Group Shared Policy for Suppliers

Ajinomoto Group
Established on : March 1, 2018
Revised on: November 1, 2022

We believe our path to growing sustainably as a global company lies in resolving food and health issues through Ajinomoto Group Shared Value (ASV)—our unchanging commitment, since our founding, to solving social issues and creating economic value through our business activities.

We believe every supplier we trade with—who provide raw materials, products, and services—is an essential partner in creating value and contributing to sustainable societies based on ASV.

It is essential all our suppliers understand our Ajinomoto Group philosophy and ways of thinking, that we work together, meet our corporate social responsibilities, and undertake measures throughout our supply chain to make our societies truly sustainable.
For that reason, we have established the Group Shared Policy for Suppliers (the Policy) and outlined seven expectations we have of our suppliers necessary for fulfilling our corporate social responsibilities and for helping make our societies more sustainable. The scope of application of the Policy is all officers and employees (including regular employees, temporary employees, contracted employees, and franchised dealers) of Ajinomoto Group companies, as well as suppliers, including within your suppliers and contractors which constitute your supply chain. We would request suppliers to understand the purpose of the Policy and actively put efforts into its implementation, including within your suppliers and contractors (their employees, dealers, and upstream supply chain).

We would also request the cooperation of our suppliers in compliance with the Policy and the Guidelines. We also ask for understanding in the event we need to gain further clarification of the level of compliance by undertaking visits and requesting provision of information.

We will request measures be undertaken to remedy any situations when it is confirmed mandatory topics are not being complied with. Moreover, when necessary, the Ajinomoto Group will provide ongoing support to ensure such situations are remedied. We will respond appropriately, including reviewing contracts with suppliers, when such situations are not remedied or there are ongoing serious breaches of compliance.

We kindly ask for your cooperation in complying with the Guidelines, so we can together fulfill our corporate social responsibilities and help make our societies more sustainable.

Suppliers are requested to comply with the statutory and regulatory requirements, and the accepted social norms of those countries and regions in which we operate; and will establish a compliance framework for preventing violation of laws and inappropriate behavior by our company and employees, as well as a response mechanism that can quickly handle problems as they occur.

Suppliers are requested to respect the human rights of all employees, treat employees with dignity, and provide a safe and comfortable work environment without forced labor and child labor.

Suppliers are requested to take all necessary steps to prevent accidents and disasters by maintaining and enhancing the occupational health and safety of employees and all parties engaged in a working capacity.

Suppliers are requested to take all necessary steps to ensure that our products and services meet all the safety standards prescribed under the laws and regulations of each country; at the same time, we will adhere strictly to a policy of quality assurance. Moreover, we will put in place appropriate business continuity plans to ensure the prompt resumption of mainstay activities in the event of unforeseen circumstances, thereby ensuring stable supply.

Suppliers are requested to minimize any detrimental impact on natural environment and ecosystem when manufacturing products by fully taking into consideration the environment. At the same time, we will ensure the health and safety of all individuals. Recognizing the importance of sustainable environmental conservation, we will take all due care throughout our business processes in order to contribute to biodiversity, resource circulation, and environmental conservation while minimizing emission of greenhouse gases.

Suppliers are requested to implement all necessary measures to protect computer systems and networks, put in place appropriate controls to prevent damage to ourselves and other companies, and properly manage and protect personal information pertaining to customers, third parties, and employees, as well as all confidential information in our possession.

Suppliers are requested to voluntarily engage in activities that contribute to the growth and development of the international and local communities.