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About Meiji

At a Glance

At a Glance

Get to know Meiji at a glance – from our core business to our most important numbers.

Food

Our Nutrition Initiatives

Our Nutrition Initiatives

Our goal is to improve the lives of people of all ages around the world through nutrition, from infants to older adults, and we are dedicated to achieving this goal.

Pharmaceuticals

R&D

Medical needs are always diversifying – here's how Meiji is responding.

Biodiversity

Targets for Biodiversity Conservation Activities

Target of the 2023 Medium-Term Business Plan (effective until March 31, 2024)
KPI Base Year Results Target
FYE 3/2022 FYE 3/2023 FYE 3/2024
Conduct biodiversity activities at all production sites worldwide by FYE 3/2024
[Meiji G, consolidated]
- 61.9%* 77.1%* 100%

* Impact of cancellation or postponement of plans due to the spread of COVID-19

Approach to Biodiversity

Due to the world's economic activities, we are facing a critical situation amid a rapid loss of biodiversity caused by disruption of habitats by deforestation and deterioration in habitat environments, including environmental pollution. As the businesses of the Meiji Group depend on the abundant gifts of nature, including raw milk, cocoa and lactobacillus, and microorganisms used for developing antibiotics, we recognize that loss of biodiversity is a significant social issue. We identify the impact and dependency of our business activities on biodiversity throughout the entire supply chain, from raw material procurement to waste disposal, preserving and regenerating biodiversity to ensure that we enjoy the abundant gifts of nature for years to come. We comply with treaties, laws and regulations related to biodiversity, and contribute to the creation of a society that coexists in harmony with nature.

Biodiversity Conservation Activities Policy

In September 2022, we revised the Meiji Group Biodiversity Conservation Activity Policy. Amid ongoing loss of biodiversity, we intend to contribute to the creation of a society that coexists in harmony with nature throughout the entire supply chain, from raw material procurement to waste disposal.

Relationship between Our Business Activities and Biodiversity

The Meiji Group is deeply involved in a variety of biological resources and ecosystems through our food and pharmaceutical businesses, and it has an impact on biodiversity throughout our entire supply chain, from raw material procurement to waste disposal. Based on this recognition, we pursue biodiversity-friendly activities, reduction in impact on biodiversity, effective use of biological resources and enhanced understanding of biodiversity among our employees.

Figure: Map of Relationship Between the Meiji Group and Biodiversity

Effect of Business Activities on Biodiversity

Environmental Risks Related to the Meiji Group’s Business Activities

Figure: Environmental Risks Related to the Meiji Group’s Business Activities

Impact of Water Risks on Yields of Main Raw Materials

Figure: Impact of Water Risks on Yields of Main Raw Materials

What are Water Risks?
Stress: Degree of demand for water
(supply-demand balance of water resources)
Drought risk: Likelihood and impact of drought
Flood risk: Likelihood of floods 

Analysis of Dependency/impact of Business Activities on Nature in Line with TNFD (LEAP Approach)

Nature-related risk analysis and response in cocoa production using the LEAP approach

Utilizing the LEAP approach under the TNFD framework, we evaluated the dependency and impact of major Meiji Group cocoa production sites (13 sites) on nature, analyzed each location, and assessed risks based on the results. The results are described below. In the future, we will pursue efforts to avoid and mitigate nature-related risks by conducting gap analysis, etc., for production areas.

Relationships of dependency and impact on nature in cocoa production areas: Evaluate and Locate

Figure Dependencies and Impacts in the Relationship Between Cocoa Cultivation and Nature

* We conducted assessments of dependency and impact on nature in cocoa bean production areas using ENCORE (Exploring Natural Capital Opportunities, Risks and Exposure).

