Sustainable Sourcing
Targets for Our Sustainable Sourcing Initiatives
- [ ] Scope of KPI
- Meiji G: the Meiji Group (consolidated)
- Meiji: Meiji Co., Ltd.
| KPI | Result | Target | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FYE 3/2022 | FYE 3/2024 | FYE 3/2027 | |
| Start conducting a sustainable sourcing survey of suppliers for Group companies in Japan by FYE 3/2022 | Start considering implementation in FYE 3/2023 | Start by FYE 3/2022 | |
| Start conducting a sustainable sourcing survey of suppliers for the major overseas Meiji Group companies by FYE 3/2023 [Meiji G consolidated] |
Launched for 46 suppliers | Start by FYE 3/2023 | |
| Increase sourcing rate of sustainable cocoa to 100% of total by FYE 3/2027 [Meiji consolidated] |
42% | 65% | 100% |
| Switch 100% to RSPO-certified palm oil1 by FYE 3/2024 [Meiji consolidated] |
84% | 100% | |
| Switch 100% to eco-friendly paper by FYE 3/20242 [Meiji G consolidated] |
98% | 100% | |
| Hold Meiji Dairy Advisory program (MDA) to support management of dairy farms 250 times a year, and a total of at least 1650 times by FYE 3/2024 [Meiji, Japan consolidated] |
475 times annually, accumulated total 1,423 times | 400 times annually, accumulated total 2,150 times | |
Procure Raw Materials With Consideration Toward Human Rights and the Environment
Development of Responsible Supply Chain
Our Policy on Raw Material Sourcing
In recent years, there has been international demand for fair and free competition, fair transactions, and responsible sourcing. Therefore, we should fulfill our corporate social responsibility throughout the supply chain, including both the Group and our business partners. Also, we should address social issues such as child labor, forced labor, and environmental degradation. In the Meiji Group Procurement Policy, we commit to sourcing that considers human rights and the global environment. We will develop responsible sourcing with our business partners and strive to prevent and reduce risks.
We are continuously working to build a responsible supply chain, and in June 2020 we established the Meiji Group Supplier Code of Conduct. This code of conduct ensures that we and our suppliers are fulfilling our social responsibilities.
Additionally, the Meiji Group is engaged as an active member of Consumer Goods Forum (CGF). We are continuing talks with the goal of helping to resolve social issues such as human rights violations and environmental destruction.
Working to Build a Responsible Supply Chain
In recent years, there has been international demand for fair and free competition, fair transactions, and responsible procurement. We at the Meiji Group aim to fulfil our social responsibility by addressing social issues such as child labour, forced labour, and environmental destruction—not just in our own business, but throughout our entire supply chain.
Our goal is to realize a responsible supply chain built on sustainable sourcing initiatives, and consideration toward both human rights and the environment. In order to work together with our suppliers to realize this goal, we established the Meiji Group Supplier Code of Conduct in June 2020. This code of conduct is intended to raise awareness of the importance of compliance with laws and regulations, fairness, transparency, and anti-corruption efforts by sharing the concept of our Meiji Group Procurement Policy and Meiji Group Environmental Policy.
In order to share and promote awareness this Code of Conduct to all suppliers, we don’t only publish it on our website, but also distribute booklets and hold meetings. Through direct communication with some of our suppliers, we mutually share targets and results related to environmental performance, including climate change, water resources, and waste. We confirm the status of efforts to address environmental issues of suppliers.
In October 2020, we also launched the Sustainable Procurement Survey for Meiji Group business partners, utilizing the EcoVadis evaluation system and Meiji’s own questionnaire. In April 2021, we provided feedback on the survey analysis results, and We plan to further expand the survey to group companies overseas and primary suppliers to domestic and overseas group companies. in the future. By implementing this survey, we will identify whether or not there are any issues related to human rights or the environment in our supply chain. If there are any items requiring remediation, we will engage our business partners in dialogue and work with them to resolve these issues, building a stronger and more responsible supply chain.
