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Supply Chain Management

Policies and Basic Approach


Mitsui & Co. conducts business across the world providing every kind of function and service from upstream to downstream areas. As a result, we have built a wide variety of supply chains. As a responsible member of global supply chains, we recognize that we need to engage in solving human rights and environmental issues not only within our group, but also throughout our supply chains. We have formulated a Sustainable Supply Chain Policy and Procurement Policies for Specific Commodities for certain raw materials and commodities in fields that pose a high risk of deforestation, environmental impact, or human rights violations. Both of these, which cover our approach to human rights and environmental issues, are shared with our suppliers. We also added a human rights clause template (in Japanese and English) to the general terms and conditions of our Purchase Contract, and recommend that such Purchase Contract require suppliers to comply with our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy, respect internationally recognized human rights, conduct and report on human rights due diligence, cooperate with questionnaires and site visits, and notify us and take corrective action when human rights issues are discovered. We recognize the supply chain-based environmental and social risks associated with the procurement of raw materials and commodities and we will strive to gain an understanding of issues associated with the supply chains through our business activities. In this way, we will realize stable supplies of sustainable raw materials and commodities.

Sustainable Supply Chain Policy

We will strive to understand the issues associated with the supply chains of our group's business activities in countries and regions around the world, in accordance with our Sustainability Policy and this Policy, and work with suppliers and other business partners to achieve a sustainable supply chain.

Expectations for Business Partners

We will require our suppliers and other business partners to understand and implement the following principles, and will work collaboratively with them to promote the objectives of this Policy across the entire supply chain:

Respect for International Standards
To ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations of relevant countries, fair transactions in accordance with international rules and practice, and corruption prevention.
Respect for Human Rights
To strive not to infringe on human rights in our business activities, nor to contribute to human rights infringements by others through our business relationships, including supply chains.
  • Forced Labor
    Not to tolerate forced labor or any forms of modern slavery, including bonded labor or human trafficking.
  • Child Labor
    Not to tolerate child labor and to comply with the minimum working age stipulated by the law. Not to hire individuals that are under the age of 18 for roles requiring hazardous work.
  • Discrimination
    To prohibit any form of discrimination in employment.
  • Harassment and Inhumane Treatment
    Not to tolerate any form of harassment, irrespective of whether it is physical or mental harassment.
  • Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining
    To respect the rights of employees to associate freely and bargain collectively in our labor-management relations.
  • Working Hours and Wages
    To properly manage employees' working hours, holidays, leaves of absence, and wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Occupational Health and Safety
    To secure the health and safety of employees in the work environment.
  • Community Impact
    To conduct human rights impact assessments, covering issues such as prevention of pollution and water stress, for prevention of adverse impacts on the safety and health of local communities. To implement necessary measures in line with international standards to avoid risks and mitigate negative impacts.
Initiatives to Address Environmental Issues
To work with our suppliers and other business partners with the aim of achieving harmony with the environment in our business activities.
  • Climate Change
    To act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Water Resources
    To work to conserve water resources by reducing water consumption and improving the efficiency of water resource use.
  • Biodiversity
    To assess the environmental impact of our business activities and work to conserve biodiversity.
  • Pollution Prevention
    To act to reduce hazardous waste and pollutants and ensure the proper handling of any such materials, and strive to prevent air, water, ocean and soil pollution.
  • Sustainable Resource Use
    To improve efficiency in the use of resources and energy and reduce waste.
Safety and Security of Products and Services
To ensure safety and security of products and services.
Remediation Guidance

If a business partner acts in violation of this Policy and causes an adverse impact on the environment or on human rights, we will provide remediation guidance to the business partner. If it is determined that the situation has not improved despite ongoing guidance, we will take measures including a potential reconsideration of the business relationship.

Information Disclosure

We will properly disclose information related to the above principles in a timely manner.

Formulated in December 2007
Revised in August 2023

Makoto Sato
Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer,
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO),
Chairperson of the Sustainability Committee


Sustainable Supply Chain Policy

Procurement Policies for Specific Commodities

The procurement of all raw materials and commodities is carried out under the Mitsui & Co. Group Conduct Guidelines, Environmental Policy, and Sustainable Supply Chain Policy. We aim to fulfill our social responsibilities as a company and contribute to the sustainable development of society through production and procurement based on a procurement policy for each commodity. For certain raw materials and commodities in fields that pose a high risk of deforestation, environmental impact, or human rights violations, we strive to realize sustainable procurement by working with NGOs and other stakeholders to formulate a procurement policy for each specific commodity as an addition to our other policies. These policies are regularly reviewed and revised as necessary.

