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labor Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights in Labor, and the UN Global Compact.
- Respect for Human Rights
- We will not tolerate acts of discrimination or harassment based on age, gender, place of origin, ancestry, nationality, disability, religion, creed, marital status, employment status, union participation, political views and other differences. We also will not tolerate child labor, forced labor or/nor unjustly low wage labor.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders
- We will encourage our customers and business partners to support this policy with us to pursue business activities sharing respect for human rights.
- Prevention and Mitigation of Human Rights Violations
- We will strive to perceive, avoid and reduce any negative impact on human rights that might result from our business activities.
- Response to Human Rights Violations
- We will work on the relief through appropriate procedures when it is found that we have caused or furthered a negative impact on human rights.
- Efforts on Human Rights Issues
- We will provide appropriate education and training to our executives and employees, so that this policy is understood and implemented.
- Disclosure of Information
- We will publicly disclose information on our human rights initiatives under this policy through communication channels such as our website and integrated report.
Becoming a Signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and Participating in Subcommittee Activities
The Zeon Group endorses the UN Global Compact. We also participate actively in subcommittees of Global Compact Network Japan. We participate in workshops and working groups of the human-rights-related supply chain subcommittee and human rights due diligence subcommittee, and apply the information and knowledge gained through the Group’s efforts to actions that ensure respect for human rights.
Partnership & Sustainable Procurement
Multi-Stakeholder Policy
In line with our mission statement, "Contributing to the preservation of the Earth and the prosperity of the human race," we are committed to contributing to a sustainable earth and a safe and comfortable life for people through appropriate collaboration with our shareholders, employees, business partners, customers, local communities, and other multi-stakeholders.
Appropriate distribution of the value created by our corporate activities to multiple stakeholders will lead to the realization of our vision for 2030, "a company that lives up to societal expectations and the aspirations of employees," and we will actively promote initiatives that contribute to the return of profits to employees and consideration for our business partners.
Sustainable Procurement
As calls for sustainable procurement have intensified in recent years, which include eliminating human rights concerns and environmental impact in the supply chain, we have clarified our stance on procurement and will fulfill our social responsibility through procurement activities. By sharing this stance with our business partners, we aim to promote sustainable procurement throughout Zeon Group’s supply chain. To this end, the basic stance of the Group has been codified in our Sustainable Procurement Policy and is presented to our business partners for practical application through our Sustainable Procurement Guidelines.
Zeon Group conducts responsible procurement activities based on our " Sustainability Policy" aiming to realize a sustainable society throughout the supply chain.
- 1Compliance with laws and social norms
We comply with laws and social norms and conduct fair procurement activities based on corporate ethics.
- 2Optimal procurement of raw materials, products, and services
We strive to ensure the optimal procurement of raw materials, products, and services in respect of safety, quality, price, delivery date, supply stability, and technical capabilities to provide better products.
- 3Consideration for the global environment
We strive to procure raw materials, products, and services that have less negative impact on the global environment, giving consideration to conservation of environment, resources and biodiversity.
- 4Consideration for human rights
We respect human rights in our supply chain and strive to procure raw materials, products, and services that are human rights friendly.
- 5Promoting responsible mineral sourcing
We strive to responsibly procure minerals to avoid involvement in conflicts, environmental destruction, and human rights violations in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
- 6Appropriate management of information
We understand the importance of confidential information obtained through procurement activities, and striving to use, manage, and protect it appropriately.
- 7Open purchasing attitude and partnership
We look for business partners from a global perspective, striving to ensure fair, impartial, and transparent business opportunities, and build partnerships with our suppliers through dialogue to realize mutual development and a sustainable society.