Risk analysis results by cocoa bean production area for priorities of impact/ dependency

Impact/ Dependency1 Impact Dependency
High priorities2 Changes in terrestrial ecosystem usage Air pollution Water pollution Soil pollution Mitigation of the impact of natural disasters Control of soil erosion
Number of VH3-Assessed sites 4 1 1 1 2 2

1. We conducted an evaluation by production area using the following evaluation tools and indicators.
[Importance of Biodiversity]
・Evaluation tool: IBAT (Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool)
・Evaluation indicators: Proximity to areas of high biodiversity importance (KBA, Natura 2000, World Heritage, Ramsar, UNESCO MAB, IUCN Management Ia-IV)
・Evaluation area: 5 km radius from the facility evaluated
[Tree Canopy Loss Rate]
・Evaluation tool: WWF Biodiversity Risk Filter
・Evaluation indicator: Forest canopy loss
[Eutrophication Potential of Coastal Areas].
・Evaluation tool: Aqueduct
・Evaluation indicator: Coastal eutrophication potential
[Water Pollution Index]
・Evaluation tool: WWF Water Risk Filter
・Evaluation indicator: Surface water quality index
[Ecosystem Integrity].
・Evaluation tool: WWF Biodiversity Risk Filter
・Evaluation indicator: Ecosystem Condition
[Frequency of Flooding]
・Evaluation tool: WWF Water Risk Filter
・Evaluation indicator: Estimated flood occurrence

2. Itemized evaluation indicators used were as follows. In cases where there were multiple evaluation indicators, we used the maximum value for each site.
・Change in terrestrial ecosystem usage: Importance of biodiversity, canopy loss rate
・Air pollution: Importance of biodiversity
・Water pollution: Importance of biodiversity, eutrophication potential in coastal areas, water pollution index
・Soil pollution: Importa.nce of biodiversity
・Mitigation of the impact of natural disasters: Ecosystem integrity, frequency of flooding
・Control of soil erosion: Ecosystem integrity

3. Abbreviation for Very High; sites with high risk of impact and dependency

Examples of Meiji Group nature-related risks in cocoa production: ASSESS
Risk emergence and business approaches

Table Linkages Among Nature-Related Dependencies, Impacts, and Risks

The relationship between risk emergence and business approaches is based on the TNFD Nature-related Risk and Opportunity Management and Disclosure Framework Final Draft - Beta v0.4 (March 2023).

Impacts and dependencies in the production of cocoa beans may be a contributing factor, and the above steps may cause changes in natural conditions and ecosystem services. Such changes could create physical and transition risks that have a financial impact on the Meiji Group.

Examples of Meiji Group nature-related risks in cocoa production

Classification Risk
Physical Risk Acute/Chronic Limitations on procurement due to lower yields
Increased procurement costs due to higher costs resulting from lower yields
Transition Risk Regulations Restrictions on imports and exports due to stricter regulations
Increased costs for procurement of environmentally friendly raw materials (certified lumber, etc.) due to stricter regulations
Increased burden of complying with new regulations (compliance with disclosure requirements)
Market Increased ESG investment activity in response to changing investor preferences
(leading to share price instability if the Company is removed from ESG investment indexes)
Increased ethical consumption due to changing consumer preferences
(decrease in sales if products are not eligible as ethical consumption purchases)
Soaring procurement costs due to changes in the supply-demand balance
Technology Increased burden in adopting new technologies
Reputation Decrease in sales due to decline in brand value
Lower recruiting and employee retention rates due to declining brand value

Classifications of nature-related risks selected in reference to the TNFD Nature-related Risk and Opportunity Management and Disclosure Framework Final Draft - Beta v0.4 (March 2023).

Physical risks include the possibility that cocoa farmers may not be able to continue production activities as before, and cacao yields may decrease if ecosystem services, such as natural disaster mitigation and soil erosion control, undergo degradation. This risk could cause the Meiji Group to limit the amount of cocoa procured and experience increased procurement costs due to rising costs.
Transition risks include aspects such as tighter regulations, market changes, response to technological innovation, and reputation. Deforestation-related regulations are being implemented mainly in the EU, and considering the spread of such regulations to Japan and other factors, the Meiji Group cannot ignore potential market and reputation impacts. In addition, air, water, and soil pollution are emerging as problems in certain areas, and there are risks associated with future tightening of regulations and new rules.

