Respect for Human Rights

Based on the Group’s corporate philosophy, “TechnoAmenity: Providing prosperity and comfort to people and society, with our unique technology,” the Nippon Shokubai Group aims to realize a sustainable society by solving social issues through business activities. The people involved in Group business activities are the foundation of the sustainable growth of society and the Group. It is important to respect their human rights.
In order to respect the human rights of everyone whose human rights may be directly or indirectly affected by Group business activities, the Group is promoting efforts to respect human rights by establishing this “Basic Policy on Human Rights” (hereinafter referred to as the “Policy”) to supplement our Code of Conduct and other guidelines from the perspective of respect for human rights, and to further clarify our approach to respect for human rights.

The Nippon Shokubai Group considers respect for human rights to be important and supports the 10 Principles of the United Nations Global Compact. Within these initiatives, the Group shall respect human rights in line with human rights norms such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Bill of Human Rights (consisting of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.(*) We shall comply with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate.
If there is a discrepancy between internationally recognized human rights principles and the laws and regulations of each country in the occurrence of human rights violations, we will operate with respect for internationally recognized human rights principles to the greatest extent possible.
We are also committed not to tolerate or be complicit in threats, intimidation, or attacks against human rights defenders, and to work with these defenders to create a safe and effective environment for civil action and dialog and respect for human rights at the local, national, and international levels.
(*) Includes support and respect for core labor standards such as the prohibition of child labor, prohibition of forced labor, elimination of discrimination, recognition of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, and principles of occupational health and safety.

The Nippon Shokubai Group will fulfill its responsibility to respect human rights by ensuring that there is no infringement on the human rights of all people involved in Group business activities, and by taking appropriate corrective measures in the case of any adverse impacts on human rights that may arise from Group business activities.

This Policy shall apply to all business activities of the Nippon Shokubai Group, and all directors and employees shall comply with this Policy. It is also expected that our suppliers and business partners will understand and commit to respecting all human rights described in this Policy in order to more widely implement activities based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
This Policy includes respect for the human rights of all business partners; when suppliers, business partners, or other related parties are associated with an adverse impact on human rights, the Group willrequire these suppliers, business partners, and/or related parties to respect and not violate human rights in accordance with this Policy.

Human rights issues to be addressed by the Nippon Shokubai Group as defined by international norms and human rights issues considered to be particularly important are listed below. These human rights issues shall be appropriately reviewed from time to time based on changes in Group business and social conditions. We expect our suppliers and business partners also to make a commitment to respect human rights on all issues described herein.

The Nippon Shokubai Group shall establish a human rights due diligence system to be incorporated as a required process in business activities. The system shall be implemented on an ongoing basis.

In the process of implementing this Policy, the Nippon Shokubai Group will utilize independent, external human rights expertise and will engage in sincere dialog and consultation with rights holders and related stakeholders.

The Nippon Shokubai Group will continually provide appropriate education to directors, employees and others to ensure that a correct understanding of this Policy is disseminated internally and externally, and that it is effectively implemented. We also expect our suppliers and business partners to provide their workers with appropriate education on human rights and to support their efforts when necessary.

If it is found that the business activities of the Nippon Shokubai Group have directly caused an adverse impact on human rights, or if it is found that the Nippon Shokubai Group is involved, is suspected of being involved, or is contributing to such an impact through its business partners, we will make remedial efforts through dialog and appropriate procedures in accordance with international norms.
In addition, we will maintain reporting desks for internal and external access to remedies required for this purpose, and continuously evaluate the effectiveness of corrective and remedial measures.

The Nippon Shokubai Group will clearly identify the officer in charge of the implementation of this Policy and supervise its implementation.

The Nippon Shokubai Group will disclose the progress and results of its initiatives on respect for human rights on the Company website and in other media.

Enacted March 2022
Revised July 1, 2024