Euglena Group considers its employees (hereinafter referred to as "colleagues"*) to be one of the foundations of sustainable business growth, and will promote management that respects colleagues and all stakeholders involved in the business. *In our group, we refer to our employees as "friends."
Euglena Group Human Rights Declaration
Our group adheres to the Universal Bill of Human Rights (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), International Labor Organization's Fundamentals of Work, etc. We endorse the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the United Nations Declaration on Principles and Rights, and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and promote respect for human rights.
We eliminate all discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, etc. We do not tolerate any harassment. Child labor and forced labor are not permitted. We respect the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. Occupational health and safety is paramount and we ensure the health and safety of workers. We will also work to reduce overwork hours and pay wages above the minimum wage set in each country. We will pursue ways to respect internationally recognized basic human rights even in countries and regions where basic human rights cannot be protected.
Our group's purpose is to "make people and the earth healthy." Recognizing that it is a company's social responsibility to not have a negative impact on children, who will live in the future, we support "Children's Rights and Business Principles" so that children can live a healthy life. We respect children's rights.
Under our group's philosophy of "Sustainability First," we work together as a group to promote respect for human rights and work together with our suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure the health of people and the planet around the world. We will promote business activities with respect.
human capital management
Policy
Our group will continue to grow sustainably with colleagues who share our philosophy and work together to realize our purpose of ``Making people and the planet healthy.'' To this end, we will work to form and develop ``a group of professional human resources who have experience in diverse industries and occupations, are highly specialized, and are committed to results'' who will take on the challenge of non-continuous growth across businesses and divisions. We strive to foster individual diversity, an organizational culture that encourages innovation, and a sense of initiative in solving problems.We create an organization that can overcome unexpected changes in the environment in the VUCA era, and create colleagues to realize management strategies. Let's connect.
Initiatives to enhance the power of individuals and organizations
Enhance the knowledge and skills of your colleagues To help improve the performance of colleagues working in our group, we have created a "Nakama Book" to share the company's vision and policies and to promote understanding of the company among colleagues. In addition, we conduct "Group General Meetings," "Corporate History, Materials, and Organizational Understanding Courses," "Compliance Training," and "Management Training," etc. The total training hours for these training programs in FY2024 were 3,789 hours, and the training hours per person were 14.5 hours.
*Specific training content: Management training, onboarding training, online training on business skills, etc.
Enhance knowledge and skills as a business person We provide self-development (or ability development) training to improve business skills so that employees can play an active role as business people who can be used anywhere.
Creating an organizational culture of mutual growth Operational support for mutual learning study sessions *1 and external guest lectures *2 We are actively implementing the following.
[Main training content and systems]
Category
Content
Main training content
①
Group general meeting
- Held once a year as a place to share group-wide policies and new initiatives, and to recognize colleagues and initiatives.
Onboarding training
・Providing support for newly joined members to gain a deep understanding of the company and its philosophy, and to improve the situation so that it is easy to achieve results quickly.
・According to the recommendation of the second generation CFO, operate a system of setting up two people (parents) to support new colleagues, regardless of age or position, so that new colleagues can get used to the company more quickly and play an active role in their own way.
Compliance training
・Required training on harassment, information security, insider issues, etc. that should be protected as colleagues
Training at promotion
・At the time of promotion, based on the expected role required for each promoted role grade, we will provide support to convey and enhance the required awareness and behavior changes.
・Inform new managers about the roles and duties required of them as managers, and provide support to carry out those roles.
Management training
・Support to formulate organizational policies based on our group's policies, support and develop colleagues, and convey and improve the knowledge, skills, mindset, etc. necessary to improve organizational performance. carried out
New employee training / Follow-up training
・Convey the necessary knowledge, skills, mindset, etc. to change from a student to a member of society, and build a foundation for a good start as a member of society
・Through the three years of working life, we will provide opportunities to reflect on your own growth so that you can be promoted to an appropriate level, and provide support for growth.
