Sustainability Management
Participation in Initiatives
United Nations Global Compact
Mitsui & Co. signed and pledged its support for the UN Global Compact in October 2004. As a signatory of UN Global Compact, Mitsui complies with the Global Compact as part of its own corporate guidelines, and pursues SDGs on a global group basis.
We participate in working groups of Global Compact Network Japan, such as the Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Working Group.
Support for the UN Global Compact
In October 2004 Mitsui & Co. signed and pledged its support for the UN Global Compact. Mitsui has been participating in this initiative as a signatory of the UN Global Compact and is complying with the principles as part of its own corporate guidelines. Currently Mitsui conducts a companywide survey every other year in order to check compliance with the UN Global Compact principles and is working to comply with and practice the principles on a global group basis.
As well as engaging in activities geared toward observing “Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact”, we will advance various initiatives that contribute to realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our business activities.
Kenichi Hori
Representative Director
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) define global sustainable development priorities and aspirations for 2030, with 17 goals and 169 targets. The SDGs call for action to end poverty and create a life of dignity and equality of opportunity for all, with consideration given to balancing sustainable growth and the limits of the Earth.
As a sogo-shosha (general trading company), Mitsui & Co. group conducts a diverse range of business across nations and regions. We believe that this allows us to make a wide-ranging contribution to the achievement of all the 17, goals set out under the SDGs. With the recognition that it is increasingly important to work together with our business partners, customers, local communities, NPOs and NGOs, and other stakeholders in order to find solutions to the various issues facing society and industry, we are promoting initiatives based on Goal 17, "Partnerships for the Goals".
To continue promoting our business with a focus on contribution to the achievement of the SDGs, we are working to further raise awareness of the SDGs and are aligning our business and initiatives with Mitsui's Materiality and the SDGs.
World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization that engages leaders from the worlds of business, politics, academia, and other sectors of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas in the spirit of global citizenship, through cooperation between the public and private sectors, for the improvement of the world situation.
As a partner company, Mitsui attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, as well as the regional meetings.
List of Major Participating Initiatives
As a responsible global company, we are advancing and expanding our response to ESG by participating in initiatives based on international frameworks and wide-ranging partnerships through industry organizations in Japan. Our decision to participate in each initiative is made once we have confirmed that it is compatible with our basic policy and initiatives concerning ESG, and we will disclose information appropriately to our stakeholders.
Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.
| Initiatives | Overview | Climate Change | Circular Economy | Natural Capital | Biodiversity | Water Resources | Pollution Prevention | Human Rights | Supply Chain Management | Responsibilities to Customers | Diversity & Inclusion |
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| TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) | In December 2018, Mitsui declared its support for the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) recommendations, which aim to facilitate companies to recognize financial impacts arising from the risks and opportunities associated with climate change and to disclose such climate-related information. | ○ | |||||||||
| TCFD Consortium | The TCFD Consortium was established in 2019 to promote unified action between companies, financial institutions, and other organizations that have declared support for the TCFD and as a forum to further discussion on effective and efficient corporate disclosure of information, as well as the use of disclosed information by financial institutions in making appropriate investment decisions. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Financial Services Agency, and Ministry of the Environment participate in the consortium as observers. As a member of the consortium, Mitsui will continue to practice appropriate disclosure in line with TCFD recommendations. | ○ | |||||||||
| CDP (Climate Change) | Since 2011, we have been responding to the CDP Climate Change questionnaires, a global disclosure program for corporate information on climate change-related risks. Based on our response to the questionnaire carried out in 2024, we received the score "A" and have been selected in the "A List". | ○ | |||||||||
| Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping | Reducing emissions is a global issue for the shipping industry. In April 2021, Mitsui became a Strategic Partner of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS), a not-for-profit international research and development center dedicated to the decarbonization of the shipping industry. we have been working with other partners to solve technical and commercial issues in the use of low-carbon fuels for marine use. | ○ | |||||||||
| International Iron Metallics Association | The International Iron Metallics Association is a worldwide organization with a focus on ore-based metallics (pig iron, hot briquetted iron, direct reduced iron, granulated pig iron). Its members, including Mitsui, account for more than 80% of production and international trade in ore-based metallics. We have been distributing and investing in ferrous raw materials, including ore-based metallics, for a long time and amid a growing focus on these materials in relation to the low-carbonization of the iron and steel industry, we will continue contributing to industry low-carbonization through our business development in this area. | ○ | |||||||||
| ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative) | ASI was established in 2012 with a vision of maximizing the contribution of aluminum to a sustainable society. As of May 2024, approximately 350 companies and groups have joined ASI, including a variety of stakeholders such as aluminum producers and users and the International Aluminium Institute. Its purpose is to increase sustainability in the aluminum supply chain and contribute to ESG engagement by formulating international standards and establishing certification systems. Mitsui joined in January 2020 and supports these initiatives as a member. | ○ | ○ | ||||||||
| The Copper Mark | The Copper Mark is an assurance framework initially developed by the International Copper Association in 2019 to promote the responsible production of copper and the use of responsibly produced copper products. It certifies responsible copper production at production sites, especially mines and smelters, on the basis of standards consisting of 32 issue areas, including environmental and social factors and governance. 56 copper production sites have been certified under this system out of 72 sites that have committed to participate in The Copper Mark. Certified mines account for over 30% of globally mined copper production. Mitsui is one of 41 companies that support this framework and have joined The Copper Mark as partners (as of April 2024). As a partner, Mitsui will promote the responsible production of copper and the increased use of responsibly produced copper products, while contributing to the sustainable development of the copper business. | ○ | |||||||||
| Battery Association for Supply Chain | The Battery Association for Supply Chain (BASC) is an organization that promotes the enhancement of the international competitiveness of supply chains related to battery raw materials and components, with the aim of realizing a decarbonized society. BASC was established in April 2021, and Mitsui has been a member since its establishment. Together with other member companies, we are addressing issues such as the international standardization of lithium, and rule-making for the establishment of a battery ecosystem. | ○ | |||||||||
| Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) | Mitsui is a member of various Keidanren committees, including the following: ・Committee on Responsible Business Conduct & SDGs Promotion, which works to make the Charter of Corporate Behavior well known, disseminate and promote "Society 5.0 for SDGs", and promote corporate social contribution activities ・Committee on Energy and Resources, which promotes energy policies that provide a balance of S+3E (Safety + Energy Security, Economic Efficiency, and Environment) ・Committee on Overseas Development Cooperation, which aims to coordinate with national governments and international institutions for the purpose of developing infrastructure overseas, in particular, in emerging countries ・Committee on Environment, which works to respond to climate change, promote circular economy and mainstreaming of biodiversity, and improve environmental regulations and systems |
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| Japan Foreign Trade Council | As a member of the Global Environment Committee of the Japan Foreign Trade Council Inc., Mitsui is actively involved in activities in the field of climate change. In particular, we monitor energy use for all trading companies and promote reduce/reuse/recycle (3Rs) activities. We also gather information about new energy technology through our business activities, and contribute to the formulation of the Long-term Vision for Climate Change Measures. Mitsui also engages in activities as a member of the Japan Foreign Trade Council's Sustainability Promotion Committee, which studies Sustainability/CSR-related issues and conducts surveys and research about trends in Japan and overseas. | ○ | |||||||||
| GX League | Mitsui participates in the GX (Green Transformation) League, which launched full-scale operations in the fiscal year ending March 2024 under the leadership of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The GX League calls for companies to actively work on GX and acts as a forum for discussing the transformation of the overall economic and social system and creating new markets accordingly for achieving carbon neutrality in Japan and the world. Together with other participating companies, we will continue to actively engage in various initiatives in the GX League. | ○ | |||||||||