Responding to the risks posed by impact and dependence on biodiversity: PREPARE

The Meiji Group established the following KPI (Meiji Sustainable cocoa Bean Procurement Ratio) for sustainable cocoa bean production. We continue efforts to avoid and reduce environmental impacts such as deforestation and pollution in cocoa production areas through Meiji Cacao Support.
At the same time, the evaluation of the importance of nature-related risks remains only a simplified study. In addition to this evaluation, we must continue to study the actual situation on the ground in production areas and conduct scenario analysis. In the event efforts fall short, we must implement additional

Measures to avoid or mitigate nature-related risks.

Targets for our Sustainable Sourcing Initiatives

Reference: Measures to mitigate dependency /impact on biodiversity (examples)

The following represents a portion of our efforts to mitigate biodiversity loss in terms of avoidance, reduction, regeneration, restoration, and conversion. In the future, we must conduct more detailed analyses and engage in additional initiatives to avoid or mitigate nature-related risks, as we have done in cocoa production areas.

Mitigation (Avoid) Procuring certified raw materials (support NDPE policy: No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation; adopting wider usage of RSPO certified palm oil, etc.)
Sustainable Sourcing
Reduce Reducing GHG emissions in dairy farming
Make Sustainable Dairy Industry
Regeneratte and restore: Encouraging forest-building agriculture and agroforestry practices
Efforts to Stop Deforestation
Transform Invested in cocoa cell culture startup California Cultured Inc.

Activities at production sites and in the supply chain

Biodiversity risk assessments for land owned by the Meiji Group

We assessed the dependence and impact on nature related to Meiji Group-owned land from the standpoint of business continuity. For the 61 company-owned production sites we investigated various risks using the WWF Biodiversity Risk Filter (WWF Biodiversity Risk Filter) 1. For company-owned production bases, the physical risk2 of company production sites scored higher than reputational risk3, making physical risk which type demanding greater attention. In terms of physical risks related to company-owned production bases, the risk of exposure to natural disasters due to damage to biodiversity (landslides, wildfire hazard, plant / forest / aquatic pests and diseases, extreme heat, tropical cyclones, etc.) was rated particularly high. We intend to discuss countermeasures at future Group Environmental Meetings.

1. A tool released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2023 to help companies implement science-based measures after identifying risks and opportunities related to biodiversity in their businesses and supply chains.

2. Driven by how dependent businesses are on nature, certain businesses may be affected by both natural and anthropogenic conditions on land and in the ocean.

3. Companies may face reputational risk if stakeholders and local communities perceive that the company is not operating in a sustainable and responsible manner with respect to biodiversity.

Activities in Meiji Group Sites and Surrounding Areas

We undertook studies of 61 production sites using the IBAT1 biodiversity assessment tool to determine the potential impact of Meiji Group business activities on biodiversity. We surveyed an area within a radius of approximately 3 kilometers from the production sites (total area of 2826 hectares)2 to determine proximity to areas of biodiversity importance (World Natural Heritage sites, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, UNESCO MAB, IUCN Categories Ia, Ib, Ⅱ, III, IV, and V). Our results indicated 19 sites in close proximity, two of which had IUCN Red List species nearby that were listed as vulnerable (VU) or higher and facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. The Meiji Group established a Meiji Group Environmental Policy and a Meiji Group Biodiversity Conservation Activity Policy to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, reduce environmental impact, and conserve biodiversity. We recorded no violations of environmental laws or fines in fiscal 2022, and we have yet to identify any instances in which our operations cause direct damage to biodiversity in nearby biodiversity critical areas

