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Sustainability
Six Material Issues to Achieve Sustainable Growth with Society
We introduce the material issues that the Sumitomo Corporation Group addresses with priority to achieve sustainable growth with society.
The basis for the Sumitomo Corporation Group’s operations can be found in Sumitomo’s Business Philosophy, which has formed the foundation for Sumitomo’s sustainable development over the course of 400 years. One of the credos of this philosophy states: “Benefit for self and others, private and public interests are one and the same.” We interpret this credo advocates Sumitomo’s business activities must benefit not only Sumitomo, but also society around us to achieve sustainable growth together.
This credo has been incorporated into Sumitomo Corporation Group’s Corporate Mission Statement. Guided by our Corporate Mission Statement, we have continued to conduct our business activities with the aim of being a global organization that constantly stays a step ahead in dealing with change, creates new value, and contributes broadly to society.
To achieve sustainable growth into the future through the resolution of social issues , in 2017, we have identified our Material Issues that we should address by leveraging our strengths in line with Sumitomo’s Business Philosophy and Sumitomo Corporation Group’s Corporate Mission Statement. In 2024, discussions with stakeholders—both within and outside the Group—were conducted over the course of approximately one year from the perspective of value creation, with consideration also given to the further aggravation of social issues such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity, the Group’s strengths, and expectations from stakeholders. The Material Issues were merged and updated.
The Material Issues are a medium- to long- term commitment that goes one step further toward addressing key social challenges that the Group must undertake. The Group will achieve sustainable growth through addressing the social challenges.
Build resilient and prosperous society
We create a virtuous circle in which all people can enjoy physically and mentally enriched lives, and we can grow and develop together with local communities by stepping ahead in dealing with the needs of people in various countries and regions.
Overcome climate change
We work together with stakeholders to decarbonize society and promote the realization of a carbon-neutral and resilient society, while taking into consideration the characteristics of the respective industry and region.
Preserve and regenerate natural capital
To achieve a world living in harmony with nature, we avoid or minimize the impact on natural capital caused by our business activities and go beyond preservation to also pursue regeneration and effective use of natural capital through the building of a circular economy and other measures.
Respect human rights
Striving to respect the human rights of every stakeholder involved in our supply chain is the foundation of all corporate activities. We work to identify and to prevent or mitigate any adverse impact on human rights, as well as to ensure the safety and security of our stakeholders.
Develop talent and promote DE&I
We recognize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) as the core enabler for value creation, innovation and competitiveness. In order to create new value and innovation by allowing our diverse personnel to fully exercise their abilities in a variety of fields, we will promote the development and empowerment of human resources, which represent our most important management capital.
Maintain and strengthen governance
We will develop an autonomous Group management system that responds to changes in the business environment with agility, and maintain and strengthen our efficient, sound, and transparent governance system.
Sustainable Supply Chain Action Policy
Enacted November 2009
Revised November 2013
Revised July 2026
Based on the “Sumitomo Business Philosophy” and our Management Principles, the Sumitomo Corporation Group regards contributing to the sustainable development of society through sound business activities as our fundamental mission. Our Group conducts business activities in accordance with international standards regarding human rights and other matters, including the “International Bill of Human Rights,” the International Labour Organization (ILO) “Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,” the United Nations “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,” and the “Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.”
As a general trading company conducting diverse business operations globally and maintaining diverse supply chains, in order to build sustainable supply chains together with our business partners and suppliers, our Group seeks their endorsement, understanding, and implementation of the matters set forth below. We will fulfill our social responsibilities by working with our business partners and suppliers to engage in dialogue and consultation with stakeholders for identifying and addressing issues within the relevant supply chains.
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1Respect for Human Rights
Under our Human Rights Policy, our Group is committed to respecting human rights, avoiding causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts through our own activities, and seeking not to contribute to adverse human rights impacts through our supply chains. Specifically, our Group respects fundamental labor rights, ensures reasonable working hours and sufficient rest periods, and ensures appropriate payment of a living wage. Our Group also prohibits discrimination, violence, and harassment, and does not tolerate involuntary labor, such as forced or child labor. Our Group respects freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, and strives to provide a safe, hygienic, and healthy working environment. Our Group also takes into consideration the safety and rights to land and territories of local residents and indigenous peoples.
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2Environmental Considerations
Our Group recognizes environmental challenges such as climate change (including the measurement and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions), biodiversity, the efficient use of resources and energy, water resource conservation, and pollution prevention, and we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and preserving the global environment.
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3Ensuring Quality and Safety
Our Group ensures the quality and safety of the products and services we provide, earning the peace of mind and trust of our stakeholders.
