Initiatives to Promote Sustainability
Sustainability Promotion Flow
Under the ITOCHU Group Sustainability Policy, which was established in accordance with ITOCHU’s corporate mission and changes in the external environment, the Company promotes sustainability initiatives systematically throughout its organization. Of particular note, each Division Company and administrative division incorporates ITOCHU’s material issues, which are identified as issues to be addressed with priority, into Sustainability Action Plans. We will continue to sustainably enhance corporate value and resolve social issues at the same time through our business activities, namely trade and business investment, while ensuring that we maintain and improve profitability.
Identification Process for Material Issues and Incorporation into Action Plans
Since ITOCHU first identified its material issues in FYE 2014, the Company has been continuously reviewing them based on trends in the international community and the expectations of stakeholders. In FYE 2019, we revised our material issues by further reflecting ESG perspectives and incorporating elements from health management and the consumer sector, which are our fields of strength. By incorporating material issues into business operations, our revised material issues have become better suited to helping achieve the Paris Agreement and the SDGs adopted by the United Nations.
Furthermore, as a specific initiative, each Division Company and administrative division incorporates the identified material issues into Sustainability Action Plans for each business field. First, each organization identifies risks and opportunities and social impacts in each business field, and then sets medium- to long-term targets, draws up action plans with measures and performance indicators for achieving these targets, reviews progress, and finally reports achievements to the Sustainability Committee, with the intention of making steady progress through a PDCA cycle.
New Facilities Opened at the ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO
In July 2022, ITOCHU opened the ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO KIDS PARK (in Japanese only). Designed for both parents and children, this facility allows children, who will lead the future, to experience our concept of the SDGs through play. This free facility where kids can safely play is garnering attention as the 300 reservation slots for each day are always filled. As of March 31, 2023, around 50,000 people had visited the facility.
Furthermore, in July 2023, we opened the ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO RESTAURANT Hoshi no Kitchen (in Japanese only), a restaurant that provides a “delicious, enjoyable, and sustainable” dining experience. Featuring classic dishes loved by everyone from children to adults made with food ingredients including those which are handled by ITOCHU Group companies such as Dole and FUJI OIL CO., LTD., etc., the restaurant allows visitors to casually experience sustainable food initiatives.
Going forward, at the ITOCHU SDGs STUDIO, by enhancing contact points with children and consumers, we will continue providing opportunities to interact with and learn about various SDGs.