Questionnaire Item Overview
Questions include human rights and labor-related initiatives, safe and healthy work environments, fairness, environmental consideration, sustainable procurement activities, and the development of grievance system and prohibition of retaliatory actions.
| June 2020 |
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|---|---|
| September - October 2020 |
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| January – March 2021 | Analyzed questionnaire responses |
In FY2021, we expanded the scope of the Sustainable Procurement Survey to include all Meiji Group companies, contract suppliers of Meiji Co., Ltd., and expanded the scope of primary suppliers covered.
| April – June 2021 |
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| June – December 2021 |
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| January ‐ March 2022 |
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| April – September 2022 |
Conducted a sustainable procurement questionnaire for 30 business partners*1 as primary suppliers (January-March 2022) [declined by 1 supplier] <Breakdown of companies conducting the questionnaire> EcoVadis: 13 companies responded to the questionnaire Meiji: 17 companies responded to the Meiji original questionnaire
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Sourcing of Cocoa
The stable sourcing of high quality cocoa beans is an important issue for us as the global demand for cocoa expands. We implement sourcing with consideration toward human rights and the environment, cooperating with suppliers in accordance with the Meiji Group Procurement Policy and the Cocoa Procurement Guideline.
In 2006, we began our own Meiji Cocoa Support program and have been deepening partnerships with cocoa-producing nations. Additionally, we are supporting cocoa producing countries and farmers to produce sustainable cocoa in our capacity as a member of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF). We are also supporting them through SMS-ECOM and the Chocolate and Cocoa Association of Japan, as well as through expanding Meiji Group's own farmer support program "Meiji Cocoa Support".
Sustainable cocoa bean sourcing
Since 2006, Meiji has been conducting the Meiji Cocoa Support program, which deepens partnerships with cocoa farmers overseas and supports the high-quality and sustainable production of cocoa beans. We have decided to expand the Support program and established a new target of 100% sourcing of sustainable cocoa beans (cocoa beans produced in regions where we provide support) by FY2026. As cocoa bean production regions and farmers are confronted with deforestation, child labor, and lack of cultivation techniques, we will solve these issues by achieving this sourcing target and contribute to sustainable cocoa bean production.
Lessons at cocoa farm
Support cocoa farmers through meiji cocoa support
Meiji Cocoa Support was started in 2006 in Ghana. We have since expanded its activities to include Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Vietnam. In 2019 we began activities in Madagascar, expanding to a total of nine countries.
Under Meiji Cocoa Support, Meiji employees visit these locations and meet directly with farmers. Through these valuable conversations we are able to better understand the various needs and issues faced by these communities, and thus provide targeted support.
We provide a wide range of support, from cocoa bean production support for farmers (fermentation technology guidance, cultivation technology seminars, establishment of a seedling center, etc.), to initiatives that improve the lives of cocoa producers (donating school supplies, building wells and other community infrastructure, etc.
Through these sorts of activities, we are improving the productivity of cocoa plantations, as well as helping to provide stability to farmers' lives. We will continue working to contribute to sustainable, eco-friendly cocoa bean production.
| Ghana | Well Donations | We have donated wells to ensure access to clean drinking water. These wells are also invaluable for raising seedlings |
|---|---|---|
| Seedling Distribution | We are distributing seedlings of high-yield strains of cocoa, as well as tree seedlings for use in agroforestry to farmers, all free of charge. | |
| Farming Guidance | We are offering guidance on agricultural methods for adapting to climate change, as well as actions that can prevent deforestation, including agroforestry. | |
| Art Classes/Chocolate Classes | These children's classes involve creating art themed around cocoa, and making chocolate using cocoa harvested in the children's own villages. | |
| Young Cocoa Farmer Award | With support from Ghanaian government bodies, we award the recipient of the annual Young Cocoa Farmer Award a gift of a vehicle for transporting cocoa and other materials. | |
| Ecuador | We are offering support in improving cocoa bean quality through the introduction of Meiji proprietary fermentation methods. Additionally, we are donating pruning machinery, weeding machinery, protective clothing, sun protection hats, and other equipment necessary for farming. | |
| Venezuela | We are donating seedlings and cocoa fermentation boxes, as well as offering support in improving cocoa bean quality through the introduction of Meiji proprietary fermentation methods. | |
| Peru | We are setting up tool banks for lending equipment such as pruning and weeding machinery free of charge, as well as donating cocoa fermentation boxes in order to support farmers to produce stable crops of high-quality cocoa. | |
| Brazil | We are distributing fertilizer, and supporting the cultivation of cocoa through agroforestry, as well as offering support in improving cocoa bean quality through the introduction of Meiji proprietary fermentation methods. | |
| The Dominican Republic | We are offering support in improving cocoa bean quality through the introduction of Meiji proprietary fermentation methods. We are also maintaining and donating equipment and children's school supplies to community facilities such as hospitals and schools. | |
| Mexico | We are offering community support to areas that cultivate the rare white cocoa, such as through maintaining public parks and digital communications infrastructure. We are also supporting the preservation and cultivation of single-strain cocoa plantations. | |
| Vietnam | We are introducing production of high-quality cocoa beans through research and development aimed at bringing out the value of cocoa beans. | |
| Madagascar | We are offering fermentation technology support to cocoa farmers, with the aim of building a high-quality cocoa value chain. We are certified by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a JICA-SDGs Partner. | |
Agroforestry Milk Chocolate Initiative
The production of cocoa as a raw material for chocolate causes serious social issues of natural environment destruction and loss of biodiversity through deforestation, as well as human rights issues such as child labor and forced labor. For the cultivation of cocoa beans, Cooperative Agricola Mixta de Tomé-Açu (CAMTA) in Brazil, with whom Meiji has jointly performed quality research over 10 years, undertakes efforts for conservation of natural environment and ecosystems, using the Agroforestry method known as "agriculture to create a forest," where various types of agricultural and forestry crops modeled on natural ecosystems are grown in land wasted by deforestation.