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4Fair Trade and Anti-Corruption
Our Group complies with applicable laws and regulations as well as international standards, and strictly upholds fair business practices. We prevent all forms of corruption, including bribery and extortion.
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5Ensuring Information Security
Our Group properly manages the information we handle and strives to ensure information security and protect privacy and personal information.
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6Coexistence with Local Communities
As a member of the local communities where we conduct our businesses, our Group values dialogue with these communities and contributes to their sustainable development.
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7Information Disclosure
Our Group will regularly disclose appropriate information regarding our initiatives related to this Policy.
Furthermore, where adverse human rights, environmental, or other impacts, including conduct inconsistent with this Policy, are identified within our supply chains, we will request remediation by our business partners and suppliers through dialogue with them and in accordance with internationally recognized human rights and other relevant standards, and request that they develop and implement corrective action plans aimed at addressing such impacts as necessary. If, despite ongoing engagement, guidance, and support to the extent of our Group’s leverage, in accordance with internationally recognized human rights and other relevant standards, we determine that such impacts would not be sufficiently addressed, we will consider appropriate measures, including the temporary suspension or review of business transactions.
*In this Policy, “Sumitomo Corporation Group” and “our Group” refer to Sumitomo Corporation on a non-consolidated basis and our consolidated subsidiaries.
With regard to equity-method affiliates, we will endeavor to ensure that they understand and implement the objectives of this Policy to the extent of our leverage.
Human Rights Policy
Enacted May 2020
Revised July 2026
The Sumitomo Corporation Group, grounded in the “Sumitomo Business Philosophy,” places respect for human rights at the core of our management. We regard respect for human rights as a critical management issue essential to realizing a sustainable society and enhancing our Group’s corporate value, and we uphold this principle in all aspects of our business activities.
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1Scope of Application
Sumitomo Corporation, as the entity bearing ultimate responsibility for the formulation and implementation of this Policy, will share this Policy with our Group companies and strive to ensure that all of our Group officers and employees fulfill their responsibilities to respect human rights.
Furthermore, our Group will ask our business partners and suppliers to endorse, understand, and implement this Policy, and we will encourage stakeholders throughout our supply chains to work with us to fulfill our shared social responsibilities, including respect for human rights.
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2Compliance with Applicable Laws and Respect for International Standards
Our Group respects international human rights standards, including the “International Bill of Human Rights,” the International Labour Organization (ILO) “Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,” the United Nations “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,” and the “Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.” We conduct our business activities, including those outlined in Sections 3 through 10, in accordance with these principles.
Furthermore, our Group complies with the laws and regulations of the relevant countries and regions in all of our business activities. Where there is a conflict between internationally recognized human rights and the laws of a particular country, our Group will seek ways to respect international human rights standards.
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3Key Human Rights Issues Related to Business Activities
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(1) Appropriate Wages and Working Hours
Our Group complies with applicable laws and regulations as well as international standards, and strives to ensure appropriate payment of a living wage and sufficient rest periods.
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(2) Safe, Hygienic, and Healthy Work Environment
Our Group provides a safe, hygienic, and healthy work environment and strives to prevent workplace accidents and occupational diseases. Through appropriate risk management, education, and continuous improvement, we aim to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of our employees.
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(3) Discrimination, Violence, and Harassment
Our Group prohibits all forms of discrimination, violence, and harassment, and ensures equal opportunities and fair treatment. We also respect the individuality and diversity of each person and strive to create an inclusive workplace environment based on dignity and respect.
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(4) Forced and Child Labor
Our Group prohibits all forms of involuntary labor, including forced labor, human trafficking, and debt bondage. We do not tolerate child labor, and we implement protective measures for young workers with due consideration for their safety, health, and educational opportunities.
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(5) Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining
Our Group respects the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining for employees.
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(6) Rights of People Affected by Our Business Activities
Our Group respects the fundamental human rights of local residents, indigenous peoples, and employees affected by our business activities. In particular, we place great importance on the traditional lifestyles of indigenous peoples and their free, prior, and informed consent.
Furthermore, we recognize the legitimacy of human rights defenders’ activities and do not tolerate threats, harassment, unjust restrictions, or retaliation. We strive to ensure a safe and open environment for dialogue.
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(7) Respect for Privacy and Personal Information
Our Group respects privacy as a fundamental right and complies with applicable laws and international standards in the collection, use, and management of personal information. We strive to prevent unauthorized access, leaks, and inappropriate use.
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(8) Technology and Human Rights
Our Group places great importance on human rights considerations in the development and use of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI). We strive to eliminate discriminatory biases, ensure fairness, transparency, and explainability, and maintain human final judgment and involvement.
