Enrich the lives of people around the world through food
Based on this corporate philosophy, UFI will contribute to realizing a sustainable society through its business activities.
President and Representative Director
Hiroyuki Aoki
Now, dramatic changes are continuing on Earth, and the world is in chaos. In addition to the pandemic caused by COVID-19, which threatens humanity, social division due to conflicts of opinion has led to military warfare, and global environmental problems are steadily increasing in severity.
Given the growing uncertainty regarding the global situation and the difficulty of foreseeing it, we will prioritize the safety and security of our Group’s employees, their families, and local communities. At the same time, we will maintain harmony with society and conduct management that meets the expectations of our many stakeholders.
Efforts by the UFI Group to address social issues
The UFI Group is making concerted efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 2050 carbon neutrality, which are common global issues, as well as to contribute to the community around our offices and sponsor events related to the education of the next generation. These activities are based on our basic stance of “contributing to society through our business activities” to realize a sustainable society.
In addition, by conducting ESG management that takes into account the elements of “Environment,” “Social,” and “Governance,” we are striving to both help solve social issues and increase corporate value so as to contribute to building a society where sustainable development is possible.
ESG policy
The UFI Group’s ESG philosophy is to contribute to the sustainable development of society by implementing its corporate philosophy through honest and fair business activities.
In addition to fulfilling our economic and legal responsibilities, we will conduct the following initiatives.
- We will recognize various environmental and social issues from a global perspective, not just from a Japanese perspective. As a result, we will create and provide value to solve them through our business activities.
- We will constantly consider the impact of our business processes on the environment and society and will continue to make improvements and spread positive implications for society.
- We will constantly review our activities to ensure that we respond appropriately to society’s requests through communication with stakeholders.
Efforts toward carbon neutrality
Climate crisis
In recent years, a variety of climate disasters have occurred worldwide due to rising temperatures. The risk of heavy rain and extreme heat is expected to increase further in the future. It is no longer just “climate change” but is even called a “climate crisis” that shakes the basis of survival for all living things, including humanity. Greenhouse gases that cause climate change are emitted in the course of economic activities and daily life. According to an analysis, greenhouse gases caused by lifestyles of individual citizens such as food, clothing, housing, and transportation account for approximately 60% of Japan’s total emissions. It is clear that this is not just a problem for the national government, local governments, or businesses.
In order to create a sustainable economic society in which future generations can live with peace of mind, it is necessary for all parties, including individuals, to work toward the realization of a carbon-neutral (decarbonized) society. Therefore, the UFI Group is strengthening its efforts for this as a top priority.
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Global Average Surface Temperature Change
(Relative to 1986-2005)
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- What is carbon neutral?
- The idea is to balance emissions of greenhouse gases* by subtracting the amount absorbed through afforestation, forest management, etc., from emissions, thereby reducing the total emissions to zero.
Any of carbon dioxide, methane, dinitrogen monoxide or chlorofluorocarbons
- Common global long-term goal to achieve carbon neutrality
(agreed in the Paris Agreement of 2015) -
- Limiting the global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C (2°C target)
- Achieving a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century
SDGs and carbon neutral
The SDGs cannot be achieved by each element independently, and global warming countermeasures are involved in some way in achieving all the goals of the SDGs.
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Process to achieve goals
Goal 7
“Affordable and Clean Energy”Goal13
“Climate Action” -
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Shift to a clean energy economy
Improve sustainability by reforming infrastructure and industry through the following measures: improving the efficiency of resource use, and promoting the introduction of clean technologies and environmentally friendly technologies and industrial processes
Goal 9
“Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure” -
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Poverty Issues
Global warming and natural disasters caused by global warming are reasons for a decrease in yield and quality in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industry and associated unemployment
Goal 1
“No poverty”Goal 2
“Zero hunger”Losing a place to live due to natural disasters and rising sea levels
Goal11
“Sustainable Cities and Communities” -
2030, which is the target year for achieving the SDGs, is also the year in which the interim goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in carbon neutrality was set. The core policies to achieve this goal are increasing the use of renewable energy and improving the efficiency of energy use. It can be seen that global warming has a direct impact not only on natural disasters but also on various fields such as economic activities, employment, and health and welfare. Carbon neutrality is an essential theme for achieving the SDGs.
Status of renewable energy introduction:
Japan in the world
Comparison of renewable energy ratio to power generation in major countries (2019)
The renewable electricity ratio in Japan was 18% in FY2019, indicating the need for further efforts. In 2020, the renewable energy capacity was the sixth largest in the world, and solar power generation was the third largest.