The Marine Products Procurement Policy was formulated by Mitsui & Co. Seafoods Ltd., which handles marine products. Please refer to the links below for more information.


Fisheries Initiatives

Goals and Targets


We regularly review each goal and target and revise it when necessary.

Targets and Progress

Supply Chain Management

Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.

Goals and Targets Progress FY March 2022 FY March 2023 FY March 2024
  1. Achieve 100% awareness of our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy among new suppliers.*
Ratio of new suppliers that have been sent the policy
(Number sent)
97% 100%
(4,430)
100%
(4,468)

* Applicable to non-consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated subsidiaries as of the end of the fiscal year (subsidiaries newly consolidated from January to March are included in the following fiscal year)

Natural Rubber

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Goals and Targets Progress FY March 2022 FY March 2023 FY March 2024
  1. Ensure that all suppliers are aware of our Natural Rubber Procurement Policy.
Ratio of new suppliers that have been sent the policy 100%
(n/a)

(n/a)
  1. Aim to secure 100% traceability of the natural rubber we handle by 2030.
Ratio of traceable natural rubber 100% 100% 100%

Palm Oil

Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.

Goals and Targets Progress FY March 2022 FY March 2023 FY March 2024
  1. Ensure that all suppliers are aware of our Palm Oil Procurement Policy.
Ratio of new suppliers that have been sent the policy 100% 100% 100%
  1. Aim to ensure that 100% of palm oil is traceable to mill level* by 2022.
Ratio traceable to mill level 100% 100% 100%
  1. Aim to ensure that 100% of palm oil handled has received sustainability certification from organizations such as the RSPO by 2030.
Ratio of the above that is Sustainability certified 11.2% 12.2% 18.6%

* Mitsui's mill list


Timber

Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.

Goals and Targets Progress FY March 2022 FY March 2023 FY March 2024
  1. Ensure that all suppliers are aware of our Timber Procurement Policy.
Ratio of new suppliers that have been sent the policy 100% 100% 100%
  1. Aim for 100% of lumber and woodchip for paper products handled to be certified by internationally recognized forest certification bodies, or of an equivalent standard, by 2030.
Ratio of certified timber (Lumber*1) 100% 77% 0%*2
Ratio of certified timber (Woodchips for paper products*1) 100% 100% 100%

*1 Lumber and woodchips for paper products that are handled by suppliers who are certified by internationally recognized forest certification bodies including FSC®, PEFC, etc., or that are recognized by certification bodies as controlled materials
*2 On account of suspension of provision of the certification by FSC®, the certifying body, to the lumbers from certain countries of origin. In April 2024, we discontinued new orders of lumbers from such countries, and existing orders were delivered in June 2024.

Paper Products

Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.

Goals and Targets Progress FY March 2022 FY March 2023 FY March 2024
  1. Ensure that all suppliers are aware of our Paper Products Procurement Policy.
Ratio of new suppliers that have been sent the policy 100% 100% 100%
  1. Aim for 100% traceability of pulp, paper and paperboard to legal raw materials, by 2030.
Pulp that is derived from certified wood or from wood verified as legal* 93% 100% 100%

* Pulp derived from wood that has been certified by FSC® or other internationally recognized forest certification bodies, or that has been managed in accordance with the guidelines of our procurement policy for paper products

Sustainability Governance and Oversight


Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee works under the Executive Committee to plan, formulate and provide proposals on basic management policies, business activities, and corporate policies and strategies related to supply chain management.
The Sustainability Committee is structured so that its activities are appropriately supervised by the Board of Directors, and matters discussed by the Sustainability Committee are regularly discussed and reported to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.

Officer in Charge Makoto Sato (Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Chairperson of the Sustainability Committee)
Administrative Office Corporate Sustainability Div., Corporate Planning & Strategy Div.

Please refer to the links below for more information on Mitsui's Sustainability Management Framework and the activities of the Sustainability Committee.