Biodiversity risk assessments for land owned by the Meiji Group
Status as of end of March 2023
sites Nature maintenance area, an important area of biodiversity Areas where UCN Red List species were identified
World Heritage Sites Ramsar Convention wetlands UNESCO MAB IUCN Protected Area Categories
Ⅰa Ⅰb
Worksites in Japan (43 sites) 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 18 2
Worksites in China (6 sites) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Asia (Excluding Japan and China, 9sites) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North America and Europe (3 sites) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total for all worksites (61 sites) 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 18 2

1. IBAT (Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool): An assessment tool for environmental protection that makes use of the latest foundational data, which was developed by IBAT Alliance (the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC), Conservation International (CI), and BirdLife International)

2. The area in which business activities at production sites directly affect biodiversity would seem to be smaller than a radius of 10 km, but in consideration of damage to biodiversity as a result of environmental accidents and other unexpected occurrences, the scope for the investigation has been set as within a radius of 3 km.

Activities in the Meiji Group Nature Conservation Area Kumamoto Sunlight Forest

We conducted research on the natural environment in Kumamoto Sunlight Forest (approx. 7 ha), land owned by KM Biologics from 2020. Kumamoto Sunlight Forest is a secondary forest consisting of Japanese cedar, cypress, Japanese chestnut oak and Konara oak. We confirmed the existence there of places where Satoyama-like natural environment has been preserved and of endangered wild plants and animals, which are listed in the Red Lists of threatened species published by the Japanese government and Kumamoto Prefecture. We also found that the forest served as an important biotope, a green corridor, for the region, with rich ecosystems being preserved and a variety of migratory birds being observed all year round.
We will endeavor to conserve biodiversity by promoting the recovery of forested lands that have been partially wasted and will carry out nature observation meetings and biodiversity conservation activities for our employees, their families and local residents. In doing so, we aim to increase our employees' understanding of biodiversity and to solve local ecosystems issues.

Kumamoto Sunlight Forest  Biodiversity Conservation Activities

In July 2021, KM Biologics employees and their families (27 people in 10 groups) participated in a biodiversity conservation program (classroom lecture, insect observation, bamboo crafts using the bamboo that grows in the forest). We will continue these activities to deepen an understanding of the role of Kumamoto Sunlight Forest in the local ecosystem and the importance of biodiversity conservation, as well as to raise the environmental awareness of Meiji Group employees.

Status of Biodiversity Conservation Activities
Photo: Biodiversity Conservation Activities
Photo: Biodiversity Conservation Activities
Photo: Biodiversity Conservation Activities
Photo: Biodiversity Conservation Activities
Acquisition of the SEGES "Social and Environmental Green Evaluation System Excellent Stage 2" and "Shizen-kyousei site (Site in Harmony with Nature, OECM*)"

On August 5, 2021, Kumamoto Sunlight Forest was certified as "Excellent Stage 2" under the SEGES "Social and Environmental Green Evaluation System" This recognition was based on survey results commending the value of Kumamoto Sunlight Forest a green space, its relevance to the local community, and the green space conservation management system. The natural environment survey of Kumamoto Sunlight Forest was conducted by the Organization for Landscape and Urban Green Infrastructure. SEGES is an objective system that evaluates and certifies the value of green spaces owned and managed by companies, and whether these efforts contribute to society and the environment. Additionally, in October 2023, Kumamoto Sunlight Forest was certified as "Shizen-kyousei site (Site in Harmony with Nature, OECM)" by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan.

* Other Effective area based Conservation Measures

SEGES
Shizen-kyousei site

Activities at Domestic Sites with Production Plants

We pursue activities for biodiversity conservation at domestic sites including Group companies with production plants (47 sites). * In FYE 3/2022, a large number of biodiversity conservation activities that we organize or participate in were cancelled due to COVID-19. Due to this, we are publishing information about our activities in FYE 3/2020.

