In June 2022, we identified materiality (key issues) for the sustainable growth of our Group. We intend to set metrics, targets, and plans for individual materiality issues in FY2023.
The Process of Identifying Materiality
When identifying materiality, it is essential to identify the items that are important for the Group’s growth by narrowing down wide-ranging, comprehensive content from multiple internal and external perspectives. To do so, we followed the process outlined below. Over the course of the process, the Sustainability Committee, where outside directors and other executives participate as observers, convened twice for lively discussions. We were also able to obtain valuable suggestions by holding stakeholder dialogues with external experts.
Step 1List social issues
Refer to international guidelines (e.g., Global Reporting Initiative standards, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board standards, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ISO 26000, and United Nations Global Compact’s Ten Principles).
Refer to external evaluations and requests (e.g., environmental, social, and governance surveys by FTSE Russel and MSCI, and investor requests).
Step 2Extract issues and evaluate importance
Narrow down issues and evaluate their importance through discussion by the Sustainability Committee Secretariat and the Sustainability Promotion Members.
Deliberate on tentatively identified materiality issues at a Sustainability Committee meeting.
Step 3Verify validity from an external perspective
Hold stakeholder dialogues with external experts.
Step 4Decide at the management level
Discuss candidate issues selected based on external opinions and make the final decision at a Sustainability Committee meeting.
Inabata Group Materiality
Materiality
Overview
| Materiality | Key points | |
|---|---|---|
| Creating Sustainable Value | Contributing to a decarbonized and circular society, sustainable use of natural capital | We will focus on environment-related businesses, such as environmental load-reducing products, in areas including renewable energy, alternative fuels, recycling, and electric vehicles to build a decarbonized and circular society. We will also promote the sustainable use of natural capital in our businesses related to building materials and food. We will take steps based on our environmental management system to reduce GHG emissions, reduce waste and increase the reuse of resources, prevent pollution, and conserve water resources and biodiversity to conserve the environment. |
| Contributing to safety, security, and well-being | We will provide solutions that contribute to safety, security, and well-being through our mobility, food, and life science businesses. Chemicals are fundamental to a wide range of industries. We will maintain a high awareness of the responsibility associated with chemical substance management, product safety, and quality. | |
| Providing value through resilience in procurement and supply functions | Providing flexible and optimal dealings is an important function of Inabata Group as a trading company. In an uncertain, unpredictable society, the functions of the Inabata Group provide even greater value as a solution provider for changing customer and social needs. We will deliver value through resilience in procurement and supply functions by strengthening our supply chain management. To achieve this, we will use our global network and leverage our multifaceted functions as a trading company, such as product development, partnerships, and logistics expertise. | |
| Strengthening the Foundation for Business Continuity | Respecting human rights in the spirit of “love (ai)” and “respect (kei)” and growing together with local communities | We respect the human rights of stakeholders associated with Inabata Group activities based on our core value of respecting people with the spirit of “love (ai)” and “respect (kei)”. We will share value with the people and to develop and grow with the local communities where we do business around the world. |
| Fostering and strengthening the human capital driving the value creation | People driving the creation of new value are the Group’s greatest asset. People trusted by our clients to become their best partners by demonstrating high ethics, passion, and providing solutions from a global perspective are the source of sustainable value creation. The resourcefulness of our employees is what enables us to continuously produce value. We believe that an organizational culture that recognizes diversity and values free and open discussions and teamwork will have high employee satisfaction and will support ongoing sustainable growth for both employees and the Company. We will continue to promote new workstyles, diversity & inclusion, employee engagement, human resource education and skill development, and occupational safety and health. | |
| Enhancing governance and risk management | We maintain a strong corporate governance system as a fundamental element of our continuous efforts to enhance corporate value. The system ensures management transparency and fairness provides a foundation for swift and decisive decision-making. We are also strengthening group governance in Japan and overseas and are fortifying our risk management, which encompasses compliance, corruption prevention, business continuity management, and information security. | |
Materiality and the business segments
| Information & Electronics | Chemicals | Life Industry | Plastics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creating Sustainable Value | Contributing to a decarbonized and circular society | Renewable energy | ★ | ★ | ||
| Alternative fuels | ★ | |||||
| Recycling | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||
| Electric vehicles | ★ | ★ | ★ | |||
| Sustainable use of natural capital | Building materials | ★ | ||||
| Food | ★ | |||||
| Contributing to safety, security, and well-being | Mobility | ★ | ★ | ★ | ||
| Food | ★ | ★ | ||||
| Life Science | ★ | |||||