Protecting Forests in Cocoa-producing Countries
Meiji has participated in the Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CFI)—an organization aiming to end deforestation and promote forest restoration and protection in the cocoa supply chain—since April 2017.
We have set out a five-year plan for 2018-2022, based on action plans published by the CFI on March 4, 2019. As part of Meiji Cocoa Support, we are working alongside both the Ghanaian government and related organizations to implement these plans.
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Please see here for details on our activities
- 2021 Progress Report by Meiji -Ghana-
- 2020 Progress Report by Meiji -Ghana-
- 2018-2019 Progress Report by Meiji -Ghana-
- CFI Company Progress Report Tracking Table for Ghana
- Cocoa & Forests Initiative: Meiji's Initial Action Plan Narrative
- Summary Table of Meiji's Initial Action Plans for Ghana
Joining the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI)
In October 2021, Meiji Co., Ltd. became the first Japanese company to join the (ICI), an NPO that engages activities to eradicate child labor and forced labor in cocoa-growing regions.
An estimated 1.56 million children are in child labor in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana, the world's No.1 and No.2 producers of cocoa. Of that number, 790,000 are in Cote d'Ivoire and 770,000 are in Ghana1.
The ICI reached more than 420,000 children through its Community Development Program and CLMRS2 during the 2015-20 period. Its approaches have reduced child labor by 20% in ICI-assisted communities, as well as hazardous child labor by 50% among at-risk children identified by ICI’s monitoring systems3.
Meiji Co., Ltd. will contribute to the eradication of the issues in Ghana to arrive at truly sustainable cocoa sector.
JICA-SDGs Partner* Certification
With support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), our activities in Madagascar, which began in 2019, have been made into an official project under the name "Necessary Steps for Building the Foundations of a Sustainable Cocoa Industry: Popularization, Verification, and Transformation into a True Business."
These activities have been acknowledged as contributing to the pursuit of SDGs. Additionally, Meiji has been certified by the JICA as a JICA-SDGs Partner.
Utilizing know-how built up over many years, we will enable the production and sale of high-quality cocoa, as well as establish the Madagascar cocoa industry as a truly sustainable industry.
Employees working with Madagascan cocoa farmers to understand their present conditions
In cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), we will further promote actions to eliminate child labour in cocoa-producing areas.
In January 2020, JICA has established the "Platform for Sustainable Cocoa in Developing Countries," and Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. joined this platform in September 2022, with the aim of solving social issues facing the cocoa industry, such as poverty among farmers, deforestation, and child labour. Within the platform, on September 30, 2022, "Action plan to eliminate child labour in the Cocoa Industry" has announced which outlines concrete actions expected from each standpoint with the aim of eliminating child labour. By joining this platform and supporting this action, and in collaboration with Japanese industry associations, food manufacturers, trading companies, consulting companies, NGOs, etc., Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. will accelerate and expand its efforts to eliminate child labour in the cocoa industry.
Sourcing of Palm Oil
Palm oil is a plant-based oil derived from oil palms cultivated in the tropics, and is widely used in the production of processed foods. However, environmentally damaging development has led to deforestation and peatland destruction, as well as human rights issues in palm oil-producing countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
Our Palm Oil Procurement Guideline outlines our support for the NDPE Policy to No Deforestation, No Peat (i.e. no development in peatlands) and No Exploitation. Based on our Meiji Group Procurement Policy, we are committed to working with our business partners to fulfill our corporate social responsibility by engaging in eco-friendly sourcing of palm oil.
| FYE 3/2018 | FYE 3/2019 | FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratio of Certified Palm Oil (%) | 1 | 7 | 21 | 68 | 84 |
Shifting to Certified Palm Oil
Meiji Group joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in 2016. As of October 2022, 19 of our domestic plants, as well as 5 of our overseas plants, hold RSPO supply chain certification.