| Japan Hydrogen Association | The Japan Hydrogen Association was established in December 2020 with the aim of building and expanding the hydrogen economy by fostering global alliances and developing a hydrogen supply chain. The organization became a general incorporated association in April 2022, and Mitsui, which has participated in this initiative since the establishment of the preparatory committee and as a Board member, will continue working with other member companies toward the realization of a hydrogen society. | ○ | |||||||||
| Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) | The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international non-profit organization that promotes management of the world's forests in a way that is environmentally appropriate, economically viable, and socially beneficial, including with regard to respect for human rights. Mitsui has obtained FSC® forest management (FM) certification (FSC®-C057355) at 75 of its forests, which in total approximately 45,000 hectares, while Mitsui Bussan Forest Co., Ltd., a Mitsui subsidiary, has obtained Chain of Custody (CoC) certification for the processing and distribution of cut lumber (FSC®-C031328). As one of the top private-sector suppliers in terms of volume of FSC®-certified Japanese-grown lumber, Mitsui is helping to promote FSC® in Japan and to discuss and draft the Japanese version of principles, standards, and risk assessments. Mitsui has obtained FSC® certification for its forest resources business as well, and promotes responsible management of forest resources. | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ||||||
| Carbon Recycling Fund Institute | Carbon recycling policies that see CO2 as a resource to be used and promote innovation in this field are coming to play an important role in Japan's energy policies. The Carbon Recycling Fund Institute was established in August 2019 to promote the creation of carbon recycling innovation with the aim of both addressing the global warming issue and improving energy access throughout the world. Mitsui has been a member since January 2020. We aim to pursue business opportunities and contribute to solving climate change issues by providing access to the latest information regarding CCUS (CO2 Capture, Utilization and Storage), which is important for decarbonization, and by strengthening relationships with other member companies. | ○ | |||||||||
| The Institute of Applied Energy, Society of Anthropogenic Carbon Cycle Technology | Carbon capture and storage technology can process huge volumes of CO2 and is considered to be an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions. However, in recent years, there has been growing demand for the building of carbon capture and utilization technologies and systems that can also process large volumes of CO2. The Society of Anthropogenic Carbon Cycle Technology was established by the Institute of Applied Energy in October 2018 with the goal of investigating and researching viable technologies for utilizing CO2 and sharing relevant information in order to contribute to the earlier realization of these technologies and their social application. Mitsui has been a member since July 2020. | ○ | |||||||||
| Clean Fuel Ammonia Association | The Clean Fuel Ammonia Association is an industrial-academic-governmental platform for the development and evaluation of technology, economic evaluation, policy proposal, and international collaboration. It aims to find social applications for energy technologies that use ammonia and to build value chains spanning from the supply to usage of CO2-free ammonia. Mitsui has participated as a member of the Board of Directors since April 2019. | ○ | |||||||||
| The Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) | Mitsui became a signatory to the OGDC (Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter) at the COP28 in 2023, which is an initiative focusing on methane emissions reductions from upstream oil and gas operations. More than 50 companies, including national oil companies and international oil companies, have joined the Charter, which aims to achieve near-zero methane emissions and zero routine flaring by 2030 and net-zero Scope 1 + 2 emissions by 2050. | ○ | |||||||||
| CLOMA (Japan Clean Ocean Material Alliance) | CLOMA was established in January 2019 to find solutions to the global challenge of marine plastic debris through the sustainable use of plastic products, the development and introduction of alternative materials, and the acceleration of innovation. Mitsui is one of the 31 secretary companies. As of May 2024, 504 companies and organizations have joined CLOMA, including a few of Mitsui's subsidiaries namely, Mitsui & Co. Plastics Ltd., Mitsui Bussan Packaging Co., Ltd., and Vendor Service Co., Ltd. Mitsui participates in the Dissemination & Promotion Working Group, which shares technological information to make it easier to select the best alternative materials for each application, the Technology Working Group, which holds technological exchanges and technological seminars on the latest development results, and the International Working Group, which collects information through collaboration with international organizations and research institutions and provides information and technological consulting services in developing countries. Mitsui will continue to take the actions needed to help resolve the problem of marine plastic waste, including working as chair of the Indonesia Cooperation Working Group, which was formed under the supervision of the International Working Group, towards the realization of a sustainable solution model. We are also participating as a member of the Future Design Task Force Team established in 2022 to formulate CLOMA's ideal vision for the future of Japan. | ○ | ○ | ||||||||
