Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Compliance
• Safety and Quality
• Environmental Consideration
• Social Contribution Activities through Food
• Employee Support

Environmental Achievements

• CO2 emissions reduced by 15.7% compared to 1990 levels (3-year target)
• 99% recycling rate maintained
• Final disposal rate reduced by 0.02% compared to 2007
• Fuel conversion from LPG and heavy oil to gas in major factories completed

Social Achievements

• Launched "Spice College" for food retailers and customers (128 sessions, 3632 participants)
• Developed and implemented a new method for detecting shrimp and crab allergens, adopted as a national testing method
• Participated in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' "Food Education Advanced Model Demonstration Project"
• Supported the "Children's Yamakasa Workshop"

Governance Achievements

• Established a CSR Promotion Office in April 2008
• Implemented a new internal control system to ensure the reliability of financial reporting
• Established a group-wide compliance system based on the "House Foods Group Compliance Code of Conduct"

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Increased waste due to increased product variety changes
• Maintaining customer trust in the face of food safety incidents
• Globalization challenges

Mitigation Strategies

• Developed a unique waste reduction method and device, achieving nearly 99% volume reduction (patent pending)
• Strengthened quality assurance systems and established a new structure
• Improved communication with stakeholders and addressed customer concerns promptly

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: 529 suppliers audited, 510 met company standards

Responsible Procurement

• Green procurement guidelines
• Collaboration with suppliers on quality improvement and defect prevention

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines 2006, Ministry of the Environment's Environmental Reporting Guidelines (2007 edition)

Certifications: ISO 14001

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Environmentally friendly packaging
• Products using locally sourced ingredients

Awards & Recognition

• Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director's Award for energy management achievements

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Customer Satisfaction
• Quality Assurance
• Environmental Sustainability
• Corporate Governance
• Compliance
• Social Contribution
• Human Resources

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced CO2 emissions by 3% in factories (compared to 2010)
• Reduced CO2 emissions by 8% in logistics (compared to 2010)
• Achieved 33.5% modal shift (slightly below the 34% target)
• Various initiatives in packaging reduction and recycling (e.g., thinner trays, smaller packages, recycled materials)
• ISO 14001 certification obtained by multiple group companies

Social Achievements

• Implemented various initiatives to improve employee well-being and work-life balance (e.g., self-care workshops, childcare support, flexible work arrangements)
• Conducted “Hajimete Cooking” classes for children since 1996, and “Spice College” since 2006, reaching approximately 25,000 participants by 2011.
• Established grievance mechanisms (helpline)

Governance Achievements

• Established a robust corporate governance structure, including a board of directors and audit committee.
• Implemented a comprehensive compliance program, including training, self-checks, and a helpline.
• No compliance violations were reported in 2011.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Increased waste in factories due to improved quality control (2011)
• Increased waste due to the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011)
• Modal shift target not fully achieved (2011)

Mitigation Strategies

• Continuous improvement efforts in waste reduction and recycling across factories and offices.
• Improved waste management practices.
• Continued efforts to improve modal shift rate.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement

• Green procurement guidelines
• Strict criteria for selecting raw materials (safety, hygiene, sustainability)

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Not disclosed

Transition Risks

• Not disclosed

Opportunities

• Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI G3, Japanese Ministry of the Environment's Environmental Reporting Guidelines (2012)

Certifications: ISO 14001 (multiple group companies)

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Various initiatives in packaging reduction and recycling (e.g., thinner trays, smaller packages, recycled materials)
• Products designed for energy-efficient cooking

Awards & Recognition

• Economic Industry Minister's Award (2011, Japan Packaging Contest)
• WorldStar Award (2011, World Packaging Organisation)

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Safety and security of products and services
• Employee well-being and diversity
• Environmental sustainability
• Community engagement
• Corporate governance

Environmental Achievements

• Developed earth-friendly bottles using biomass materials, reducing petroleum-derived resin use.
• Eliminated shrink labels, reducing film usage by approximately 13 tons annually.
• Enabled microwave cooking for certain curry products, reducing CO2 emissions by about 80%.

Social Achievements

• Established a dedicated Human Resources Development Department to promote diversity and inclusion.
• Launched a "Career Design Management Learning Session" for supervisors and female employees to foster mutual understanding and career development.
• Started donating products to the Second Harvest Japan food bank.

Governance Achievements

• Increased the number of outside directors to two in 2016.
• Established a Remuneration Advisory Committee in 2017.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Increasing CO2 emissions and water usage due to increased production volume.
• Need to further improve diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Addressing challenges in the logistics environment, including truck driver shortages and rising costs.