In FY2021, 84% of the volume of palm oil and palm kernel oil sourced was RSPO certified palm oil physically certified through Mass Balance supply chain model. In the future, we will continue to push for RSPO certification, and also aim to shift entirely to RSPO-certified palm oil by FY2023, with understanding and cooperation of raw material supplier.
Additionally, we are also asking our contractor to which we outsource our manufacturing activities for priority use of RSPO-certified raw materials by asking their understanding and cooperation regarding environmental impacts.
As a member of Consumer Goods Forum's (CGF) Japan Sustainability Local Group (JSLG) we are collecting and sharing information concerning certification systems, as well as issues at palm oil production sites. In 2019, we observed plantations in Malaysia-a major producer of palm oil.
We visited plantations in Malaysia, a palm oil-producing country, twice in FY2019
Confirmation of Palm Oil Traceability
To ensure that deforestation, peatland development and exploitation are not occurring in the palm oil production areas, we are working to confirm the traceability to mill of palm oil.
We have confirmed upstream mills in the supply chain for 75% of the volume of palm oil we sourced in 2nd Half of 2021 (July-December).
Sourcing of Paper
Following the Meiji Group Procurement Policy and the Paper Procurement Guideline, we are working with our suppliers to procure paper raw materials for product and office use in ways that care for human rights and the environment.
| FYE 3/2018 | FYE 3/2019 | FYE 3/2020 | FYE 3/2021 | FYE 3/2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usage rate of FSC®-certified paper, PEFC-certified paper, and post-consumer paper (%)*2 | - | 55 | 60 | 77 | 98 |
*1 Paper used in containers and packaging for products are covered.
*2 Until FYE 3/2021, covers only Meiji Group in Japan（including KM Biologics Co., Ltd. from FYE 3/2020）. From FYE 3/2022, covers all Meiji Group companies.
Expanding Use of Eco-Friendly Paper
We are continuing to expand the use of FSC®* and PEFC-certified paper, as well as post-consumer paper for use in product containers, packaging, printing and copying.
By FY2023, our goal is to use 100% environmentally friendly paper raw materials in the paper we use in containers and packaging of all products. As of FY2021, we have completed 98% of this conversion (100% for all Group entities in Japan). As with product containers and packaging, we are promoting the switch to environmentally friendly paper for various printed materials (company brochures, various reports), office supplies (business cards, envelopes, paper bags, etc.), and sales promotion materials.
Expanding usage of FSC®-certified paper in our mainstay products
We are making use of eco-friendly paper in many of our products, including "Meiji Oishii Gyunyu 900ml,""Kinoko no Yama," and "Takenoko no Sato."
Additionally, Meiji Co., Ltd. obtained COC certification (License number: FSC®-C159538)* for our yogurt and chocolate production processes in October 2020, with the goal of increasing our usage of FSC®-certified paper.
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Link
- FSC®
Sourcing of Raw Milk
We implement sourcing with consideration toward human rights, environment and animal welfare, cooperating with suppliers in accordance with the Meiji Group Procurement Policy and the Raw Milk Procurement Guideline.
As a member of the Global Dairy Platform (GDP) and the Japan National Committee of International Dairy Federation (JIDF), Meiji is working to realize a sustainable dairy industry, and to exhibit the health value of dairy products.
Establishment of policies and guidelines for raw milk procurement
In October 2019, we established the Raw Milk Procurement Guideline, which stipulates dairy cattle nurturing management conscious of the Five Freedoms guiding principles of animal welfare. In September 2021, we established the Meiji Group Farm Animal Welfare Policy to promote the improvement of animal welfare for dairy cattle in terms of nutrition, barn environments, livestock space, and management methods. Here, we will continue to promote industry-wide efforts in cooperation with stakeholders for not only ethical aspects but also the sustainable development of the dairy industry.
Production, Distribution and Quality Assurance
By closely working with dairy farmers, the Meiji Group is supporting stable and high quality milk production in order to deliver our customers delicious and quality milk.
