Sustainability Management
Support Initiatives
UN Global Compact
Mitsui Chemicals signed the UN Global Compact in January 2008 in support of the objective of solving global issues and achieving sustainable growth as a responsible corporate citizen. Since then, we have participated in subcommittees of the United Nations Global Compact Network Japan in our efforts to collect a variety of information.
The Mitsui Chemicals Group will help resolve many of the challenges confronting the world today through its business activities while taking into consideration the 10 principles espoused under the United Nations Global Compact.
The 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact and Major Initiatives in the Mitsui Chemicals Group
Principle 1 Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
Principle 2 make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Principle 3 Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
Principle 4 the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
Principle 5 the effective abolition of child labour; and
Principle 6 the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Principle 7 Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
Principle 8 undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
Principle 9 encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Principle 10 Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
In January 2019, Mitsui Chemicals declared its support for the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). We endeavor to deepen our insight into opportunities and risks that may impact our businesses and proactively disclose our initiatives.
Joining of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Forum
In October 2022, Mitsui Chemicals joined the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (hereinafter “TNFD”) Forum. The TNFD Forum is a network of companies and organizations who support the vision and mission of the TNFD, which is an international initiative launched in June 2021 aiming to achieve “nature-positive.” Its goal is to develop a framework from a natural capital and biodiversity perspective to adequately assess and disclose the opportunities and risks that impact businesses. Through participation in the Forum, we aim to deepen our understanding of the TNFD framework and enhance nature-related disclosures.
Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW)
As the founding member, Mitsui Chemicals Inc. joined the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), established in January 2019. The Alliance is committed to the goal of investing $1.5 billion over the next five years after its foundation to help reduce plastic waste and create a sustainable society.
ZERO by 40: Agriculture Industry Unites to Help Eradicate Malaria by 2040
At the London Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Mitsui Chemicals Group and the world’s leading Crop Protection companies jointly announce their commitment to support the research, development and supply of innovative products to save lives and help eradicate malaria by 2040.
The World Economic Forum (WEF)
Mitsui Chemicals joined the World Economic Forum (WEF) in September 2020. The World Economic Forum is an international organization (not-for-profit foundation) for public-private cooperation to improve global issues. Through participation in the WEF, we are striving “to realize a sustainable corporate group with a global presence” by working to address social challenges together with global leaders.
International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and Chemical Industry Associations in Each Country
The Mitsui Chemicals Group is taking leadership in the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and Chemical Industry Association in each country*.
ICCA is an association dedicated to contributing to a sustainable society through continuous innovation in chemistry and continuous improvement of chemical safety management, with members representing more than 90% of global chemical sales.
At ICCA, our President has served on the board of directors for six years, starting in 2014, and again in 2022. Our councilor has also chaired the "Energy and Climate Change" Leadership Group for two years beginning in 2018. During their tenure, with the cooperation of the member companies, the Group has compiled and published “Enabling the Future,” which shows how the chemical industry can contribute to climate change mitigation, and “Moving Beyond Climate Change Mitigation,” which shows how the chemical industry can contribute to climate change adaptation. These reports provide a quantitative and comprehensive picture of the chemical industry's response to climate change and are used for advocacy at international conferences such as the COP. Currently, our employees continue to work as task force members to publish an updated version that reflects the latest information.
Our President regularly serves as Chairman of the Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA). In addition, the Managing Executive Officer and General Manager of the Production & Technology Center chairs the Technical Committee, and the General Manager of the RC & Quality Assurance Division has been a member of the Executive Committee since the establishment of the Responsible Care Committee in 2010 and of the Chemicals Management Committee since 2010. In March 2023, JCIA substantially revised its CO2 emission reduction targets for FY2030 in its "Carbon Neutral Action Plan" to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and we are also contributing to this revision.
*Chemical Industry Association in each country and region:
The Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA), the Association of International Chemical Manufacturers (AICM, China), the Taiwan Responsible Care Association (TRCA), the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC), the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the American Chemistry Council (ACC), and the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic).
Participation in the METI's “GX League Basic Concept”
In February 2022, Mitsui Chemicals expressed its support for the GX League Basic Concept,* which was announced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and joined the GX League in fiscal 2023. The GX League is designed to bring together companies actively engaged in Green Transformation (GX) to discuss the transformation of the entire economic and social system and practice initiatives to create new markets, together with players in the government, universities, and financial institutions that are tackling challenges to achieve GX. As a company that has declared its commitment towards carbon neutrality, Mitsui Chemicals endorses this basic concept and will participate in activities such as the creation of business opportunities based on carbon neutrality, the formation of rules for market creation, and voluntary emissions trading for carbon neutrality, with the aim of transforming the entire economic and social system and creating new markets.
*GX League Basic Concept:
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/energy_environment/global_warming/GX-league/gx-league.html