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(9) Environment and Human Rights
Recognizing that the global environment may have a negative impact on human rights, our Group is committed to preventing and mitigating adverse impacts on people’s health and livelihoods through business activities that take into account climate change, biodiversity, water resources, and other environmental factors.
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4Human Rights Due Diligence
Through our human rights due diligence initiatives, our Group will identify any adverse human rights impacts that we have caused or contributed to, or those directly related to our Group’s businesses, products, or services through business relationships or other means, and strive to prevent or mitigate them. In conflict-affected and high-risk areas, we recognize that the risk of human rights violations increases and conduct enhanced due diligence in accordance with international standards.
If it becomes clear that our Group’s activities have caused or contributed to adverse human rights impacts, we will strive to remedy them by taking appropriate measures. Furthermore, where our Group’s businesses, products, or services are directly linked to adverse human rights impacts through business relationships or other means, we will take appropriate action to prevent or mitigate such impacts.
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5Dialogue and Consultation with Stakeholders
Our Group is committed to sincerely working to strengthen and continuously improve our efforts to respect human rights through two-way dialogue and consultation with stakeholders related to our business activities, including workers, indigenous peoples, local communities, and civil society organizations.
In such dialogue, we will ensure a safe environment free from retaliation and disadvantageous treatment, while prioritizing the perspectives of each stakeholder and implementing comprehensive and transparent responses that take account of language, culture, social standing, and other relevant factors.
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6Remedies and Redress
If it becomes clear that our Group has caused or contributed to adverse human rights impacts, we will work toward remediation and redress through appropriate processes.
Furthermore, even beyond direct contractual relationships, we will strive to bring about improvements by exercising our leverage whenever our business activities are directly related.
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7Grievance Mechanism
To identify and address adverse human rights impacts related to our business activities and supply chains, our Group will establish an effective reporting and grievance mechanism in accordance with Principle 31 of the United Nations “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”
We will make this mechanism available to all potentially affected stakeholders, ensure anonymity and safety, and take measures to prevent retaliation and adverse treatment.
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8Internal Awareness
Our Group will promote appropriate awareness-raising activities for our officers and employees to ensure that this Policy is understood and effectively implemented.
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9Information Disclosure
Our Group will regularly disclose appropriate information regarding our initiatives to respect human rights and the progress made in this regard.
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10Governance
This Policy was submitted for discussion and approved by the Management Council and the Board of Directors of Sumitomo Corporation. The Corporate Officer in charge of sustainability initiatives is responsible for overseeing compliance with and implementation of this Policy.
Furthermore, under the responsibility of Sumitomo Corporation, this Policy will be reviewed periodically in accordance with prescribed procedures, taking into account applicable laws and regulations, international standards, and changes in the business environment, and revised as necessary.
*In this Policy, “Sumitomo Corporation Group” and “our Group” refer to Sumitomo Corporation on a non-consolidated basis and our consolidated subsidiaries.
With regard to equity-method affiliates, we will endeavor to ensure that they understand and implement the objectives of this Policy to the extent of our leverage.
Sumitomo Corporation Group Environmental Policy
Basic Policy
The Sumitomo Corporation Group recognizes that environmental issues are global in scale and that they are long-range concerns affecting future generations. As a global organization, the Sumitomo Corporation Group, through sound business activities, will strive to achieve sustainable development aimed at both social and economic progress and environmental preservation.
Basic Guidelines
In pursuing its diversified business activities both within Japan and overseas, the Sumitomo Corporation Group shall comply with the following guidelines, and, through cooperation between its Group companies, work to achieve the aims of its environmental Basic Policy.
1Basic stance with regard to the environment
To place great importance on protecting the global environment as a good corporate citizen in accordance with the Sumitomo Corporation's Activity Guidelines.
2Compliance with environmental legislation
To strictly observe legislation related to environmental matters not only in Japan but also overseas, and to abide by any agreements made.
3Caring for the natural environment
To place great importance on preserving the environment, including the natural ecosystem and biodiversity.
4Response to climate change
To place great importance on mitigating climate change and adapting to its impact.
5Efficient use of resources and energy
To be mindful of the finite availability of resources and energy and strive to use them both efficiently and effectively.
6Contributing to the building of a recycling-oriented society
To endeavor to help build a recycling-oriented society by reducing waste and reusing and recycling resources.
7Promotion of businesses that contribute to environmental preservation
To utilize our integrated corporate strength to promote businesses and projects, which contribute to environmental preservation and reduction of the impact of society on the natural environment.
8Establishment of environmental management
To use an environmental management system to prevent environmental pollution and set environmental objectives and targets which are regularly reviewed and continuously upgraded.
9Disclosure of the environmental policy
To communicate this Environmental Policy to all people who are working for or on behalf of the Sumitomo Corporation Group, as well as disclosing it externally.
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