| CEFLEX (Circular economy for flexible packaging) | CEFLEX is a European collaborative consortium of companies and associations representing the entire value chain of flexible packaging. CEFLEX is exploring the development of infrastructure systems to collect, sort, and recycle plastic flexible packaging. Mitsui has participated in the consortium since 2018 as one of more than 200 companies that are involved in the plastic packaging materials value chain. | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||||
| Japan Partnership for Circular Economy | As the trends towards a circular economy are accelerating globally, the Japan Partnership for Circular Economy has been established by the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Nippon Keidanren Federation, to enhance public-private collaboration and further foster the understanding and support of a wide range of stakeholders, including companies in Japan, for the circular economy. Through this partnership, we will help improve the competitiveness of Japanese companies in the field of the circular economy. | ○ | ○ | ||||||||
| TNFD Forum (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||||
| 30by30 Alliance | 30by30 is an international target related to natural capital that aims to conserve or protect 30% of the world's land and sea areas by 2030, and is positioned as one of the key measures in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in December 2022. The 30by30 Alliance is an initiative by private companies, local governments, and organizations, with the Ministry of the Environment serving as the secretariat and the Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation and other organizations as the proposers (organizers). Mitsui joined the 30by30 Alliance in March 2022, and will continue to contribute to biodiversity conservation through participation in discussions on system design and other matters. We participated in the Ministry of the Environment's 2022 trial process for the certification of Natural Symbiosis Sites (areas where biodiversity is being preserved), submitting Kiyotaki Forest in Kyoto, one of our company-owned forests, for certification. The forest was recognized for its consideration of biodiversity conservation from the perspective of preserving Kyoto's culture and directing operations towards natural forests, and was awarded the equivalent of a "Natural Symbiosis Site" certification. Through such tangible initiatives, we will continue to contribute to the 30by30 initiative. |
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| RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) | The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a non-profit organization established to promote the sustainable production and utilization of palm oil through the conservation of tropical rain forests and biodiversity. Palm oil production has been linked to the destruction of tropical forests through the development of oil palm plantations, as well as human rights issues. As a business that handles palm oil, Mitsui agrees with the RSPO's philosophy of contributing to sustainability through industry. Since joining the organization as an ordinary member in 2008, we have been collaborating on business-based sustainable procurement initiatives that take into account the conservation of tropical forests and biodiversity, respect for the rights of indigenous and local peoples, and other considerations. A sustainability-focused procurement code, including specific standards for palm oil, has been formulated for the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. In connection with this, Mitsui representatives as members of an oil and fat industry association verified progress on and promoted initiatives related to the RSPO and activities under the Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) systems. | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||||
| Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) | The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international non-profit organization that promotes management of the world's forests in a way that is environmentally appropriate, economically viable, and socially beneficial, including with regard to respect for human rights. Mitsui has obtained FSC® forest management (FM) certification (FSC®-C057355) at 75 of its forests, which in total approximately 45,000 hectares, while Mitsui Bussan Forest Co., Ltd., a Mitsui subsidiary, has obtained Chain of Custody (CoC) certification for the processing and distribution of cut lumber (FSC®-C031328). As one of the top private-sector suppliers in terms of volume of FSC®-certified Japanese-grown lumber, Mitsui is helping to promote FSC® in Japan and to discuss and draft the Japanese version of principles, standards, and risk assessments. Mitsui has obtained FSC® certification for its forest resources business as well, and promotes responsible management of forest resources. | ○ | ○ | ||||||||
| Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation | The Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation was established in 1992, under the Keidanren Global Environment Charter, which promotes exchanges between corporations and NGOs, and raises awareness among corporations of nature conservation and biodiversity. Mitsui has been a member since its establishment, and we support the Keidanren's Declaration of Biodiversity and its accompanying Action Policy. We have participated in the Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation and the Business for GBF Project in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, and will further promote initiatives for biodiversity and nature conservation under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 15). |
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| CDP（Forests） | Since 2016, we have been responding to the CDP Forests questionnaire on timber, a global disclosure program for corporate information related to forest-related risks. Based on our response to the questionnaire carried out in 2024, we received the score "A-". | ○ | |||||||||
| CDP (Water Security) | Since 2015, we have been responding to the CDP Water Security questionnaires, a global disclosure program for corporate information on water-related risks. Based on our response to the questionnaire carried out in 2024, we received the score "A" and have been selected in the "A List". | ○ | |||||||||
| United Nations Global Compact | Mitsui & Co. signed and pledged its support for the UN Global Compact in October 2004, and has been participating as a corporate director of the Global Compact Network Japan (GCNJ), complying with the Global Compact as part of its own corporate guidelines. At present, as a member company of the GCNJ, Mitsui complies with and practices the Global Compact, and pursues SDGs on a global group basis. We participate in working groups of Global Compact Network Japan, such as the Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Working Group. | ○ | |||||||||
| Together for Sustainability（TfS） | Together for Sustainability (TfS) is a non-profit organization established mainly by major European chemical companies and engaged in sustainability-related activities. Since its establishment in 2011, TfS has carried out sustainability assessments and audits across entire chemical supply chains, from raw materials procurement to logistics. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. joined Together for Sustainability as the first Japanese company to join TfS. Mitsui will accelerate its sustainability-related initiatives in European markets, which are leading the world in this area. Mitsui will also use knowledge gained in said markets to improve sustainability across entire supply chains in global markets, especially in Asia and Japan. | ○ | |||||||||
| EcoVadis | EcoVadis is a ratings provider that has developed its own platform for evaluating the performance of companies in terms of environmental and social sustainability. Certain Mitsui group companies are registered on the EcoVadis platform and are evaluated on their performance regarding sustainability. | ○ | |||||||||
| Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) | Sedex is an NPO established in 2001 primarily by British retailers and auditing companies and it has become the top global ethical services provider. It provides registered companies with the world's largest information platform for managing and sharing data concerning ethical supply chains and it also offers globally recognized evaluations of responsible supply chain activities, known as SMETA audits, which audit aspects such as labor rights, occupational health and safety, environmental performance, and business ethics. Certain Mitsui group companies use the services provided by Sedex. | ○ | |||||||||
| Japan Processed Foods Wholesalers Association | In the area of distribution, we are working on supplying safe and secure processed food products in accordance with the guidelines and manuals set out by them. Japan Processed Foods Wholesalers Association. | ○ | |||||||||
| Japan Pharmaceutical Traders' Association | The Japan Pharmaceutical Traders' Association Co., Ltd. is an incorporated association whose objective is to support its pharmaceutical-importing member businesses. The Association works to promote pharmaceutical trade and ensure the safety and quality of imported medicines and their stable supply, to contribute to the improvement of public health. To ensure the safety and quality of imported pharmaceuticals, the Association operates laboratories that are officially registered with the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare as inspection facilities. The Association also holds workshops, seminars, and briefings on laws and regulations concerned with ensuring the quality, effectiveness, and safety of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. We have been a member of the Association since its founding in 1963, and play our part to ensure the steady import of outstanding pharmaceutical products, etc. | ○ |