The UBE Group has positioned the promotion of sustainability at the core of its corporate management. Striving to evolve into a specialty chemical company and embody its purpose, “Breaking Through with the Chemistry of Hope,” the UBE Group is aiming to achieve sustainable growth by strategically and effectively utilizing its management resources to provide new value for society. The cornerstone of our efforts is contributing to the realization of a sustainable world. To that end, we work to ensure that awareness of sustainability and sustainable actions in line with the UBE Group Basic Policies for Sustainability become commonplace among all Group executives and employees. In addition, the UBE Group identifies and seeks solutions to material issues in the areas of growth, society, environment, and governance.
UBE Group Basic Policy for Sustainability
We recognize that the establishment of sustainability management refers to a state in which a company identifies sustainability-related issues, evaluates and understands their impact, formulates and implements appropriate solutions, transparently discloses the results of such measures, and is able to operate such a system on an ongoing basis. The UBE Group aims for sustainable growth by establishing sustainability management, building good relationships with all stakeholders, and creating new value for society.
Scope
This policy applies to the UBE Group (UBE Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries) and covers the entire value chain and stakeholders.
Goal
In order for the UBE Group to grow and develop with a sustainable society for the next 100 years, we will establish the highest level of sustainability management in the industry. To achieve this, we will implement the following measures.
- We will provide the value needed by society, continuously expand profits, and maximize corporate value.
- We will build a corporate culture in which diverse talent can play an active role and improve work engagement.
- We will ensure safety and quality while providing products and technologies that contribute to the environment.
- In accordance with domestic and international laws and regulations, as well as international norms and guidelines to be observed, we will practice respect for human rights and conduct sound and fair corporate activities.
- We will actively address global environmental problems and contribute to the conservation and reconstruction of the natural environment.
- We will appropriately disclose information to all stakeholders and foster smooth communication with society.
- We respect the cultures and customs of each country and region and contribute to the development of local communities.
Commitment
In order to establish sustainability management, we will supervise each specialized committee of the Sustainability Committee, build a system that contributes to the improvement of sustainability across the entire supply chain, and maintain an organization capable of operating it on an ongoing basis.
- By 2030, we will be ranked in the top 5% of sustainability surveys conducted by external evaluation organizations.
- We will review the goals, targets, and progress of each expert committee once a year and provide appropriate advice.
- We will engage with stakeholders at least once a year.
Responsible Departments and Review
The Sustainability Committee supervises the implementation status of each specialized committee, with support from the Secretariat (Sustainability Department). This Policy is subject to regular review at least once every year. Any revisions, whether as part of a scheduled review or required during the fiscal year, will be deliberated and approved by the Sustainability Committee.
Our Sustainability Promotion Structure
Policies and the status of initiatives regarding the promotion of sustainability activities are monitored by the Board of Directors. Based on this, we have established the Sustainability Committee, which is chaired by the President and with the officer in charge of the Sustainability Department acting as vice chair, at a Strategic Management Meeting. This Committee unifies and promotes sustainability activities across the UBE Group. The Sustainability Department serves as secretariat, and meetings are held twice per year in principle.
Sustainability Committee
Based on the UBE Group Basic Policies for Sustainability, the Sustainability Committee formulates policies related to the Group’s sustainability as well as medium- to long-term plans and annual plans. In addition, the Committee also formulates response policies, which include the identification of Company-wide issues and material issues, and regularly reports the status of activities to the Board of Directors. The Committee also works with various specialized committees to create and enact response measures after evaluating individual issues, ensuring the unity and efficacy of Company-wide initiatives. Furthermore, the Committee collaborates with the Risk Management Committee to address risks and opportunities related to sustainability in business execution.
Main content of discussions at the Strategic Management Meeting (Sustainability Committee) (April 2024–March 2025)
- UBE's mindset toward promoting sustainability
- Selecting material issues (materiality) and setting KPIs
- Reviewing each basic policy related to sustainability
- Establishing a new code of conduct
- "Results of Actions in this Fiscal Year" and "Action Plans and Key Issues for the Next Fiscal Year"
Spreading Internal Awareness
To realize the establishment of sustainable management as well as growth and development alongside a sustainable society, the UBE Group believes it is paramount that all employees understand the importance of sustainability and actively implement it in their daily operations. We have thus enacted the following measures to spread internal awareness.
- Sustainability Promotion Report
A monthly publication introducing sustainability-related topics to all employees. - The UBE Group Code of Conduct and worksheets on understanding the Code of Conduct
Based on the UBE Group Code of Conduct, the UBE Group clarifies the values and actions that individual employees are to consider important in their daily operations. To deepen their understanding, we utilize a framework where employees select two topics from a total of 39 that they feel are especially important in their own work activities. This information is collected by each department and is used to select a department's three most important matters and set targets to be achieved. - E-learning
We utilize E-learning to deepen knowledge of sustainability among all employees. - Internal intranet
General explanations of sustainability and UBE's mindset are published on the internal intranet. In addition, materials from past seminars and from E-learning are available, creating an environment where information can be accessed at any time.