Supply Chain Risk Management System

By formulating the Sustainable Supply Chain Policy and taking the following stages of the Awareness-Identification-Surveys-Disclosures/Improvements cycle, Mitsui & Co. aims to prevent problems from arising and, furthermore, identify and resolve issues in the supply chain.
Details regarding the progress made, results achieved, and administrative conditions of our supply chain management are reported to the Sustainability Committee every year, and to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors on a regular basis. We also share the comments from stakeholders and review each of the relevant policies if any issues are found.

Implementation of Supply Chain Due Diligence

Identifying High-Risk Business Areas

Based on the various international standards listed above, in the fiscal year ended March 2020, we appointed external experts to conduct a human rights assessment of the supply chains of products handled by Mitsui and overseas trading affiliates, as well as the main business operations of consolidated subsidiaries. As a result, we concluded that products mainly related to food, textiles, and building materials, primarily in emerging countries in production regions including Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, are generally the areas which have high risks of the occurrence of human rights issues such as forced labor and child labor in our supply chains (high-risk areas), and began conducting human rights due diligence.

In the fiscal year ended March 2024, we continued the existing processes of addressing issues: raising awareness of our Human Rights Policy, Sustainable Supply Chain Policy, and Procurement Policies for Specific Commodities, identifying high-risk areas, and conducting questionnaire surveys and on-site visit. In addition, upon reviewing the high-risk areas, we decided to expand the regions and products covered by human rights due diligence starting from fiscal year ending March 2025.

In the review process of high-risk areas, we considered the country and ESG risk data referenced by many companies, investors, and financial institutions globally, and obtained advice from external advisors. More concretely, we identified industries and regions in which a high number of human rights incidents, including the eight types of human rights issues related to our business activities as stipulated in our Human Rights Policy and Sustainable Supply Chain Policy, then compiled and identified actual cases where human rights risks became apparent, and considered the importance of the scale of business transactions, among other factors, to our business in light of the industries and procurement regions of our Business Units. As a result, in addition to our existing high-risk areas, we decided to also target industries like mining, metals, oil, gas, chemicals and other industries mainly in emerging countries, such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America as well, and included them in the high-risk areas, for human right due diligence as well.

New Suppliers

When engaging in business with new suppliers, we send all suppliers our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy and Procurement Policies for Specific Commodities, and request that all suppliers understand and implement our policies. We also conduct an advance risk assessment covering social issues (including environmental issues such as climate change) based on our own ESG due diligence checklists.

Existing Suppliers

For existing businesses and relevant suppliers, we have identified high risk areas within our business and we carry out regular surveys of suppliers in these areas. Through these surveys, we work to monitor the actual situation within our supply chains regarding environmental and social issues such as climate change, biodiversity, environment management, human rights, and occupational health and safety. Depending on the results of the surveys, we decide where to conduct on-site surveys. For on-site surveys, outside experts accompany the survey team as necessary, visiting not only primary suppliers but also end-suppliers such as farmers, to conduct investigations and engage in dialogue.

Corrective Action and Remediation Concerning Suppliers

Our suppliers are required to understand and implement our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy. If through supplier surveys or on-site visits, it is found that a supplier's efforts to implement our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy are insufficient, or if a supplier is suspected of having environmental issues or conducting human rights violations, we take corrective or remedying action through appropriate processes, regardless of whether we have direct dealings with them or not.

Provisions in Agreements

In May 2023, we added a human rights clause to the standard general terms and conditions of Purchase Contract. The clause requires suppliers to comply with our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy, respect internationally recognized human rights, conduct and report on human rights due diligence, cooperate with questionnaires and site visits, and notify us and take corrective action when human rights issues are discovered. We are working to encourage the use of this clause internally.

Management of Hazardous Chemical Substances

In the chemicals segment, we review the all handling of hazardous chemical substances. In Japan, these reviews are based on relevant laws and regulations such as the Chemical Substances Control Law, the Industrial Safety and Health Act, and the Fire Services Act. Overseas, these reviews are based on relevant local laws and regulations. In order to ensure that the results of these reviews are communicated appropriately throughout supply chains, we provide safety data sheets and ensure that products are properly labelled with hazard information. Additionally, we also frequently hold various types of training to ensure that employees consider our responsibilities as an importer to disclose hazard information regarding imported chemical substances is exactly the same as our responsibility to disclose hazard information regarding our products manufactured in Japan.

