Sustainability in the Chiba Flour Milling Group

As strong proponents of the social significance, philosophy, and direction of the SDGs, we have established a General Sustainability Plan consisting of the General Sustainability Policy, Priorities and Practical Tasks, and the Suppliers’ Code of Conduct as guidelines for basic ethical corporate behavior from the three standpoints of the environment, society, and governance with the goal of solving society’s problems through business activities. With this plan, we aim to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society and further improve our corporate value while ensuring the Group’s sustainable growth and competitiveness by steadily implementing initiatives that are focused on priorities in collaboration with all Group companies.

General Sustainability Policy

In order to continue to be essential to our stakeholders, operate in harmony with local communities, and work in symbiosis with customers, the actions of the Chiba Flour Milling Group, a supportive company that stands by its customers (as stated in our management philosophy) are guided by the six principles indicated below. In the course of day-to-day business activities, we are committed to complying with all relevant laws and internal regulations, acting in accordance with social ethics, and contributing to society through the stable provision of safe, secure, and high-quality products to customers and the creation of new value.
Provide safe, high-quality products
Strive to ensure customer satisfaction and peace of mind
Comply with laws and regulations and promote corporate behavior in accordance with social ethics
Aggressively and proactively tackle environmental issues
Strive to ensure a safe, comfortable working environment while respecting the rights of everyone
Actively engage in social contribution activities as a responsible corporate citizen
As disclosed in its management philosophy and code of conduct, the true stance of the Chiba Flour Milling Group is fundamentally in line with the ideas and principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015. Because we are acutely aware of the social significance of the SDGs, we formulated the five Sustainability Priorities indicated below from the standpoints of the environment, society, and governance. We are determined to solve society’s problems through business activities by steadfastly putting the Priorities into practice. With this in mind, we will continue to implement management initiatives to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, achieve sustainable growth as a corporate group, and further improve our corporate value.
Priorities
Initiatives to preserve the environment (E: Environment) Initiatives to promote energy-saving measures, reduce food waste, and recycle and reuse resources.
Ensure the stable supply, quality, and safety of products (S: Society) Initiatives to promote the thorough management of quality, safety and health, facilities, and stability of the supply chain.
Create a comfortable working environment (S: Society) Initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing the working environment and work conditions and promoting respect for the universal values of human rights and diversity.
Activities that contribute to society and local communities (S: Society) Initiatives to promote support for policies adopted by local communities, implementation of the local-production-for-local-consumption model, and engagement and cooperation in CSR activities.
Internal control and corporate governance (G: Governance) Initiatives to promote compliance with laws and regulations, ensure fair and equitable transactions, and improve internal control and management.
Disclosure of information
Information will be disclosed as needed through the Chiba Flour Milling website and other channels.

Established on February 27, 2023

     Haruhisa Kase, Representative Director and President

Priorities, SDGs and Practical Tasks

Priorities SDGs Main Practical Tasks
E (Environment) Initiatives to preserve the environment We are committed to promoting environmentally friendly products and services and to actively pursue energy and waste reduction. Monitoring and reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions
Introduction of energy-saving equipment
Introduction of solar power generation
Introduction of groundwater filtration systems
Pretreatment and separate management of wastewater and waste oil
Promotion of reduction and reuse of different types of waste
Acquisition of RSPO certification for Rheopearl products
S (Society) Ensure the stable supply, quality, and safety of products In order to provide customers with safe, high-quality products, we fully comply with the Food Sanitation Law and other related laws to ensure safety and quality in manufacturing and developing products as well as providing products with added value. Thorough health and safety management and quality control
Thorough quality control after product shipment
Development and sales of health-conscious and environmentally friendly foods
Daily maintenance and upkeep of facilities
Measures to interrupt product shipments through the establishment of a Business Continuity Plan
Acquisition of HALAL certification for flour products.
Create a comfortable working environment We fully comply with labor-related laws and regulations, maintain a safe, comfortable working environment, and ensure respect for human rights and fair treatment. Management of employees’ health, safety, and hygiene
Improvements in working conditions for female employees
Active use of senior human resources
Acquisition of Health and Productivity Management Organization certification
Efforts to promote the creation of new technologies
Activities that contribute to society and local communities We are well aware of our obligations as a responsible corporate citizen, strive to maintain harmonious relationships with society, and contribute to its development. Support for humanitarian NPOs and regional funds
Introduction of made-in-Chiba brands for wheat and rice
Promotion of local-production-for-local-consumption initiatives
Proactive creation of local employment
G (Corporate governance) Internal control and corporate governance We fully comply with laws and regulations, the articles of incorporation, and internal regulations, respect social rules, and conduct corporate activities in conformity with social mores. Compliance with relevant laws and ordinances related to our business
Fair, equitable and sincere dealings with each business partner
Strict management of information and thorough prevention of leaks
Regular implementation of internal audits

