Approach to Sustainability
OPTEX GROUP has from the beginning built its business on expertise in sensing technology, with the aim of contributing to industry and the creation of a safe, secure and comfortable society. We have been aiming to become the “No. 1 global niche” sensor manufacturer by expanding our work to remove “negatives” from various negativities such as anxieties, discomforts and inconveniences (不安 “fuan”, 不快 “fukai” and 不便 “fuben”) that exist in the world (“Futoru” (=negatives “fu” eliminating) business).
We are confident that we will be able to contribute to solving environmental and social issues by continuing to promote this “negatives eliminating business,” while at the same time harnessing this to expand each business and enhance our corporate value.
Based on this, the Group has formulated the following basic sustainability policy, with the aim of contributing to the sustainable development of society and enhancing the corporate value by promoting activities based on this policy.
Basic Sustainability Policy
- We will strengthen relationships with all stakeholders and contribute to the sustainable growth of society.
- We aim to achieve recycling-oriented business management through the supply of environmentally friendly products.
- We aim to achieve sustainable growth and development of each Group company by improving employee engagement.
Sustainable Procurement Policy
The OPTEX Group will strive to be fair and impartial in all its procurement activities, and will treat its suppliers as business partners, complying with laws and regulations, fulfilling contracts, and conducting business in a rational manner to earn the trust of all stakeholders.
We would like to ask our business partners to understand the purpose of this policy and cooperate in related efforts.
This policy is provided in both Japanese and English to ensure understanding among suppliers worldwide.
Sustainable Procurement Policy
1. Basic approach
The OPTEX Group will strive to be fair and impartial in all its procurement activities, and will treat its suppliers as business partners, complying with laws and regulations, fulfilling contracts, and conducting business in a rational manner to earn the trust of all stakeholders.
We would like to ask our business partners to understand the purpose of this policy and cooperate in related efforts.
2. Scope of Application
This policy applies to all suppliers worldwide.
3. Compliance with laws and regulations
We will comply with the laws, regulations and rules of the relevant countries concerning procurement activities, and act appropriately in accordance with the OPTEX Group Basic Sustainability Policy, the OPTEX Group Code of Conduct, and other applicable internal standards.
4. Fair and impartial transactions
We will comply with domestic and international laws, regulations, and international guidelines concerning procurement activities, and provide all suppliers with opportunities in fair and free competition by conducting fair transactions with suppliers on an equal footing.
5. Consideration of the environment
In our procurement activities, we recognize the impact on the following environmental factors and strive to minimize and improve negative impacts.
- Impact on climate change (CO2/GHG emissions): We will work to reduce our impact on climate change by identifying and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Water Use: We will make appropriate use of water resources and give consideration to water-stressed areas.
- Impacts on biodiversity: We will avoid or minimize negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Pollution Prevention: We will implement appropriate controls to prevent pollution to air, water, and soil.
- Waste reduction: We will promote waste reduction and recycling by devising packaging, using reusable shipping containers, and selecting appropriate industrial waste disposal companies.
- Resource Use: We will make efficient and sustainable use of natural resources.
6. Consideration for Human Rights and Working Environment
We will respect internationally recognized human rights such as those listed in the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labor Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and implement responsible procurement based on the OPTEX Group Human Rights Policy, which includes the following items.
The status of implementation of this initiative will be regularly disclosed in the “Statement on the UK Modern Slavery Act” and other documents published on the OPTEX Group website.
- Prohibition of child labor
- Prohibition of forced or compulsory labor
- Prohibiting discrimination (race, nationality, sex, age, religion, disability, etc.)
- Respecting freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
- Reducing excessive working hours
- Maintaining an appropriate compensation structure in consideration of laws and regulations regarding minimum wages and living wages
- Ensuring a healthy and safe working environment
7. Appropriate information management
We will observe confidentiality obligations with respect to confidential and personal information obtained through procurement activities.
8. Ensuring quality and safety
Together with our business partners, we will strive to maintain and improve the quality and safety of our products and services in order to provide valuable products and services.
9. Our matters of focus in our relationships with our business partners in accordance with social demands
- Sound business conditions and capability to make continuous transactions
- Clear management philosophy and management policy
- A clear policy on environmental issues and sufficient consideration to them
- Proactiveness in the disclosure of information
- Measures in place to address the risks
- Efforts for human resource development
- An internal system in place to ensure compliance with confidentiality agreements
- Compliance with laws, regulations, ordinances, and other legal requirements, as well as internal and external norms and codes of ethics
- Adequate consideration given to human rights issues
- Adequate consideration given to the working environment.
- Proactiveness in contributing to society.
- Activities for aiming to offer market-competitive prices
- Efforts to maintain superior quality and to make constant technological improvement and environmentally conscious development.
- Adequate systems for safety
- Unfailing fulfillment of deadlines