Meiji
Sapporo Plant Cleanup of Kotonihassamu River
Wakkanai Plant Cleanup in-plant and neighbor plant
Sakanoshita Beach Clean Strategy, Wakkanai City
Nemuro Plant Nemuro Tree Planting, employees' volunteer activities
Nishi Shunbetsu Plant Maintenance for Nishi Shunbetsu cherry-tree-lined road
Tokachi Plant Clean Action Memuro
Honbetsu Plant Cleanup of Toshibetsu River Basin (green belt zone)
Tohoku Plant Simultaneous Cleanup of Hirose River
Gunma Plant
Gunma Nutritionals Plant
Gunma Pharmaceuticals Plant
Environmental Conservation for marshland in Oze National Park
Saitama Plant Cleanup of Furutone River
Toda Plant Planting Primroses in Todagahara
Sakado Plant Cleanup of Oya River
Kanagawa Plant Sagami River Beautification Council in Chigasaki District
Nagano Cheese Plant Cleanup of Chikuma River
Tokai Plant Cleanup of Seto River and Asahina River, Almond Festival
Shizuoka Plant Miho Masaki Coast Cleanup, undergrowth mowing for protection of Miho black pines
Aichi Plant Sukatani River Route Cleanup
Kyoto Plant
Kyoto lactobacillus Plant
Cleanup of river neighbor plant
Kansai Plant
Kansai Ice Cream Plant
Kansai Nutritionals Plant
Kaizuka Port Beatification Enlightenment Campaign
Osaka Plant Adopt-a-Forest Program
Kurashiki Plant Sami Coast Cleanup, Simultaneous Clean Activities in Takahashi River Basin
Kyushu Plant Forest Conservation by NPO Ganbariyoruyo Hoshino Village
Empty Can and Bottle Collecting Campaign in Yame City
Symposium on Yabegawa Wo Tsunagu Kai
Research Center Rural Woodlands Conservation in Utsunuki Green Area
Donan Shokuhin Co., Ltd. Cleanup of Kameda River
Meiji Sangyo Co., Ltd. Cleanup river neighbor plant, Tree Planting Festival
Meiji Chewing Gum Co., Ltd. River Environment Beautification Activities
Tokai Nuts Co., Ltd. Shirafuji No Sato neighborhood cleanup
Participation in Fujieda City No-Car Day
Tokai Meiji Co., Ltd. Fukuroi City GreenWave Activities
Meiji Oils and Fats Co., Ltd. Amanogawa (Milky Way) Clean & Walk
Chiba Meiji Milk Products Co., Ltd. Cleanup of Inage-no Hama, Chiba City
Kantou Seiraku Co., Ltd. Forest Conservation Activities
Tochigi Meiji Milk Products Co., Ltd. Volunteer Activities by Tochigi Yume Daichi Supporters' Group
Shikoku Meiji Co., Ltd. Kanokawa Cleanup and Forest Improvement Activities (hosted by Kagawa Plant)
Saita River Cleanup, Forest Improvement Activities
Takamatsu Airport Clean Strategy
Okinawa Meiji Milk Products Co., Ltd. Makiminato River Cleanup Strategy
Coral Reef Recovery in Okinawa Prefecture
Okayamaken Shokuhin Co., Ltd. Refresh Setouchi Kasaoka Coast Clean Strategy
Nihon Kanzume, Inc. Participation in Memuro Townspeople's Tree Planting Festival
Asahi Broiler Co., Ltd. Cleanup of Koaze River neighbor plant
Meiji Seika Pharma
Gifu Plant Kitagata Town Beautification Movement Sponsor
Ashigara Research Center Sakawa River Cleanup/Beautification
Meiji Seika Pharmatech Co., Ltd. Odawara SDGs Partnership (Clean Sakawa)
Ohkura Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Uji City Environment Beautification Volunteer Activity
KM Biologics
Kikuchi Research Center River and Sea Cleanup Activity (Kikuchi River)
Kumamoto Sunlight Forest Biodiversity Conservation Activity
Aso Production Center Noyaki on Mt. Aso

Activities at Overseas Sites with Production Plants

We pursue biodiversity conservation activities at the Group's overseas sites with production plants (20 sites).