Source: Compiled by Agency for Natural Resources and Energy from IEA Data Services and Information published by each country
Comparison of primary energy self-sufficiency ratio in major countries (2019)
Japan’s domestic resource self-sufficiency ratio in FY2019 was 12.1%, which is lower than other OECD countries. As a result, Japan is highly dependent on imported fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas (LNG).
Source: Estimated value for 2019 from IEA “World Energy Balances 2020.” The data for Japan is based on a definite value for FY2019 from the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy “Comprehensive Energy Statistics”
Status of renewable energy introduction at UFI
1.Installation of solar panels (S•Tec Foods Tsukuba Co., Ltd.)
Using the factory’s roof and installing solar panels, the factory will be self-sufficient in electricity from renewable energy sources. In addition, purchasing only the shortfall from the existing contracted power company will reduce the amount of electricity purchased and reduce CO2 emissions.
Characteristics of solar power generation
- Benefits
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- Does not emit CO2
- Wide choice of locations
- Weakness
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- No power at night
- The amount of electricity generated depends on the weather, so it is unstable.
Solar panel real-time power generation monitor
2.Shift from plastic (PET) bottles to aluminum pouches (S•Tec Foods Tsukuba Co., Ltd.)
In April 2022, the UFI Group introduced the spout pouch line to strengthen its efforts to shift to aluminum pouches, environmentally friendly packages. By reducing the size and weight of containers, we are able to reduce the energy required for transportation and the volume of waste containers after use, thus contributing to the reduction of environmental impact.
Plastic production and CO2 emissions
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced that global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reached a record high of 36.3 billion tons in 2021. The consumption of coal, which emits a large amount of CO2, has been seen to increase rapidly due to the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
When making plastics, oil and natural gas are used as raw materials. In the case of oil, plastics are made from naphtha (crude gasoline) produced during the oil refining process. Therefore, according to the IEA, plastic production accounts for about 6% of the
CO2 generated by the combustion of fuels such as oil.
According to the World Economic Forum, plastic production is expected to increase 3.8% annually until 2030 and 3.5% until 2050. In 2050, CO2 emissions from plastic production are projected to reach 280 billion tons.
UFI Group sustainability targets
| Expanding contributions in six areas | Honest and fair business activities (CSR) + business activities aimed at long-term growth (ESG) |
|---|
Achieving carbon neutrality
Promoting clean energy by maximizing the use of renewable energy
20% of the electricity used at the factories will be from renewable energy by 2030 Case study: Solar panel installation
- Case study:
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- Solar panel installation
Maximizing energy efficiency and saving energy
- Case study:
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- Replacing with environmentally friendly boilers as needed
- Replace the factory light bulbs with LEDs
Establishment of an environmentally conscious manufacturing system
- Manufacture of food products in compliance with the environmental standards of customers
- Promotion of switching to environmentally conscious packaging
- By completing the replacement of boilers with environmentally friendly ones by 2030, we will reduce CO2 emissions by 29 tons per year and aim for energy savings and reductions in NOx (nitrogen oxides) and other environmental impacts.
Promotion of a resource-recycling society, zero emissions
Zero-emissions refers to a resource-recycling social system in which all waste is recycled, and no waste is ultimately disposed of.
It is also used to mean net zero carbon dioxide emissions.
- Case study:
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- Introduction of recycled soap (waste cooking oil recycling)
- Introduction of garbage disposal equipment (conversion of garbage into an aqueous solution)
Improving the efficiency of business activities
Improving the efficiency of production and management operations and efficient use of resources and energy through digital transformation
- Case study:
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- Introduction of system to monitor solar power generation
- Promotion and environmental arrangement of telework
Promotion and fair evaluation of diversity
- Recruitment of a wide variety of human resources
- Realization of gender equality
- Thorough implementation of equal pay for equal work
- Increase in the percentage of female managerial workers (appointment of female and foreign managerial workers by 2030 (from two section chiefs in 2022 to two department chiefs and above in 2030))
Improving health and safety
Encouraging life innovation to promote employee health and enhancing community safety
2022 additional topics
Loan agreement concluded for “private placement bonds to support SDGs”
In April 2022, in order to further promote efforts toward the SDGs, S•Tec Foods Co., Ltd. submitted an SDGs declaration to Mizuho Bank and concluded a loan agreement for private placement bonds for SDGs.
S•Tec Foods Co., Ltd.
| Head office | Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Representative Director | Keiichi Ueno |
| Business profile | Food manufacturing |
| Website | https://ufi.co.jp/en/ |
The Company’s Initiatives
- Introduction of recycled soap
- Equal pay for women, foreigners, and part-time employees
- Establishment of environmentally conscious manufacturing processes
- In order to promote clean energy, 20% of the electricity used in factories will be covered by renewable energy by 2030.