Skills training
・Provide skill training on problem-solving, communication, documentation, and accounting (more training will be added from time to time)
②
Support for study groups
・Lectures by external lecturers
・Support for study session management and teaching material costs
③
Support provided through employee benefit points
・Buying books to improve skills, taking courses, and providing financial support for acquiring qualifications
Assistance for company-recommended plans
・Regarding external training, we have set up a “company recommended plan” that can be used with a reduced personal burden.
*1 We provide support for the management of study groups and the cost of teaching materials so that there will be many opportunities and study sessions within the organization where colleagues with common issues can gather and grow through friendly competition while learning from each other. *2 Please see "Related Links" for details.
Engagement survey and utilization We regularly conduct employee engagement surveys to measure the results of our efforts to "create an organization where all employees can grow by empathizing with the company's philosophy and purpose." We visualize the state of the organization with numerical data and thoroughly implement the PDCA cycle to improve the organization by identifying issues.
Challenge back system Colleagues who left the company for reasons such as volunteering, international cooperation activities, obtaining a doctorate or MBA, etc. are allowed to return to work within three years after leaving the company (provided that they have been with the company for at least three years). We call this system the “Challenge Back System,” and it is used to support fellow employees' participation in charitable activities and career advancement.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) management practice
Policy
In order to realize our group's philosophy of "Sustainability First" and grow our business, we must practice DE&I management and not only accept diversity, but also transform diversity into innovation. I think it's important. Under this policy, we will prevent discrimination and harassment, will not tolerate discrimination of any kind in hiring, training, or promotion, and will pay equal wages for equal work for both genders. In order to realize this way of thinking, we have established a system that makes it easy for colleagues from various backgrounds to work, regardless of gender or generation.
Initiatives to improve DE&I management (non-consolidated)
In order to realize DE&I, we have introduced the following system.
Lively work style system Telework allowance, morning/night shift *1, a culture that encourages leaving work on time and taking vacations
*1 Morning shift, in which the start time can be moved up to 2 hours in 30-minute increments, and night shift, in which the start time can be changed to 12:00 noon, depending on the nature of the work (for example, when a business meeting is held outside of business hours due to customer circumstances). We are hiring.
System for child-raising generation Promotion of male childcare leave, nursery school fees, partial support for babysitter service usage fees, early return congratulatory money system, introduction of morning shift (moving up work hours)
respect for one's religion Permission for worship during working hours, etc.
Systems for employees with disabilities Working full-time
Career support for senior personnel Introduction of re-employment system
System for future generations Providing internship opportunities to domestic and foreign students
System for foreigners Setting up a foreign mentor
Nursing care support system Encouraging nursing care leave, promoting individually customized working styles according to individual circumstances (full remote work, relaxing the number of days to work, utilization of the challenge back system for changing employment status, etc.)
mental health system Introduction of an external mental health consultation desk
Data related to DE&I, etc. (single)
Item
2022/12 term
2023/12 term
2024/12
Percentage of women among all employees (full-time employees)
37.6%
37.5%
49.2%
Percentage of women in all management positions *1
20.0%
17.5%
16.3%
Percentage of women taking childcare leave
100%
100%
100%
Rate of childcare leave taken by men *2
60%
85.7%
33.3%
Percentage of employment of people with disabilities *3
2.3%
2.28%
2.40%
Percentage of contract employees / dispatched employees
*1 Managerial positions include section managers and above, excluding directors. *3 The rate of childcare leave taken by men is based on those who took one week or more. *3 Ratio calculations are performed as of June 1st of each year. *4 The numerator is the number of people who left the company during the period, and the denominator is the number at the end of the period. *5 From the fiscal year ending December 2023, associates based on annual income will also be eligible.
Our Group's basic policy is "Safety First." In order to ensure the occupational safety and health of not only our group colleagues, but also our contractual partners, business partners, and all other parties involved in our business, we have established an implementation plan for safety and health activities and strive to continually monitor progress and improve our efforts.
Target
Our group has set a target of zero workplace accidents across the entire group each year.
In order to achieve our goal of zero occupational accidents every year, we have set the following specific initiatives.
