Human Rights
Basic Approach
Zeon Group positions initiatives relating to respect for human rights as one of the important foundations underpinning sustainability management and as a critically important element of its business activities and is promoting various measures based on the Zeon Group Human Rights Policy, which was established in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
In addition, we support the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, and based on these frameworks, we work to identify and appropriately address human rights issues in our business activities.
Moreover, of the Five Gears that Drive Zeon, human rights are closely related to “Creating a Truly Exciting Company” and “Establishing Solid Governance.” We plan to strengthen our efforts in these areas going forward.
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. We 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, while fostering mutual respect.
This policy applies to all officers and employees of the Zeon Group. We also strongly expect our business partners and other stakeholders to comply with this policy and engage in dialogue and consultation as necessary.
Starting from FY2022, we have begun to implement full-scale human rights due diligence initiatives. In implementing these initiatives, after providing human rights education to relevant divisions such as procurement and human resources, Zeon Corporation, group companies, and the supply chain have been carrying out relevant measures while receiving advice from external experts.
We, 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 Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, 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.
- Information Disclosure
- We will publicly disclose information on our human rights initiatives under this policy through communication channels such as our website and integrated report.
Structure and System
As a system for promoting sustainability initiatives, Zeon Group has established the Sustainability Conference and the Sustainability Committee under it, each of which meets regularly twice a year. These bodies also deliberate and decide as necessary on initiatives related to respect for human rights, steadily advancing our measures.
Key Initiatives
Human Rights Education
Our Group provides all officers and employees, including non-regular employees, with the education and awareness programs necessary to implement our Human Rights Policy.
Specifically, the “Compliance Text Q&A”, which comprehensively covers compliance-related matters, clearly sets out the fundamental principles of respect for human rights and is shared with all employees.
In addition, we conduct regular e-learning programs for all employees to further deepen their understanding.
Furthermore, we are committed not only to preventing child labor in Japan and overseas, but also to respecting children’s rights and promoting educational initiatives that contribute to the development of the next generation through our social contribution activities.
Human rights due diligence
Based on the Zeon Group Human Rights Policy, the Group launched full-scale human rights due diligence initiatives in FY2022. In implementing these initiatives, Zeon Corporation, along with our Group companies and supply chain partners, have been carrying out relevant measures while receiving advice from external experts.
Zeon Corporation
At Zeon Corporation, we have designated a department in charge of each human rights risk category and are working to reduce human rights risks by incorporating them into our company-wide critical risk control activities. Human rights risk categories are set based on the 25 categories indicated in “Company Obligations to Respond to Business and Human Rights,” published by the Ministry of Justice’s Human Rights Bureau, and in consideration of human rights issues in advertising and other risks, which have recently surfaced downstream in the supply chain.
Group companies
For our Group companies in Japan, we have provided education to the management and staff involved with human rights at each company regarding the importance of efforts to promote respect for human rights and the background of our initiatives. Starting in FY2024, we have been making full-fledged efforts to identify human rights risks at each Group company, and formulate and implement measures to reduce such risks.
Supply chain
(For details, see Supply Chain Management.)
Becoming a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and participating in subcommittee activities
Zeon Group endorses the UN Global Compact and participates 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.
Prevention of Child Labor and Forced Labor
The Zeon Group complies with the laws and regulations of each country concerning human rights and labor and is committed to preventing child labor and forced labor.
To prevent child labor, we verify official documents at the time of hiring to properly confirm the age of applicants.
To prevent forced labor, Zeon Corporation and its Group companies conduct regular monitoring using organization-specific risk lists and have established reporting channels that can be used in cases where there is a risk of violations.
In addition, all hiring is conducted based on the free will of the individual. In particular, for mid-career hires, working conditions such as working hours and wages are presented in writing in advance, and employment is carried out with the applicant’s consent.