Suppliers’ Code of Conduct

The Chiba Flour Milling Group procures its raw materials in accordance with its Suppliers’ Code of Conduct, in addition to complying with relevant laws and social norms in all purchasing transactions. All suppliers are asked to understand and comply with this Suppliers’ Code of Conduct. Furthermore, we ask everyone to make sure that their suppliers understand and comply with this Suppliers’ Code of Conduct as well.
  1. Compliance with laws and social norms The business activities are lawful and in full compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to each country and region where the company operates.
  2. Respect for human rights and prohibition of discrimination The Company respects human rights and does not discriminate on the basis of creed, religion, age, gender, or physical disabilities. Additionally, the workers will not engage in any form of harassment, verbal or physical violence, nor psychological abuse. The Company condemns child and forced labor and pays fair wages to employees.
  3. Enforcement of fair and impartial transactions and anticorruption measures The Company will not engage in unfair competition, unfair trading, conflicts of interest, or infringement of intellectual property. The Company will never associate with antisocial forces.
  4. Ensuring product quality and safety The Company strives to ensure safety and quality in manufacturing, developing, and labelling products by managing all raw materials, manufacturing processes, and quality standards in accordance with specific procedural manuals.
  5. Appropriate management of information and prevention of leaks The Company will manage and protect important confidential and personal information in accordance with strict standards.
  6. Maintaining a safe, healthy working environment The Company will strive to create a safe, comfortable working environment. Additionally, the Company will manage the working hours, holidays, and vacations of employees in an appropriate manner and will respect the basic labor right to organize and the right to collective bargaining.
  7. Environmental protection The Company promotes the efficient use of energy and resources and actively works to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and waste.
  8. Contribution to society As a responsible corporate citizen, the workers will commit to local communities and society and strive to contribute to their development.

Established on February 27, 2023

     Haruhisa Kase, Representative Director and President

Examples of initiatives

Initiatives for preserving the environment

✔ Introduction of solar power generation
Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the Headquarters Development Center and the flour mill to promote the use of clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
✔ Introduction of groundwater filtration system
Groundwater is pumped from deep underground for use as drinking water to reduce the energy required to supply water and the burden on the environment and at the same time help secure the infrastructure in the event of a disaster.
✔ Acquisition of RSPO supply chain certification
As a member of the international nonprofit organization Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), we have acquired RSPO supply chain certification. Only certified palm-derived materials are used in the manufacturing of our main cosmetic ingredient, Rheopearl, and generally sold products are sold* as RSPO-certified products. * Some limited products are sold as not eligible for mass balance management.

Ensuring the stable supply, quality, and safety of products

✔ Development of eco-friendly products

The Gigabite series was developed as a quality-enhancing agent suitable for plant-based processed foods that uses meat substitutes, provides added value by improving the texture, and contributes to the effective use of plant-derived ingredients.


Creating a comfortable working environment

✔ Health and Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations certification
We have been certified by the Nippon Kenko Kaigi since FY 2018 as a company that is actively committed to developing and enhancing the workplace environment so that employees can work in safe, healthy conditions both physically and mentally.

Contribution to society and local communities

✔ Promotion of local-production-for-local-consumption model
In an effort to increase demand and promote the production of locally produced wheat, we developed the Fusanomugi product using only Satonosora wheat produced in Chiba Prefecture. This raw material product is also used in the bread for school lunches within the prefecture as an effort to contribute to the region by supporting food education and the local-production-for-local-consumption model.

✔ Selected as a leader of the regional economy
We were selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on December 22, 2017, as a “Company Driving Regional Growth.” Through the establishment and development of different business activities, we will continue to help revitalize local economies and the steady creation of employment.

Related policies

Management philosophy

Chiba Flour Milling Co., Ltd., is a supportive company that stands by its customers.
  • We are a proposal and development-based company 一Always in pursuit of new deliciousness and richness
  • We are a creative Group 一Boldly accepting the challenge of ushering in change and innovation
  • We are a thinking Group 一Leaping forward as a Group that does science and works hard
  • We are a vibrant company thanks to individual strengths and teamwork 一Cohesively united to share dreams and results

Food Safety and Quality Policy

We will comply with the policy stated below based on our company’s management philosophy.
  1. With the aim of continuous growth for society and the company, we will use our enthusiasm and solidarity and creativity and technology to stably create and deliver safe, secure, and high-quality, value-added products and obtain a high level of trust from customers.
  2. We will endeavor to improve sanitation management in all of the processes from designing through manufacturing and delivery to customers, and we will reduce products’ risks.
  3. We will comply with the Food Safety and Quality Policy, related laws and regulations, and the matters that have been promised to customers.
  4. We will regularly reassess whether the food safety management system is functioning effectively, and we will conduct continuous improvement.
  5. We will make all employees thoroughly knowledgeable about the Food Safety and Quality Policy, and we will proactively provide education and training in addition to communication with people inside and outside the company.
  6. In order to achieve the objectives of the Food Safety and Quality Policy, we will set specific food safety and quality goals and take initiatives aimed at goal achievement.

April 1, 2024

Chiba Flour Milling Co., Ltd.

     Haruhisa Kase, Representative Director and President

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