Thorough awareness of the Group's basic safety policy
Continued development of occupational safety management activity leaders
Raise safety and health awareness among colleagues
Promotion structure
Based on the above policy, the Group has established a Group Safety and Health Committee, chaired by the Representative Director. The Group Safety and Health Committee requires each base and group company to report on their safety and health activities every six months in order to identify safety risks. The committee also compiles case studies and safety-related activities, and disseminates and shares them among each base and group company. In addition, training sessions on the Industrial Safety and Health Act are held to develop leaders who will be responsible for safety and health activities.
Initiatives
Our group implements safety and health activities at each base and group company in line with their respective business activities. In addition, we use risk checklists to evaluate the workplace environment, education, management systems, etc. related to safety and health. In fiscal 2024, we held six training sessions on occupational safety, with a total of more than 105 participants. Furthermore, we strive to raise safety and health awareness among all group members through measures such as presenting a best practice award and voting for the Group's safety and health slogan at the annual Group General Meeting. In the event of a workplace accident, the safety and health manager at each base and Group company is required to report the accident to the Group Safety and Health Committee using a prescribed form. The Chairperson of the Group Safety and Health Committee may then establish an Accident Investigation Committee to investigate the cause of the workplace accident and develop measures to prevent recurrence. Through these efforts, we strive to prevent accidents by regularly assessing the occupational safety and health risks of existing businesses and making continuous improvements. In addition, we incorporate training on occupational safety and health into the training given to new employees every year when they join the company, in order to deepen understanding and raise awareness.
(Achievements) The number of workplace accidents (accidents resulting in time away from work*) for the past three years (FY2022-FY2024) is as follows:
* This also applies to employees of group companies and partner companies who are absent from work for one day or more due to an accident.
2022: 0
FY2023: 2 projects
2024: 7 projects
With the Group Safety and Health Committee at the helm, we are working to improve the situation by investigating why the accident occurred and considering and implementing measures to prevent recurrence.
Reduction of long working hours
ユーグレナグループは、労働時間や休憩時間、休暇に関する国際基準と現地法令を遵守し、従業員の心身の健康を維持し、モチベーション高く業務に取り組むことができるように、長時間労働を削減し、ワークライフバランスに実現に取り組んでいます。
具体的には、長時間労働者へのアラート発信や、適切な業務分担の確認を行っています。また各拠点に、時間外労働休日労働に関する協定を設置しています。従業員の時間外労働は月ごとにモニタリングを行っています。また、労働環境改善のための対話の場として、各事業所に従業員代表を選出し、労使協定の締結や就業規則の制定及び改定等の際に意見陳述をしています。さらに、バングラデシュ（Grameen euglena）やマレーシア（Euglena Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.）における海外のグループ会社においても、現地法令に基づき、従業員に対して定期的に就業規則説明の説明やモニタリングを実施しています。
Health check/stress check
Every year, we provide health checkups to all employees. The health checkup attendance rate in 2024 was 97.6% (single entity). We also encourage consultations with industrial physicians and re-examinations, and as a company, we strive to improve the health of our employees. We also conduct stress checks and work to improve health. We also have an external consultation desk with counselors, etc.
Thorough assurance of safety, security and quality
Our basic thinking
Our group has established a quality assurance policy to provide fair and honest quality assurance in the supply of products and to ensure the benefit and safety of our customers. We consider one of the greatest objectives of our business activities to be to ensure that our customers can use our products and services safely and with peace of mind, and that they are satisfied.
We will also promote our quality assurance system while making continuous improvements so that we can continue to meet our customers' expectations while striving for accurate and sincere communication.
Example of InitiativesMembership with external organizations
The Japan Health and Nutrition Food Association (JHFA) is a public interest incorporated foundation that certifies and certifies safe, secure, and high-quality health foods, and a general incorporated association that promotes collaboration with various stakeholders to realize a healthy and long-lived society. We are a member of the Health Food Industry Association (JAOHFA).
Example of Initiatives Obtained "FSSC 22000 (food safety) *" certification
In November 2015, Yaeyama Shokusan, a group company that produces and manufactures powdered microalgae Euglena (Japanese name: Midorimushi) and powdered chlorella, obtained the food safety management system "FSSC22000" certification. The production plants of group companies Q'SAI and Epora have also obtained the same certification.