Food Safety Initiatives

The Food Business Unit is building a food safety management database containing information such as movement by suppliers before import agreements are concluded, situations regarding the introduction of HACCP, handling under the positive list system for food container and packaging materials, residual agricultural chemicals, and labelling. We are using this database to check compliance with food-related laws and regulations, ensure proper import procedures, and disseminate information in order to facilitate the distribution of safe and reliable foods. We are also working to ensure employees are more informed. Internal committees for food sanitation management meet once a month to share information on revisions to various laws and other topics and we carry out various training on a monthly basis, such as food safety seminars. We strive to improve employees' knowledge of legal compliance and safety by sharing relevant materials accessible to all employees.

Grievance Mechanism for the General Public and Other Stakeholders

On the Mitsui & Co, website, we have established the following framework for receiving complaints and inquiries regarding sustainability from all stakeholders, including those across our supply chain. When inquiries are received, we protect the privacy of the inquirers and ensure appropriate confidentiality.
When receiving complaints or inquiries regarding sustainability, the Corporate Sustainability Division will serve as the contact point, and depending on the nature of the complaint or inquiry, will take responsibility for the response in cooperation with the appropriate Business Units, Corporate Staff Divisions or other related divisions.
After receiving a complaint or inquiry, in principle we will respond to or engage with the complainant/inquirer within one week.

Grievance Mechanism for the General Public and Other Stakeholders


Contact Us

Collaborating with Stakeholders


Participation in Initiatives

We are promoting and expanding our efforts to address our supply chain management through participation in initiatives. Participation in each initiative is decided after confirming that it is consistent with our basic policy and initiatives for supply chain management.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Initiatives


Animal Welfare Initiatives

We believe that raising domestic animals in a comfortable environment reduces stress on the animals as well as the potential for diseases, leading to greater productivity and safe animal products. Therefore, we strive to operate our businesses with consideration for animal welfare by respecting the recommendations of the World Organisation for Animal Health and complying with local laws.
Prifoods Co., Ltd., a consolidated subsidiary of Mitsui, raises broiler chickens in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Management Guidelines for Raising Broiler Chickens According to the Basic Approach to Animal Welfare, based on its belief that broiler chickens raised in a comfortable environment will be less affected by stress and disease, resulting in the production of safe and reliable chicken. Specifically, it creates comfortable environments that put the lowest amount of stress possible on the chickens while they are in the growth stage and pays detailed attention to nutritional management, rearing environments, and health management.
Prifoods' production and manufacturing management structure, including its handling of animal welfare, has been evaluated by third party organizations, and 23 of its farms along with its Hosoya Plant, Hosoya Package Plant, and Mihara Plant have obtained SQF-TSA multisite certification*, an international certification.

* SQF (Safe Quality Food) is an international certification ensuring food safety and quality.

Approach to Conflict Minerals Issues

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) (“Act”) in the U.S. requires companies that have reporting obligations under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act to conduct due diligence to verify and disclose whether their products contain conflict minerals, as defined by the Act.
In addition, the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (“Regulation”) requires importers into the EU of conflict minerals, as defined by the Regulation, to conduct supply chain due diligence (including establishing a risk management system, and carrying out risk management, independent third-party audits, and disclosure of information).
Mitsui & Co. and consolidated subsidiaries do not have reporting obligations under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act and are not subject to reporting and disclosure obligations under the Act. We have also confirmed that none of our consolidated subsidiaries established in the EU import conflict minerals subject to the Regulation into the EU.

Fisheries Initiatives

We recognize the risk that overfishing, illegal fishery operations and destructive fishing practices can lead to a loss of biodiversity and have a severe impact on local communities in marine areas, as well as the risk to the environment if aquaculture businesses insufficiently manage water intake, feed supply, and excrement.
In addition, the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (“Regulation”) requires importers into the EU of conflict minerals, as defined by the Regulation, to conduct supply chain due diligence (including establishing a risk management system, and carrying out risk management, independent third-party audits, and disclosure of information).
Mitsui & Co. and consolidated subsidiaries do not have reporting obligations under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act and are not subject to reporting and disclosure obligations under the Act. We have also confirmed that none of our group companies established in the EU import conflict minerals subject to the Regulation into the EU.

