Materiality of Kuraray Group

Materiality

The Kuraray Group identifies material issues related to us as materiality. The Kuraray Group reviewed its materiality in 2019, for five domains along with specific examples: “improving the natural environment,” “improving the living environment,” “effective use of resources and reduction of environmental impact,” “improving supply chain management,” and “building a ‘company that people can take pride in’.” Furthermore Prior to drafting the Medium-Term Management Plan “PASSION 2026” in 2021, the “reduce, reuse, recycle” initiatives specified in 2019 were combined under the term “Circular Economy.” Contributions to these revised material domains are being incorporated into the business plans of all Group organizations.

Materiality of the Kuraray Group

Linking Materiality with SDGs

In line with the review of materiality, material issues that the Kuraray Group should address have been identified from the terms of the SDGs, as shown below in “Procedure to identify materiality.”
Each material issue has been linked with the SDGs to clarify the relationship. This allows the Group’s sustainability activities to not only address the Group’s material issues but also contribute to achieving the target of the SDGs.

Relationships with stakeholders

Kuraray Group’s activities are established by relationships with many stakeholders including customers and consumers, shareholders and investors, suppliers and partners, employees, local communities, and central and local governments. The Group will further deepen stakeholder engagement to enhance our corporate activities in taking on the resolving materiality.

Involvement with Stakeholders

(In 2020 and 2021, some of the followings were discontinued or methods were changed due to the spread of COVID-19 infection.)
Shareholders and Investors General shareholders meeting, Site tours, Financial results briefings, Kuraray report, Sustainability website
Suppliers and Partners Purchasing activities, Safety councils, Sustainability procurements, etc.
Employees Employee attitude survey, Labor-management consultations, Health and safety councils, Performance review, Internal newsletters, Trainings, Various events, etc.
Local Communities Meetings with local community associations, Plant tours, Chemistry classes for boys and girls, etc.
Central and Local Government, NPOs and NGOs Plant tours, fire fighting training, volunteer activities, etc.
Customers and Consumers Sales activities, Trade shows, Web sites, Questionnaires, etc.