SUSTAINABILITY
Approach to Sustainability
The idea that companies belong to not only their shareholders but also their employees and society has long permeated every aspect of the EKK Group’s management. Given the imperative of taking action toward realizing a sustainable society, including by addressing climate change, we established the Sustainability Committee in April 2021 and have been advancing activities accordingly.
Referencing sustainability guidelines, ESG ratings and other relevant inputs, the committee will discuss and decide on priority ESG issues (materiality) on behalf of the EKK Group and promote business activities that take into account not only economic principles but also societal mores by, for example, developing environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
Additionally, we will expedite development of environmentally friendly products with a focus on environmental preservation and energy efficiency while contributing to attainment of the SDGs through growth in our core businesses.
The Sustainability Committee’s Composition and Activities

The EKK Group’s Priority ESG Issues (Materiality)

FY2022: Important issues (Materiality) | Policy themes | Relevant SDGs | |
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E |
Environmental managementWe conduct environmental preservation activities on an ongoing basis in light of the EKK Group’s seal technologies’ direct contribution to environmental protection and in recognition that our business activities, products and services are inextricably linked with the global environment. |
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S |
Quality assuranceThe EKK Group’s products fulfill important safety functions in the equipment or plants in which they are installed. Through “Eternal Zero” activities to ensure not even a single defective product is ever shipped, we endeavor to ensure the quality of the products and services we provide to society as an utmost priority. |
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Human resource policies based on respect for human dignity“Management that respects human dignity based on commitment and trust” is part of our management philosophy. To put this into practice, we endeavor to create fulfilling workplaces where all employees can give full play to their respective capabilities. We place priority on human resource development with a suite of training programs for everyone from new hires to management. |
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Social contribution activitiesWe carry out activities to benefit local communities on an ongoing basis with the aim of being a locally trusted corporate citizen. We host community events at our sites and sponsor events open to local residents. We also proactively support activities of NPOs and academic organizations and sponsor local sports teams. |
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Occupational health and safetyWe place top priority on employees’ health and safety. We strive to create safe workplace environments conducive to both physical and mental health. Based on a core conviction that safety is not only fundamental to management that respects human dignity but also a personal desire and mission of all Group personnel, we promote occupational health and safety management activities based on the concepts found in ISO 45001 with regard to occupational health and safety management systems. |
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Supply chain managementWe conduct sourcing activities fairly and impartially in accord with policies we have established on doing business with a wide range of partner companies, including manufacturers of product materials, metal parts and resin parts and processing, surface treatment and assembly subcontractors, to enable us to meet product liability and other requirements for the EKK Group’s diverse products. |
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G |
Corporate governanceOur Board of Directors includes three independent outside directors. They occupy two of three seats on the Nominating and Compensation Committee, which advises the Board on important management matters involving nominations and compensation. Additionally, the Board seeks to ensure executive transparency through such means as regular information exchanges between outside directors and outside Audit & Supervisory Board members. |
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Risk managementRisk management becomes increasingly important for a company as its activities become more diverse and globalized. We have accordingly established the Risk Management Subcommittee under the Sustainability Committee and are working to improve risk-preparedness. Additionally, we have organized internal auditing functions across every node in our global footprint and periodically check the state of governance and legal/regulatory compliance at both domestic and overseas nodes. |
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Information securityWith advances in DX in business activities and other factors, information security is growing in importance. Therefore, we are working to strengthen our information security management regime, educate our employees to raise their security awareness and take countermeasures both during emergencies and to address vulnerabilities in our systems. |
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