Mitsui & Co. Seafoods Initiatives

Trading of marine products is primarily carried out by our subsidiary Mitsui & Co. Seafoods Ltd. (formerly Toho Bussan Kaisha Ltd). In November 2023, Mitsui & Co. Seafoods formulated the Marine Products Procurement Policy.


Marine Products Procurement Policy (Mitsui & Co. Seafoods)

Marine products in its commercial transactions are required have CoC certification to ensure traceability. CoC certification assures that certified products have been managed appropriately at every stage of production, from manufacturing to processing and distribution, and it also guarantees that there is no contamination by uncertified products and that labeling is authentic. Mitsui & Co. Seafoods strives to procure sustainable products and it has acquired both MSC and ASC CoC certification. It has also concluded an endorser agreement with the Global Seafood Alliance (renamed from the Global Aquaculture Alliance in April 2021), a U.S.-based NGO that operates BAP, a certification system that is widely recognized in the U.S., and it is working to promote the spread of BAP certified products.

Quantity of Certified Products Handled by Mitsui & Co. Seafoods

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  FY March 2022* FY March 2023 FY March 2024
Quantity of marine product transactions (MT) 14,559 16,742 12,054
Ratio of MSC certified products 0.3% 0.3% 0.61%
Ratio of ASC certified products 11.5% 10.5% 6.0%
Ratio of BAP certified products 4.9% 4.2% 5.9%

* Data from when Mitsui & Co. Seafoods operated under its former name of Toho Bussan

Multi X Initiatives

We invested in Multi X S.A., a Chilean company that farms, processes, and sells Atlantic salmon. Multi X applies a vertically integrated business model to the farming and sale of salmon, including its mainstay product of Atlantic salmon, and it exports to Brazil, Japan, China, and other Asian countries, and particularly to the United States, amid growing demand for healthy protein sources. It has also acquired various certifications relating to environmental performance, quality, occupational safety, and traceability, including OHSAS18001*, ISO14001*, ISO9001*, BAP, and Global GAP. Since the early 1990's, Chilean salmon aquaculture has provided the largest amount of salmon exports in the world after Norway. During this time, in addition to establishing a fish-disease and quarantine control system, government and industry have worked together to reduce the use of chemicals. As a result, significant reductions have been achieved, and Multi X is continuing with its own efforts to reduce chemical consumption. Also, the use of fishmeal and fish oil in feed has been greatly reduced by substituting it with raw materials such as soybean meal and vegetable oils. In recent years, fish meal has accounted for less than 10% of feed. As demand for high-quality, safe and secure protein sources continues to increase worldwide, we will work with our suppliers to develop a sustainable aquaculture industry that can coexist harmoniously with local communities, local residents, and ecosystems.

* Certification covers the management and operation of fish farms and plants

Quantity of Certified Products Handled by Multi X

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  FY December 2022 FY December 2023 FY December 2024
Quantity of marine product transactions (MT) 97,815 87,378 116,351*
Ratio of ASC certified products 13.0% 34.0% 34.0%
Ratio of BAP certified products 100% 100% 100%*

Engagement with Suppliers

Policy Promotion and Awareness Raising

Sustainable Supply Chain Management Handbook

When engaging in sales transactions, we work to ensure that all Mitsui suppliers are aware of our policies by sending our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy (in Japanese, English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Thai) to all suppliers of our business units, overseas offices, and subsidiaries (excluding indirectly owned subsidiaries), and requiring their understanding and cooperation in regard to the policy. We manage the supplier awareness situation through an annual inhouse survey that confirms the status regarding the sending of these policies.
In addition to policy promotion, to further raise awareness among suppliers and other business partners, we have prepared a "Sustainable Supply Chain Management Handbook" that explains our policies and initiatives, the background and issues related to sustainability in the supply chain (e.g. workers' rights), and specific methods that suppliers and other business partners can use to carry out initiatives.


