Supply Chain Management: Policy
Policy
Since its foundation, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) has adhered to the Three Corporate Principles, which guide its corporate philosophy and emphasize the importance of corporate social responsibility. In addition, our Corporate Standards of Conduct outline our commitment to comply with all relevant laws and international regulations, to act responsibly, and to uphold the highest social standards. These Standards further elaborate on our commitment to preserving the global environment and pursuing sustainable development across all aspects of our business activities. As a global company engaged in a wide range of products and services, ensuring sustainable supply chains is a key priority for MC. To this end, we have established the Mitsubishi Corporation Policy for Sustainable Supply Chain Management, which outlines MC’s approach to addressing human rights, labor rights, and environmental issues throughout the supply chain. This policy communicates MC’s fundamental perspective to all suppliers. We recognize that some products we handle may be associated with environmental challenges, such as impacts on climate and nature, as well as social issues, including potential adverse effects on the human rights of workers, indigenous peoples, and local communities. To address these concerns, we have established Individual Procurement Guidelines. These guidelines communicate MC’s expectations to suppliers worldwide and help promote responsible sourcing practices.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Policy
For MC, as a global company involved in businesses across a wide range of products and services, ensuring sustainable supply chains is a key issue. MC has established the Mitsubishi Corporation Policy for Sustainable Supply Chain Management, which outlines MC’s approach to addressing human rights, labor rights, and environmental issues throughout the supply chain. This policy conveys MC’s fundamental expectations to all suppliers.
- Forced Labor
Suppliers shall employ all employees of their own free will, with no employee subjected to forced or bonded labor. - Child Labor
Suppliers shall not employ individuals below the minimum legal working age in the relevant country. - Safe and Healthy Working Environments
Suppliers shall work to provide employees with safe and healthy working environments. - Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
Suppliers shall respect the right of employees to associate freely and to engage in collective bargaining as a means of negotiating working conditions, wages, and other matters with employers. - Discrimination
Suppliers shall strive to ensure equal opportunities in the workplace and shall not engage in discrimination in recruitment or employment practices. - Abuse and Harassment
Suppliers shall respect employees’ human rights and must not tolerate abuse or any form of harassment. - Working Hours
Suppliers shall ensure that employees’ working hours and leave entitlements are appropriately managed, and that excessive overtime is prohibited to ensure compliance with statutory regulations. - Suitable Remuneration
Suppliers shall pay employees at least the statutory minimum wage, endeavor to provide at least a living wage, and shall not unreasonably reduce wages. - Anti-Corruption
Suppliers shall engage in fair business practices, avoid corruption including bribery and extortion, and comply with applicable laws and regulations. - Environment
Suppliers shall work to protect the environment and consider the impact of their business activities on local communities and ecosystems, with particular attention to energy efficiency, climate change issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable use of resources, waste reduction, and air, soil, and water pollution. - Information Disclosure
Suppliers shall disclose information related to the aforementioned matters in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Forced Labor
- Monitoring
MC conducts annual surveys of suppliers to monitor their compliance with the Basic Policy and to strengthen communication. MC also conducts site visits when necessary, based on region and business activities. Audit reviews are carried out using audit lists prepared with advice from an external advisor, and guidance is provided to suppliers as needed. - Response to Compliance Violations
If a violation of the Basic Policy is confirmed, MC will require the supplier to implement corrective measures and will provide guidance and support as necessary.
If MC determines that the supplier is unlikely to implement corrective measures despite continued guidance and support, MC will re-evaluate its business relationship with the supplier.
Review of our Purchasing Policy
By sharing its Policy for Sustainable Supply Chain Management in its contracts with suppliers*, MC works to ensure that all suppliers comply with the Basic Policy. If a violation of the Basic Policy is identified, MC may request that the supplier correct its business practices. If no corrective action is taken, MC will re-evaluate its business relationship with the supplier. MC will continue working with suppliers to ensure that environmental and social considerations are incorporated into their operations.
- *Including the terms and conditions of purchasing contracts, consignment sales agreements, long-term purchasing contracts, etc.
Individual Procurement Guidelines
MC has formulated individual guidelines for certain products.
Soybean Procurement Guidelines(Under review)
Timber and Paper Products Procurement Guidelines
Palm Oil Procurement Guidelines
Coffee Bean Procurement Guidelines
Cocoa Bean Procurement Guidelines
Seafood Procurement Guidelines
Animal Welfare Policy for Suppliers
MC prioritizes maintaining comfortable living environments for livestock and aquaculture species, and believes that reducing stress and illness contributes to improved productivity and the production of safe livestock and marine products. We view animal welfare as essential to establishing sustainable supply chains and work closely with our suppliers to improve related practices, including monitoring initiatives through our Sustainable Supply Chain Survey.
Our consolidated subsidiary Cermaq has established ananimal welfare policy
along with several indicators to assess whether animal welfare standards are being upheld.
In October 2024, Cermaq received the Special Recognition Prize from the NGO Compassion in World Farming in acknowledgment of the company’s welfare practices for the humane slaughter of its salmon.
For more information, please visit the Fish Health and Welfare page on theCermaq Global website
.
Bluefin Tuna Sustainable Sourcing Policy
As a corporation with a significant role in the marine products business, MC recognizes the essential responsibility we hold in conserving marine resources and ensuring a sustainable supply for future generations. To learn more about MC's position on Bluefin Tuna and the specific measures we are implementing, please refer to our most recent policy below.