*FSSC 22000: An international certification standard for food safety management approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), established primarily by global food manufacturers and distributors. Based on the ISO 22000 management system standard for food safety, it includes content such as the PAS 220 “Prerequisite Programs on Food Safety for Food Manufacturing,” which is a standard for general hygiene management in food production.
Example of initiatives Acquisition of Halal and Kosher certifications
Ishigakijima Euglena and Yaeyama Chlorella have also obtained halal certification from a Japanese halal certification body (Japan Muslim Association), which is approved by the Malaysian government halal certification body (JAKIM). This has made it possible to deliver Euglena containing cookies that children in Bangladesh can eat with peace of mind.
Related images
Halal certification indicating compliance with Islamic law
*Halal certification: The Islamic religion forbids the consumption of pork and alcohol, and Halal certification refers to the certification mark displayed on the packaging of foodstuffs that have been certified as being processed according to the appropriate methods prescribed by Islam.
In addition, Ishigakijima Euglena and Yaeyama Chlorella produced by Yaeyama Shokusan have acquired Kosher certification *, which proves that they meet Jewish food regulations.
Related images
Kosher certification indicating compliance with Jewish requirements
*Kosher certification: Meaning “appropriate” or “suitable” in Hebrew, “Kosher” refers to items that have been prepared in accordance with Jewish laws (the Torah) pertaining to food.
Initiatives to thoroughly improve the safety and quality of biofuels
Example of Initiatives: Obtaining "ISCC EU *" certification
In September 2021, we obtained the "ISCC EU" certification, which guarantees the sustainability of biomass and recycled raw materials. By complying with ISCC EU requirements and maintaining its certification, we will ensure the sustainability of the biofuels we sell.
*ISCC EU: A sustainability certification system developed with the support of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the German Agency for Renewable Resources. It is widely used by companies around the world as a global certification system to guarantee the following three items regarding biomass and recycled raw materials: - Sustainability in raw material production -Traceability of sustainable raw materials throughout the supply chain ・Confirmation of reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such as CO2
Example of Initiatives Co-creation with customers
Our group listens to the voices of customers who use our products one by one, and works every day to review and improve our products and services. From September 2022, we have set up a special page on Euglena official mail order site "Euglena Online Shop" called "Euglena Created with You" to introduce examples of how we have reflected customer feedback in products and services. The special page features examples of improvements in food, cosmetics, and services, such as efforts to improve the particle size of Euglena for the body for the Body and the creation of a flowchart that allows you to select items that suit your skin from a variety of ``one'' all-in-one cosmetics ``one'' items. . We will continue to place importance on customer feedback and strive to provide products and services based on their requests.
Our group's business is made possible by the support of our many suppliers. Our group recognizes our suppliers as important business partners, and aims to build relationships of trust and grow together with them. We uphold "Sustainability First" as our philosophy and conduct business activities with the purpose of "making people and the earth healthy." To achieve this, we need to share our philosophy with our suppliers and respond to society's expectations throughout the supply chain.
Based on the above recognition, our group will work throughout the entire supply chain to promote responsible procurement that is fair, socially and environmentally friendly, based on human rights and environmental considerations, and in compliance with laws and regulations.
fair and just transactions The selection of business partners is based on the principles of fair, just, and free competition, and is based on fair evaluations from the viewpoints of price, quality, delivery time, stable supply capacity, technological capabilities, reliability, etc.
A cooperative relationship based on mutual trust We uphold the principles of faith and integrity, and strive to build mutually cooperative relationships with our business partners based on the philosophy of coexistence and mutual prosperity. Information obtained through transactions will not be disclosed to third parties without permission.
Compliance with laws and social norms We comply with the laws and regulations of each country and conduct business in accordance with corporate ethics and social norms.
Environmental consideration In order to prevent environmental pollution, preserve the global environment, and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, we ask our business partners to understand Our "environmental philosophy" and take the following initiatives.