Sustainable Supply Chain Management Handbook (PDF 1.0MB)

Supplier Training

In order to raise awareness regarding our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy and supply chain management initiatives among suppliers and other business partners of the Mitsui & Co. group, as well as employees, we provide annual training to explain our Human Rights Policy, Sustainable Supply Chain Policy, and Procurement Policies for Specific Commodities, as well as to share best practices and methods of conducting human rights due diligence in supply chain management.
In the fiscal year ended March 2024, we invited Akiko Sato, Attorney at Law and Liaison Officer – Business and Human Rights at the United Nations Development Programme to online training, to explain the current external environment surrounding human rights, initiatives and best practices of other companies, our human rights policy and human rights due diligence in supply chains. Approximately 400 people participated in the training, including those from business partners and employees from Mitsui and our consolidated subsidiaries. We plan to continue providing regular training, where we invite our business partners as well.

Auditing (Supplier Questionnaire Surveys and On-Site Inspections)

In the supplier questionnaire surveys started in the fiscal year ended March 2012 for suppliers of Mitsui and its consolidated subsidiaries, we consider interactive communication very important, and we strive to deepen relationships of trust and strengthen our supply chain management by working jointly on ideas for improvements when issues are discovered. The questionnaire surveys are conducted with the purpose of confirming the status of their business in regard to social issues such as climate change, biodiversity, environmental management, human rights, labor practices, and occupational health and safety, and to correct them if necessary. Our human rights due diligence targets the suppliers that handle products in high-risk business domains since the fiscal year ended March 2020. In addition to the questionnaire surveys, since the fiscal year ended March 2015, we have been regularly carrying out on-site inspections of suppliers with external experts. In addition to the inspection in line with the checklist prepared from our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy, we also employ independent experts to conduct interviews with persons in charge and to carry out on-site inspection of manufacturing plants and related facilities. Furthermore, we visit not only our primary suppliers but also our end-suppliers such as farmers, and provide advice and guidance as needed.

Number of Suppliers Surveyed

Please scroll horizontally to look at table below.

FY March 2022 FY March 2023 FY March 2024
Palm oil 11 2
Timber 1
Textiles 4 1
Coffee 1 24 7
Tea 1 3
Sugarcane 2,471
Cacao 4 1
Soybeans 1
Shrimp 8 2
Chicken 8 1
Cassava 5
Coconuts 2
Molasses 1
Sesame 4
Total 44 2,497 22
Main Questions in Supplier Surveys
Human Rights, Labor
  • Has the company performed a risk assessment to determine if there are areas of their business at risk for forced, bonded, or involuntary prison labor?
  • Do you comply with the minimum working age of the local country, and do you have internal regulations to not employ those that have not completed their compulsory education, and those that are under the age of 15?
  • Do you have the required protective restrictions on hazardous operations for young workers under the age of 18 according to the national law or ILO standard?
  • Do you have company policies to prevent discrimination (e.g., on the basis of race, skin color, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, religion, political affiliation, labor union membership, marital status etc.) that you aim to disclose to suppliers or ask for suppliers' cooperation in implementing?
  • Do you have procedures in place to ensure all workers are provided the holidays and leave to which they are legally entitled?
  • Do you have procedures, mechanisms, or company policies for a minimum wage or living wage?
Occupational Health and Safety
  • Do your policies for occupational health and safety include those relating to fire safety, the use of personal protective equipment, and the handling of hazardous substances including chemical substances and pesticides etc.?
Business Ethics
  • Do your policies for business ethics include those relating to compliance, free and fair competition, intellectual property, privacy and data protection, and anti-corruption etc.?
Environmental Management
  • Do your policies for environmental management include those relating to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity etc.?
Conflict Minerals
  • Do you handle conflict minerals and/or products for which conflict minerals are used?
    If yes, do you have a written policy on conflict minerals?
Supply Chain CSR
  • Do you have a written policy in relation to supply chain CSR and CSR procurement which covers human rights and labor, health and safety, business ethics, environmental management, etc., related to your suppliers?