PT. Meiji Indonesia plants productive trees in water catchment areas on the mountain slopes around the Pasuruan regency.

Photo: PT Meiji Indonesia

We at Medreich celebrated the world environment day with purpose and to create more awareness on the environment. Across the locations environment protection related banners were displayed.

Saplings were planted by employees to mark the importance of this very significant day. Posters were created, and employees were issued badges, environment tip cards. Employees were also encouraged to give environment related speeches to spread their knowledge on saving environments. Along with the above, employees took oath at every location for protecting environment.

Photo: Medreich India

Activities in Cooperation with Local Governments and NPOs

Biodiversity Conservation in the Nemuro Nature Conservation Area

Meiji carried out activities for the conservation of wild birds and biodiversity in collaboration with the Wild Bird Society of Japan from 2007 to 2019 on land (467 ha) that we owned in Nemuro City, Hokkaido. Through the activities, we confirmed that the populations of endangered wild birds, including Red-crowned crane and White-tailed eagle, have been maintained. Our employees provide volunteer work there twice a year, including planting trees, developing forests and watching birds, and this has helped to generate environmental awareness among employees. From 2010, the area had also been used for the environmental education of local children. We held nature observation meetings for local children and their guardians in collaboration with the Wild Bird Society of Japan and we actively participated in events with themes on wild birds held by Nemuro City.
Following the closure of a neighboring plant in 2020, we donated the natural environment conservation area to Nemuro City. However, will continue to work on biodiversity conservation activities in the area going forward in collaboration with the local society under the agreement we have concluded with Nemuro City, as we respect the significance of the activities we have engaged in.

In November 2021, we participated in a city-organized tree-planting festival in Nemuro City.
On the day of the event, we planted 50 larch seedlings from containers (good rooting ability and fast initial growth) inside the deer-proof fencing in the conservation area. We and also took care of the seedlings planted by employee volunteers in the past.

In October 2022, employee volunteers participated in planting 100 seedlings in the Makinouchi area of Nemuro City. Employees also participated in beach cleanup and invasive species removal activities at Shunkunitai Wild Bird Sanctuary, which is a Ramsar Convention-listed wetland.

Activities in Collaboration with Local Governments

The Meiji Group's sites and companies that have production plants pursue local biodiversity conservation by participating in such activities held by local governments. The Osaka Plant of Meiji participates in the "Adopt a Forest Program," hosted by Osaka Prefecture, where wasted forests, including neglected artificial and bamboo forests, are converted into broadleaf forests for the prevention of global warming and biodiversity conservation.
Shikoku Meiji, a group company of Meiji participated in the "Forest Matching - Joint Forest Development Project" hosted by the Kagawa Prefectural Government and concluded an agreement with Kagawa Prefecture, Mitoyo City and the Mitoyo City Kanda Property Ward Management Association in July 2014. They named a forest (1.1 ha) located in Yamamoto-cho, Mitoyo City as Shikoku Meiji Team Wanpaku No Mori and undertake forest development activities, including cutting bamboo and planting wild cherry trees.

Meiji's Gunma Plant, Gunma Nutritionals Plant and Gunma Pharmaceuticals Plant, and Tochigi Meiji Milk Products participated in the "work for installing fences to prevent the invasion of Sika deer in Oe Marsh in Oze" implemented by Minami-Aizu Branch District Forest Office in order to reduce the damage to alpine plants, including Broad dwarf day lily, from being eaten by Sika deer. In this way, we help to secure the living environment of species and biodiversity.

Photo: Adopt a Forest Program in Osaka

Participating in "Adopt a Forest Program" in OsakaPrefecture

Photo: Forest Matching Project in Kagawa

Participating in "Forest Matching Project" in Kagawa Prefecture

Photo:  prevent the invasion of wild deer in Oe Marsh in Oze
Photo:  prevent the invasion of wild deer in Oe Marsh in Oze

Working for installing fences to prevent the invasion of wild deer in Oe Marsh in Oze