News

In January 2008, it was announced that Kuraray had been selected for inclusion in the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World for the fourth consecutive year.

In selecting the Global 100, Canadian publisher Corporate Knights Inc. and the American investment research firm Innovest Strategic Value Advisors look for corporations that demonstrate particular excellence in such areas as environmental initiatives, social contribution and corporate governance risk management.

The announcement of this year's Global 100 was made to coincide with the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 held in Davos on January 23. Among this year's Global 100, which included 13 Japanese corporations, 36 including 5 Japanese corporations, were among those selected for the fourth consecutive year.

As early as 1970, Kuraray established a dedicated organization responsible for environmental and safety activities and was quick to focus on reducing its environmental burden. In 1991, Kuraray established the management-level Philanthropy and Environment Committee. Guided by this committee, the Company has implemented a raft of measures geared toward protecting the environment and commenced full-fledged activities that contribute to society. In 2003, the committee was reorganized to form the CSR Committee. This committee has a broad mandate, tackling the crucial issues of corporate ethics, human rights, employment and risk management.

Kuraray's selection as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World is recognition of the Company's balanced environmental, social contribution and corporate governance activities over a lengthy period as well as its commitment to sustainability.