Procurement Guidelines
The Alfresa Group’s Procurement Guidelines
Among the Alfresa Group's Principles, Our Philosophy and the Basic Sustainability Policy both state that “we create and deliver a fresh life for all.” Making this pledge a reality requires that we pursue sustainability initiatives encompassing the environment, society, and governance across the supply chain. We have formulated the Alfresa Group's Procurement Guidelines based on this approach. The guidelines set out the principles that we would like all suppliers involved in the supply chain for the group's business to comply with. We ask our suppliers to endorse the Guidelines and to cooperate with us.
1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations, and Respect for International Norms
We comply with the applicable laws and regulations of each country or region where we engage in business. Also, we carry out procurement activities with integrity in order to gain trust from the international community, following international norms such as the United Nations International Bill of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the United Nations Global Compact.
2. Respect for Human Rights and Occupational Health and Safety
2-1. Prohibition of Inhumane Treatment
We strive to ensure that the human rights of all people are respected and that inhumane treatment, including violence, harassment, discrimination, and prejudice, does not occur.
2-2. Consideration of Working Hours
We manage the working hours and holidays of employees and comply with the maximum working hours stipulated by law.
2-3. Appropriate Wages
We give due consideration to payment of wages at a level that enables employees to adequately afford the necessities of life.
2-4. Prohibition of Child Labor, Consideration for Young Workers
We do not allow employment of children below the minimum employment age stipulated by laws and regulations or the employment of young workers in late night work or dangerous work.
2-5. Prohibition of Forced Labor
We do not allow forced labor or bonded labor which goes against the will of the employee.
2-6. Freedom of Association, Right to Collective Bargaining
We ensure the right of employees to organize to engage in labor-management consultations on areas such as the working environment and wage levels.
2-7. Occupational Health and Safety
We identify and assess risks to workplace safety, take appropriate safety measures, and provide guidance to workers. We also provide appropriate health management and improve the working environment to enable workers to engage in work with good mental and physical health.
2-8. Preparation for Emergencies
In preparation for emergencies, such as large-scale disasters, we estimate the probability of occurrence and extent of damage and install the necessary equipment to adequately ensure the safety of employees, as well as providing employees with education and drills so that they can take the appropriate action in the event of a disaster.
2-9. Prohibition of Procurement of Conflict Minerals
We do not procure conflict minerals* that threaten human rights.
* Conflict minerals are minerals produced in areas where conflicts cause human rights violations and environmental destruction, potentially funding armed groups or terrorist organizations.
3. Quality, Safety, Cost, and Supply of Products and Services
3-1. Ensuring the Quality of Products and Services
We establish management systems for the safety and quality of products and services in order to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and quality that meets customer requirements.
3-2. Ensuring the Safety of Products and Services
We provide products and services that meet the safety standards stipulated by laws and regulations and ensure an adequate level of safety.
3-3. Providing a Stable Supply of Products and Services at a Reasonable Price
We provide a stable and continuous supply of products and services at a reasonable price so that customers and users can obtain the quantity of products or the services they require when needed.
3-4. Providing Accurate Information on Products and Services
We provide and manage the information that customers and users should know about products and services in a manner that is timely, accurate, and not misleading.
4. Fair Transactions
4-1. Conducting Fair Transactions
We maintain equitable relationships as partners with respect for each other and engage in fair transactions as stipulated by laws and regulations, regardless of our position as a buyer or seller.
4-2. Prohibition of Providing or Receiving Unjust or Improper Benefits
We do not engage in transactions that involve providing or receiving bribes or other unjust or improper benefits.
5. Proper Information Management
5-1. Preventing Leakage of Procurement-Related Information
We manage information related to the group's procurement activities to prevent leakage of confidential information as well as alteration, loss, and damage of information.
5-2. Information Security
We implement and manage adequate protective measures against computer and online threats.
5-3. Preventing Leakage of Personal Information
We comply with laws and regulations on personal information and manage such information to prevent leakage.
6. Consideration for the Environment
6-1. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
We engage in continuous efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on international scientific evidence.
6-2. Conserving the Natural Environment
We clarify the impact and dependency on natural ecosystems of our businesses, strive to reduce burden, and restore natural ecosystems.
6-3. Atmospheric Emissions
We strive to reduce atmospheric emissions of hazardous substances.
6-4. Water Management
We monitor the source, use, and discharge of the water we use and strive to conserve water. We also monitor and treat wastewater appropriately in accordance with laws and regulations.
6-5. Effective Use of Resources and Reduction of Waste
We work to procure raw materials with low environmental impact and products that are environmentally friendly. We also strive to use resources effectively and reduce waste.
6-6. Management of Hazardous Substances
We appropriately store, use, and dispose of hazardous substances that pose a danger to the human body and the environment in accordance with laws and regulations.
7. Governance, Risk Management, and Information Disclosure
7-1. Establishment of Governance System for Sustainability Initiatives
The company's top management oversees sustainability initiatives and establishes and operates a system to promote initiatives appropriately.
7-2. Sustainability-Related Risk Management
We identify risks related to sustainability and establish and operate management mechanisms and systems to respond appropriately to such risks.
7-3. Appropriate Information Disclosure
When needed, we request partners to disclose information on business activities, organizational structure, financial position, business performance, and sustainability initiatives in a timely and appropriate manner.
8. Establishment of Compliance Consulting and Reporting Offices
We have contact points and a system in place for employees and related parties to consult and report any violations of laws and regulations, misconduct, or potential violations or misconduct. We also rigorously maintain the confidentiality of those who consult and report and ensure that they are not disadvantaged.
Established: April 28, 2025
Alfresa Holdings Corporation
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