Basic Policy on CSR

We at the Yakult Group will implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by generating tangible benefits in accordance with our corporate philosophy and realizing sustainable corporate growth. Specific CSR activities in accordance with this objective are articulated in our Basic Policy on CSR, which was established in April 2012.

By systemizing the CSR initiatives undertaken at Yakult Group units, we increase the clarity of Yakult’s CSR management policies and undertake appropriate disclosure of information to stakeholders.

Yakult Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct

Sustainability governance

Our CSR Promotion Committee considers a wide range of management issues from the perspectives of the Yakult Group’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The Committee focuses discussion on policies and action plans that address environmental and social issues. Meeting results are reported to the President for appropriate guidance. Among the deliberated topics, committee procedures stipulate that the Management Policy Council, the Executive Officers Committee and the Board of Directors must be informed and consulted regarding important CSR matters relating to management policy.

Additionally, our Committee to Address Plastic Containers shares information on and discusses global trends and policies around plastic regulation as well as initiatives in individual departments and the current status of their exploratory work. The Committee to Address Plastic Containers is chaired by the Divisional General Manager of the Research & Development Division and made up of executive officers from each relevant department.

In fiscal 2024, we also established a Sustainability Advisory Committee as an advisory body to the Board of Directors. The committee deliberates on basic sustainability strategy, measures and responses in the context of our efforts to resolve environmental and social problems, and reports its findings to the Board of Directors.

CSR Promotion Committee

The CSR Promotion Committee holds meetings approximately four times per year to discuss various sustainability-related measures and policies, including climate change issues, and to manage progress. In fiscal 2023, the committee discussed the process of identifying salient human rights issues, which is relevant to the promotion of human rights due diligence, and what to disclose based on the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). It also considered the progress and results of the CSR Action Plan and deliberated on how to approach CSR Procurement Policy briefings for suppliers in the context of sustainable procurement promotion.
The head of the CSR Promotion Committee, a director and senior managing executive officer, also approves the items covered in our sustainability report.
We have also established five specialized committees as subordinate organizations to carry out specific activities within each department as a way to promote sustainability initiatives throughout the Group.

Signing the UN Global Compact

In May 2021, the Yakult Group signed the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the UN’s international framework for sustainable growth.

The UNGC calls on companies and organizations to take part in solving global issues and provides a principle-based framework for healthy globalization and a sustainable society.

The Yakult Group’s top management is committed to supporting the 10 principles of the UNGC relating to human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption, and we will work with the global community to apply these principles in all of our business activities as a good corporate citizen that contributes to society.