Energy saving, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Reduction of water usage
Conservation of biodiversity
Appropriate management of wastewater and exhaust gas and reduction of generated amount
Reduction of waste generation
Sustainable and efficient use of resources
Consideration for human rights In order to be considerate of human rights and contribute to the realization of a healthy society, we ask our business partners to understand Our ``human rights philosophy'' and take the following initiatives.
Eliminate all discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, etc. and do not tolerate harassment
Do not allow child labor or forced labor
Respect freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
Reduce overwork hours and pay more than the minimum wage
Develop a healthy and safe working environment
Pursue ways to respect these internationally recognized basic human rights, even in countries and regions where the above basic human rights are not protected.
Animal experimentation We require that contractors and partners who raise animals or conduct animal experiments comply with animal welfare laws and the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) policy, and only carry out experiments that have been approved by the Animal Experiment Committee and/or Ethics Review Committee.
Initiatives to enhance responsible sourcing
Our group considers sustainable procurement that takes the environment and society into consideration as one of Materiality in order to deliver safe and secure products to our customers for many years to come. To achieve this, our group not only builds a sustainable production system for Ishigakijima Euglena and Yaeyama Chlorella, which are the main raw materials, but also supplies supplies, including packaging materials and printed matter for delivering products. We are promoting initiatives throughout the chain.
partnership declaration
In order to build sustainable relationships with business partners, in December 2022, we announced our "Partnership Building Declaration" in agreement with the purpose of the "Partnership Building Declaration" by the Cabinet Office, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, etc. In order to promote sustainable procurement more effectively, we recognize that collaboration with stakeholders both inside and outside the industry related to raw materials and container manufacturing for food and cosmetics will become increasingly important, and we will continue to promote initiatives going forward. I will continue to do so.
Example of initiatives Environment considerations for printed items and product packages
In order to achieve a sustainable raw material supply, we have changed the paper used for leaflets delivered to customers, the packaging used for promotional materials and shipping boxes to FSC* certified paper, and changed the ink used for promotional materials and shipping boxes. We have a policy of changing to plant-based inks and flexographic inks, and we are moving forward with our efforts.
* FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification: Awarded to the procurement of sustainable and responsibly managed forests and forest products. Consumers purchase products with the FSC® mark. A system to support global forest conservation.
Supporting communities
way of thinking
For our group, which has a philosophy of "Sustainability First" and aims to "make people and the earth healthy," coexistence with the community is essential for carrying out sustainable business activities. I think that it is an element. In particular, we consider young people, who will lead the future, and regions that are deeply involved in business, such as production bases, as important stakeholders and communities, and we will work with young people and local communities in various ways to develop a sustainable society.
Through our engagement with key stakeholders, we hope to increase empathy for the direction and initiatives of Euglena group, increase the number of fans who support Euglena group's business, and strengthen the driving force of our business.
In fiscal 2024, we invested a total of approximately 61.97 million yen in the local community.
Specific initiatives toward coexistence with the community
[Initiatives with future generations]
Bangladesh: Solving the Problem of Poverty
The company was founded with the aim of solving the nutritional problems of children in Bangladesh, and is distributing nutritious cookies containing the microalgae Euglena to children free of charge. It began as the "Euglena GENKI Program" in April 2014. The total number of cookies distributed has exceeded 19.5 million (as of the end of December 2024, cumulative total since April 2014). So far, we have received feedback from school teachers and parents saying things like, "My child is getting sick less often," and "I've started going to school because of the cookies." Learn more
Japan: On-site classes for future generations
As a company that advocates "Sustainability First," we provide on-site classes on sustainability for children who will lead the next generation. By creating opportunities for children to learn and experience sustainability, we aim to encourage as many children as possible to change their awareness and behavior and realize a sustainable society. Until now, Our researchers have visited schools in Ishigaki Island, where we are based, to conduct environmental education and science experiment classes. * Starting in 2024, we have evolved this initiative to not only conduct science experiment classes, but also design social problem-solving classes together with the Future Generation Advisory Board and conduct them for future generations across Japan. In 2024, we set a goal of providing experiential lessons to 3,000 children, and actually provided lessons to 3,002 future generations. In addition, starting in 2024, we will begin accepting company visits from future generations, and have accepted 645 students.