Mitigation Strategies

• Setting long-term environmental goals for 2030 to reduce CO2 emissions, waste, and water usage.
• Implementing various initiatives to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
• Establishing joint ventures for logistics in Hokkaido and Kyushu areas to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Fair and ethical sourcing practices
• Collaboration with suppliers on sustainability initiatives

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, ISO 26000

Certifications: ISO 14001

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 13: Climate Action

The report highlights how various initiatives contribute to these SDGs.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Earth-friendly bottles
• Microwaveable curry pouches

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Environmental
• Social
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• CO2 emissions intensity reduction target of -25% by FY2030 (compared to 2013 levels)
• Waste reduction intensity target of -16.5% by FY2030 (compared to 2013 levels)
• Water consumption intensity reduction target of -8.5% by FY2030 (compared to 2013 levels)
• Product waste reduction rate of 46% in FY2017 (compared to FY2013 levels)
• Recycling rate of 95.5% in FY2017

Social Achievements

• Launched House Way activities to promote shared values and employee development
• Implemented various initiatives for a society of healthy longevity, including dietary education and health solutions
• Implemented work style reforms to improve productivity and promote diversity
• Initiatives for family ties, including workplace visits by families

Governance Achievements

• Shifted to a holding company structure in 2013
• Established the House Foods Group Innovation Fund in 2017 to collaborate with external companies
• Established an organ for the promotion of work style reforms with participation from 14 domestic companies

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Maturation of the domestic market
• Increasing uncertainty of the international situation
• Decrease in the productive population in Japan
• Increase in burdens related to childcare and nursing care
• Requirement to correct long working hours
• Mobility of human resources
• Food loss in Japan (6.46 million tons per year)

Mitigation Strategies

• Set long-term environmental goals for CO2 emissions, waste, and water consumption by FY2030
• Implemented work style reforms, including expansion of flextime, teleworking, and objective management of working hours
• Initiatives to reduce food loss, including improved demand forecasting and reuse of food waste
• Donation of products to food banks
• Promoting sustainable procurement, including sustainable palm oil and paper resources

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Sustainable palm oil procurement
• Use of FSC®-certified paper
• Regular visits to spice suppliers

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI’s Sustainability Reporting Standards, ISO 26000

Certifications: ISO 14001:2015

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption
• Goal 13: Climate Action

The company's initiatives contribute to these goals through its food business, environmental efforts, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Tokutei Genzairyo 7 Hinmoku Fushiyou Series (products without seven specific ingredients)
• Yosan-mai (folic acid rice)

Awards & Recognition

• Award of encouragement in the 26th Food Safety, Security and Environment Contribution Award (Malony Co., Ltd.)

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Environmental
• Social
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced CO2 emissions by -25% (2030 target, compared to 2013)
• Reduced waste by -16.5% (2030 target, compared to 2013)
• Achieved 95.5% recycling rate in 2017

Social Achievements

• Launched "House Food and Agriculture and Environment Experience Class" and "First Cooking" classes for food education
• Developed "Folic Acid Rice" in collaboration with Joshi Eiyo University
• Participated in the "Sakado City Folic Acid Project"

Governance Achievements

• Established the House Foods Group Innovation Fund
• Implemented QUIC (Quality Up by Initiative of Customers) program
• Established a working style reform promotion organization with 14 domestic companies

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Climate change
• Waste reduction
• Sustainable procurement
• Decreasing working-age population
• Changes in employment environment and increasing social demands

Mitigation Strategies

• Set long-term environmental goals for CO2 emissions, waste, and water usage by 2030
• Focus on reducing food loss
• Promoting sustainable procurement of palm oil and paper resources
• Implementing working style reforms and attracting diverse talent
• Promoting diversity and inclusion

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Regular visits to spice suppliers

Responsible Procurement

• Sustainable palm oil sourcing
• FSC-certified paper usage
• Prioritizing sustainable spice production

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Climate change

Transition Risks

• Not disclosed

Opportunities

• Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, ISO 26000

Certifications: ISO 14001

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 13: Climate Action

Initiatives contribute to these goals through food education, health solutions, waste reduction, and environmental protection.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Not disclosed

Awards & Recognition

• Food Safety, Security, and Environmental Contribution Award (Encouragement Award)

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Environmental
• Social
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced CO2 emissions per unit of production
• Reduced waste per unit of production
• Reduced water usage per unit of production
• 99%+ complete switch to FSC® certified paper (House Foods Corporation)

Social Achievements

• Recognized as a 2019 Certified Health and Productivity Management Organization (White 500)
• Launched Ajitsuki Curry Powder Vermont Curry Taste to address needs of dual-income households
• Initiated collaborative initiative on food allergies (Project A)
• Implemented workstyle reforms, including expansion of monthly planned work, introduction of teleworking, and reduction of prescribed working hours
• Increased number of male employees taking childcare leave
• Initiated “Professional Commendation System — the Greatness of the Frontline —”

Governance Achievements

• Abolished takeover defense measures
• Established the Compensation Advisory Committee
• Reviewed operation of Group quality assurance meetings and the Group CSR Committee

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Mature market with growing tendency for people to eat out or buy ready-to-eat food
• Deceleration of consumption
• Tight production capacity in the US tofu market
• Rapid changes in distribution and consumption structures in China
• Excise tax revision in Thailand
• Difficult environment for the Restaurant Business (securing human resources, consumption tax increase)
• Labor shortages in the logistics industry
• Increasingly difficult environment for the Restaurant Business (securing human resources, increase in consumption tax)
• Rising prices of ingredients and mounting investment expenses in plant renewal in the Restaurant Business
• Social issue of food loss
• Reduction of plastic waste