On-Site Inspections of Suppliers (Auditing)

  Suppliers surveyed
FY March 2024

Work with customers and partners to address human rights issues in the supply chains


Suppliers of food raw materials


In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, Mitsui Norin, our subsidiary, accompanied a food manufacturing company, their customer, on a follow-up audit of a tea plantation in Sri Lanka and held discussions with farm and tea manufacturing factory. During the prior on-site visit by external experts appointed by the food manufacturing company, it was confirmed that appropriate initiatives were being implemented in management, HSE, first aid, etc. On the other hand, items requiring improvement were found in some areas, such as work rules, labor contracts, and wages. Together with the food manufacturing company, we held a series of dialogue sessions with the farm management to address these issues. As a result, we confirmed that improvements had been made on site.
Furthermore, together with our customer, we accompanied a food manufacturing company (and their external advisor) to a palm oil-related facility (located in Johor, Malaysia) for on-site survey. The survey was conducted by the food manufacturing companyand we engaged in dialogue with the refining company, palm plantation operator, and terminal company (loading point for palm oil).

FY March 2023

Suppliers of food raw materials


In the fiscal year ended March 2023, we conducted a survey of Kaset Phol Sugar LIMITED, our subsidiary and supplier in the sugar refining business in Thailand. We also surveyed more than 2,000 sugarcane farmers who are 2nd or more tier upstream suppliers, and conducted interviews and engaged in dialogue with several of them through visits in the field alongside external experts. The interviews focused on forced labor, child labor, occupational health and safety, and other issues, and we found no significant issues. Similarly, we visited coffee bean suppliers in Colombia alongside external experts and found no significant issues.
In addition, we visited a major palm oil supplier, which is one of our important suppliers, and with whom we have requested human rights-related corrective actions in the past. We confirmed that they are making progress in resolving the issues in response to our past requests, and engaged in dialogue with them on sustainable procurement.

FY March 2022

Suppliers of food raw materials


In the fiscal year ended March 2022, Mitsui conducted an online survey of the six main suppliers (two based in India, one in Indonesia, one in Kenya, one in Malawi, and one in Sri Lanka) of Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd., a consolidated subsidiary which manufactures and sells black tea, green tea, beverages for vending machines, and other products. Based on answers to questions sent to the suppliers in advance, we conducted interviews to confirm the policies, initiatives, and labor and supply chain management practices at each company. While certain suppliers did not have policies in place or manuals prepared relating to occupational health and safety, we were able to confirm that these companies are implementing initiatives for the respect of human rights.

Remediation Guidance

In the fiscal year ended March 2023, a major palm oil supplier, which is one of our important business partners, was identified by overseas authorities as having human rights issues, and we requested that the supplier take corrective action. We visited the supplier's plantation and met with staff in charge of sustainability to learn about the human rights issues and the company's efforts to resolve them. We also confirmed that the citations from authorities have since been withdrawn. We will continue to engage in dialogue on human rights initiatives going forward.

Initiatives Concerning Subsidiaries and Affiliates

Starting from the fiscal year ended March 2021, we are carrying out internal supply chain management surveys of our subsidiaries in order to ensure they properly understand our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy and that it is implemented by their suppliers. The surveys investigate matters such as how well the group's policies are understood and what criteria are being used to check suppliers. Feedback is provided to subsidiaries together with explanations of policy details aimed at improving understanding.

For the fiscal year ended March 2022 survey, we selected Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui Norin") and Mitsui Kaset Phol Sugar Limited ("KPS"), a Thailand-based sugar manufacturing company, and conducted online surveys. Through interviews with managers and employees, we explained our approach to supply chain management and reiterated our requirement that our policies be accepted and implemented, while at the same time checking aspects such as to what degree our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy is understood, the status of sending the policy to suppliers, standards for selecting new suppliers and accompanying management frameworks, and whether companies have internal regulations and policies.

Through our survey of Mitsui Norin, we confirmed various ESG-related initiatives, including the formulation of an environmental policy, supply chain management through the use of a dedicated tea plantation system, employee training, and initiatives to set and achieve targets at factories. Through our survey of KPS, we confirmed various ESG-related initiatives, including the formulation of a code of conduct and sustainable supply chain policy, supply chain management through contracted sugarcane farmers, CSR activities including communication with neighboring residents, and employee training. We recommended that Mitsui Norin and KPS from here on address supply chain management in relation to human rights in addition to quality control, which is their primary objective.

Employee Initiatives

Raising Awareness and Training

We continuously carry out awareness raising activities and training for employees regarding the importance of human rights and labor issues and the details of our policies in order to raise sensitivity to issues, including human rights and labor issues, and to prevent problems before they can happen.
Please refer to the links below for more information.