*This program has been held since 2012 and has been completed by 2,626 future generations so far. We have received feedback that it was a good opportunity to learn that euglena, a familiar organism, can be useful in solving environmental problems.
[Specific initiatives]
Held in collaboration with other companies
Held by Euglena in direct collaboration with schools
Parent-child experiment class at Our office
[Efforts with local communities]
Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture: Coexistence with the local community
For Euglena Group, which has its production base on Ishigaki Island, Ishigaki Island is an irreplaceable hometown. Through business activities and collaboration with the local community, we will realize further development of the local economy and create sustainable and healthy lives for the people living on the islands surrounded by rich nature.
[Specific initiatives]
Naming rights for “Euglena” We have acquired the naming rights (facility naming rights) of Japan's southernmost shopping district on Ishigaki Island, and have been operating it as "Euglena Mall" since March 14, 2010, working on regional revitalization and regional development activities.
Naming rights of "Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal" With the acquisition of naming rights, the remote island terminal, which is the land gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, was renamed "Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal" in April 2018. The "Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal" is used by many tourists from Japan, Taiwan, China, etc., and is an important lifeline for residents of the Yaeyama area, with more than 2 million people using it annually. I have. Through the acquisition of naming rights, we are working on regional development activities in the Yaeyama area and improving services for terminal users.
Introduction of school lunches at Ishigakijima Elementary School School lunch menu for June 2024 "Euglena Minaminu Pork Salad Noodles"With the aim of promoting children's health and nutritional education, menu items containing "Ishigaki Island Euglena and Chlorella" have been adopted for school lunches at elementary and junior high schools on Ishigaki Island from June 2024. Menu items such as "Euglena Minami-nu Pork Salad Noodles," an adaptation of the popular Okinawa cold noodle dish, and "Euglena Furikake," an easy-to-consume nutritious dish, are popular among children. Starting in September, the product will also be available on Iriomote Island and other parts of the Yaeyama Islands, and will continue as a sustainable initiative of local production and consumption.
Factory tour at Yaeyama Shokusan Yaeyama Shokusan office building
Yaeyama Shokusan, the manufacturing base of Euglena Group, offers factory tours for the general public. We hope to help local residents and tourists visiting Ishigaki Island learn about the potential of algae and the charm of Ishigaki Island, which will lead to the development of the local economy.
Bangladesh: Creating local jobs
Bangladesh has had a deep connection with our company since its founding, and we continue to conduct business there today. In Bangladesh, the economic gap between urban and rural areas is widening, and improving the income of small-scale farmers is one of the social issues. In addition, the Rohingya, an Islamic minority group living in Myanmar, have faced numerous discrimination and persecutions as "illegal immigrants," and many Rohingya have abandoned their country and fled to neighboring Bangladesh as refugees, making humanitarian support for refugee camps a major issue. In order to resolve the social issues faced by small-scale farmers and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, we have taken the lead in implementing the following projects:
We expanded the number of contracted farmers for the cultivation of agricultural products, including mung beans, from 2,000 in 2020 to 6,500 in 2023. Through our second business partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), we ensured a stable supply of food (mung beans) to Rohingya refugee camps, supplying 185 tons of mung beans in 2022. In 2023, we carried out support activities to create jobs for Bangladeshi residents living around the refugee camps through the operation of a mung bean processing plant.
In order to improve the productivity of local agricultural products and reduce costs, we plan to provide technical guidance on cultivation, sorting and processing, as well as invest in equipment, thereby providing long-term, ongoing support to local farmers with the aim of helping them become self-sufficient.
In addition, we have signed memorandums of understanding on business collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) twice, from 2019 to 2021 and from 2022 to 2023, to support the improvement of livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Bangladesh and provide food assistance to Rohingya refugees. This is the first time that a Japanese company has undertaken such an initiative.
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Naming rights of "Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal"