Mitigation Strategies

• Reforming revenue structure model by growing retort pouched product business and increasing B to B businesses
• Establishing a new production line at the Kanto Plant
• Implementing GOT initiatives in procurement, production, and B to B
• Expanding production capacity in the US, China, and ASEAN
• Improving QSC (Quality, Service, Cleanliness) in the Restaurant Business
• Developing new menu items (spice curry, low-carb curry)
• Implementing promotions to increase restaurant visits
• Launching F-LINE Corporation for sustainable food logistics
• Changing best-before date display to year/month
• Considering extending best-before dates
• Developing environmental investment standards to achieve environmental targets for 2030
• Using plant factory vegetables to reduce water usage and waste

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Sustainable procurement-friendly raw materials
• FSC® certified paper

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Short Time axis Long Cut-out curry bread (without seven specified allergenic items)

Awards & Recognition

• A ESG rating by MSCI INC.
• Inclusion in the MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index
• Inclusion in the SNAM Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years
• Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Healthy Life Through Foods
• Environmental Sustainability
• Employee Well-being
• Social Responsibility
• Diversity and Inclusion

Environmental Achievements

• CO2 reduction target of 25% by 2030 (compared to 2013 levels)
• Waste reduction target of 16.5% by 2023 (compared to 2013 levels)
• Joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
• Working towards using FSC®-certified paper

Social Achievements

• Implementation of work style reforms (flextime, teleworking, objective working hour management)
• Initiatives to achieve diversity (greater participation by women, hiring persons with disabilities, personnel exchanges)
• Support for the Kodomo Shokudo (Children’s Cafeteria) Project

Governance Achievements

• Establishment of environmental investment standards based on independent carbon pricing
• Implementation of 'One Day a Week' initiative for R&D
• Launch of Ba EXPO for information sharing and new business creation
• Establishment of the House Foods Group Innovation Fund (CVC)

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Need for significant progress on replacing production facilities with more environmentally friendly ones
• Addressing issues such as eating meals alone and poverty
• Information sharing among expanding Group companies
• Maintaining current core businesses in a changing market

Mitigation Strategies

• Established environmental investment standards and approach to step up capital investments in environment-related facilities
• Exploring approaches to address eating alone and poverty, including support for the Kodomo Shokudo Project
• Launched Ba EXPO as a platform for information sharing and new business creation
• Shifting strategic direction from “selection and concentration” to “becoming a high quality company” focusing on value chain and R&D

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Sustainable palm oil procurement
• FSC®-certified paper usage

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI’s Sustainability Reporting Standards, ISO 26000, Environmental Reporting Guidelines 2012 by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2 Zero Hunger
• Goal 3 Good Health and Well-being
• Goal 5 Gender Equality
• Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 13 Climate Action

The report mentions the company's aim to contribute to the SDGs through its three responsibilities and initiatives.

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Climate change
• Resource recycling

Environmental Achievements

• Began operating the “Total Energy Services for Multiple Sites” in April 2024, reducing CO2 emissions by 16% at target sites compared to FY2022.
• Reduced CO2 emissions by 16% in total volume compared to the baseline year (FY2013).

Social Achievements

• Launched a project entitled “C-vitt, Together to Create Health and Happiness for Thai Children” in 2022.
• Introduced a self-check support program for employees in Japan in October 2020 to balance work and care provision.

Governance Achievements

• Transitioned from a Group with a Board of Auditors to a Group with an Audit & Supervisory Committee in June 2021.
• Introduced an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board of Directors in FY2022.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Soaring raw material costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the situation in Ukraine.
• Difficulty in communicating with operating companies with different business models.
• Overstocking issues.
• Challenges in expanding production capacity and customer contact points in Spice VCs.
• Challenges in coordinating business development, R&D, and human resource development in Value-added Vegetables VC.

Mitigation Strategies

• Implemented reforms to profit and loss structure and strengthened expansion in Southeast Asia in Functional Ingredients VC.
• Established House Foods Group Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. to allocate resources to growth areas.
• Welcomed Keystone Natural Holdings, LLC into the Group and expanded production capacity at House Foods America Corporation in Soybean VC.
• Established a “Spice VC Procurement and Production Strategic Headquarters” to unify procurement and production strategy functions.
• Established a “Spice VC New Value Creation Division” to enhance cooperation and improve upstream literacy.
• Promoting collaborative creation efforts across the entire Soybean VC and focusing on synergies.
• Working with collaborative creation partners to create new value in Value-added Vegetables VC.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: 82% coverage based on procurement amount in FY2023

Responsible Procurement

• Sedex membership
• RSPO certification for palm oil

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Extreme weather events

Transition Risks

• Regulatory changes, market shifts

Opportunities

• Development of energy-efficient products

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: IFRS Foundation’s “The Integrated Reporting Framework”,, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Guidance for Integrated Corporate Disclosure and Company-investor Dialogues for Collaborative Value Creation”

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• New roux packaging in Indonesia without plastic tray
• Vermont Curry tray with plant-derived materials

Awards & Recognition

• JSBBA Award for Achievement in Technological Research (March 2024)