Charity fundraising activities by the Japan Committee for UNICEF
In April 2022, the UFI Group planned a charity eco-bag project for children whose lives are threatened by natural disasters and conflicts. In addition to UFI Group employees, we received a lot of support from our business partners, and we made a full donation to the Japan UNICEF Emergency Relief and Reconstruction Support Fund. We believe that the strength of each of us is small, but we are not helpless. We can create a great flow toward a peaceful society by standing up individually. We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to all affected by natural disasters and conflicts. At the same time, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your great support and cooperation.
Activities of the Humming Bird
Future Foundation
The UFI Group supports the philosophy of the Humming Bird Future Fund and is engaged in social contribution activities to realize a sustainable society.
Activities of the Humming Bird Future Foundation (former Children’s Future Fund)
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2013
- August
- Fund-Raising for the Training of Guide Dogs: New community service activity launched
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2017
- Thursday, May 26
- Kick off meeting of promoters for “Kodomo Mirai Kikin (Children’s Future Fund)”.
- Friday, June 23
- Support for children who need special surgeries, such as those to repair cleft lips or palates
Donations to NPO, Tokyo Smile Foundation
- Tuesday, December 12
- Meeting of Promoters
Donated to support the activities of Tohto Club Keiyo Boys
- Thursday, December 21
- Donated to support the activities of the Lilac Boys and Girls Choir
(Choir performed and sang at the 103rd Smile Event)
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2018
- Saturday, March 29
- Round 2: Support for the Lilac Boys and Girls Choir
- Thursday, May 18
- SAKURAJOSUI KITCHEN GRAND OPENING (fund-raising campaign)
- Wednesday, July 18
- Supported children affected by heavy rain in eastern Japan
- Thursday, December 21
- Donated to support the activities of the Lilac Boys and Girls Choir
(Choir performed and sang at the 103rd Smile Event)
- Saturday, August 25
- Youth Advocacy Competition
Organizer: Saitama Prefecture, Saitama Prefectural Board of Education, Saitama Prefectural Assembly for Youth Development
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2019
- Tuesday, January 1
- Newly named "Humming Bird Future Fund" from “Kodomo Mirai Kikin (Children’s Future Fund)”.
- Thursday, February 21
- Inaugural UFI Carnation Meeting: Humming Bird Future Fund
Round 2: Support for children who need special surgeries, such as those to repair cleft lips or palates
Donations to NPO, Tokyo Smile Foundation
- Sunday, August 25
- FY 2019
Cosponsored "Mirai wo Ninau Watashitachi no Shucho” (Youth Advocacy Competition)"
Organizer: Saitama Prefecture, Saitama Prefectural Board of Education, Saitama Prefectural Assembly for Youth Development
- Thursday, September 26
- Fund-Raising for guide dogs implemented at UFIUSA's 30-year anniversary party.
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2020
- Wednesday, February 12
- The 3rd Annual UFI Carnation Meeting: Humming Bird Future Fund
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- Support for children who need special surgeries, such as those to repair cleft lips or palates Donated to NPO, Tokyo Smile Foundation
- Create a society in which no one is left behind Support for children's cafeterias Donated to NPO, Musubie National Children's Restaurant Support Center
- Sunday, August 23
- FY 2020
Cosponsored "Mirai wo Ninau Watashitachi no Shucho” (Youth Advocacy Competition)"
Organizer: Saitama Prefecture, Saitama Prefectural Board of Education, Saitama Prefectural Assembly for Youth Development
- November 5
- “Asahien”, a facility for the disabled (Kagawa Prefecture): Donated to support the introduction of welfare vehicles for transportation
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2021
- April
- UFI Life Science Co., Ltd. Surgical Masks (made in Japan)
Donated to Tsuchiura Kyodo Hospital, Ryugasaki Saiseikai Hospital, and Kohei Hospital -
- Sunday, August 22
- FY 2021
Co-sponsored “Saitama Prefecture Youth Advocacy Competition”
Organizer: Saitama Prefecture, Saitama Prefectural Board of Education, Saitama Prefectural Assembly for Youth Development
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2022
- April 22
- Fancy Foods Factory Outlet Store (March 23 - 25)
SAKURAJOSUI KITCHEN (March 29 - April 2)
Charity Fair (Portion of proceeds donated)
- May
- Japan Guide Dog Association (Donated to support the training of guide dogs)
