Toray Group Corporate Social ResponsibilityMateriality

I think Toray's keywords going forward should be supply chain and global. Furthermore, the importance of biodiversity conservation and nature positivity is increasing. There are many areas in which Toray Group can contribute through new technologies and products. So the Group should consider the kinds of risks inherent in its supply chain, which risks can be minimized, and which opportunities can be increased through new product development. In addition, it will become increasingly important to consider trade-offs between the key issues.
Next, I think the Group’s current materiality selection process is excellent, including the fact that it uses weighting based on levels of importance. It was a good idea to group together the items selected for analysis and evaluation, and then narrow them down.
It will also be important to provide feedback within the company about the differences between the internal and external perspectives.

I believe that the broad perspectives provided by diverse human resources, including those with various gender identities, nationalities, physical characteristics, and disabilities, will lead to greater corporate growth and respect for human rights. I see this as an important theme along with global environmental conservation.
I also think that the aging and shrinking population is Japan's biggest social issue, while healthy longevity is a global issue. As a leading country facing these problems, Japan is in a position to help solve them.
When it comes to conveying material issues, it is important to use frame these issues in a way that shows Toray Group's awareness of the issues and what it can do to help solve them. I also believe it is important that the term “human rights” be used prominently to express the company's stance. In addition, the process for selecting issues seems to be appropriately transparent and objective. It would also be a good idea to summarize material issues and include detailed information in the explanation.
Next time, the Group might host a conversation that includes representatives of international organizations, NGOs, and consumer groups.

Given the current trend, companies will soon be required to ensure that all workers' human rights are legally protected. This is based on the growing expectations of the international community for responsible corporate behavior. In order for Toray Group's business to remain sustainable, respect for human rights must be viewed as a pertinent matter and included in material issues. To achieve internationally recognized human rights protection, the Group needs to consider the human rights of those working in all positions wherever the company has influence, including the supply chain. This also includes other workplace aspects such as diversity promotion, working environment improvement, and occupational health and safety.
Therefore, I think it is important to clearly explain and provide visuals illustrating how Toray Group manufactures products across its supply chain, and how it identifies and protects vulnerable workers.
I believe that the Group’s selection process was highly objective. Next time, I think it is important to obtain the opinions of government representatives and industry groups to better understand social expectations, and as a global company, to get more input from relevant stakeholders outside Japan.