Traceability of raw milk
We ensure 100% traceability of the raw milk we receive. (domestic and overseas Meiji Group consolidated subsidiaries)
Initiatives for stable sourcing of premium quality raw milk
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Production sites
- Check feed and environment for breeding cows
- Hold seminars for the milk producers association on raw milk flavor
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Receiving at plants
- Train taste testers and ensure thorough incoming inspections
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Research laboratory
- Physical and chemical analysis of properties and ingredients for maintaining and improving quality
- Conduct taste assessment and disseminate information
- Technology development for more accurate and quicker inspections
Supporting dairy farm management with Meiji Dairy Advisory (MDA)
MDA is an activity focused on human resource management, aiding the growth of those involved in dairy farms through improving farm operations and enhancing their business management techniques. MDA is a system for establishing a culture based on the lean production method so that farms can continue to achieve their management goals. Meiji staff members work with farms to devise ideas together, adopting an advisory approach where the awareness of the farm staff is used to build better environments and systems. As continuous improvement progresses, this advisory work will shift its position accordingly.
In May 2021, we set a KPI of conducting 400 MDA support activities per year and a cumulative total of at least 2,150 MDAs by FY2023 to support dairy farmer management. We will further strengthen these activities and contribute to the realization of sustainable raw milk production.
<Activities up to now>
Participating dairy farms: 50 farms nationally
Visits to farmers: 1,423
<An Example of MDA Activities>
Held a "Kickoff Meeting" for managers to inform employees of the new year’s targets.
Held a "Foreign Intern Study Group" to help foreign employees acquire necessary skills.
Performed on-site "Improvement Activities" with dairy farmers to check the health condition and feeding behavior of their dairy cows.
Three continuous improvement activities supported by MDA
| Daily | Goal-setting | Structural | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity policy | All members participate in finding and improving problems | Drawing up a vision and promoting continuous improvement improvements | Supporting people's growth in perpetuity |
| Details | 5S activities, standard operating procedure (SOP) creation, whiteboard meetings, etc. | Formulation of philosophy, vision, and management plan, organization of meeting best practices, etc. | Introduction of personnel evaluation system, etc. |
| Activity processes |
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| Achievements | Growth for farm staff | Growth for management, leaders, and successors | Growth for the organization |
First MDA Meeting held
The first MDA Meeting was held on February 2, 2022 to deepen partnerships with dairy farmers. Though we held the meeting, it was held online in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting was attended by approximately 170 people from inside and outside the company, including about 60 people from farms across Japan. Attendees introduced MDA's initiatives and participated in a panel discussion. The MDA meeting was a very meaningful time for dairy farmers to discuss their concerns and help each other find clues to resolve problems they face.
An Example of Activities Pushing for Sustainable Development of the Dairy Farming Industry (Meiji Organic Milk)
Meiji Organic Milk, our special milk product, is certified under Japan Agricultural Standard (JAS) for Organic Agricultural Products. We use only raw milk from cows raised on the basis of organic farming methods at a designated ranch in the town of Tsubetsu, Abashiri District, Hokkaido Prefecture.
Meiji began examining the development of drinking milk that is friendly to both the cows and the environment from 1997. Accordingly, we started developing organic drinking milk in collaboration with dairy farmers in Tsubetsu, where they were practicing environmentally conscious circular dairy farming at the time. After much trial and error, five farmers obtained JAS for Organic Agricultural Products certification in 2006, and we began selling Meiji Organic Milk, our specially prepared drinking milk. The organic farming is the foundation for Meiji Organic Milk; cows are reared with environmentally friendly feedstuffs in a cow friendly environment. The Meiji Group will provide the value of new drinking milk to our customers while supporting dairy farming that is friendly to both the environment and the cows‘ health.
Organic Dairy Farmers Share Their Story
After receiving the proposal from Meiji, and realizing that we should practice environmentally conscious dairy farming, we began working to produce organic drinking milk. We didn‘t have any know-how at the beginning, and we struggled to produce feedstuffs without chemical fertilizers and agricultural chemicals. But now that things are going smoothly, we believe more than ever that organic farming is meaningful. Therefore, we would like to continue our efforts to produce organic drinking milk with Meiji.
And we hope that someday customers will purchase drinking milk because it is made from raw milk produced in a way that is friendly to both the environment and the cows.
Mr. Kenichi Ishikawa and his wife
Chairman, Tsubetsu Organic Dairy Farming Society
Initiatives for Sustainable Sourcing
Stable Supply of Veterinary products
Our presence in veterinary products contributes to the stable supply of safe and reliable livestock, and marine products, as well as improves productivity around the world.