Approaches to ESG & SDGs
In order to contribute to a sustainable society and to increase our corporate value, our company has positioned initiatives for ESG and SDGs as a key issue for our company management.
Message from the President
Under the Uyemura Group slogan of “Growing together with 
,”our aims are to grow and prosper together with our stakeholders and to be a company that is able to contribute to society.
In our particular business domain of the plating industry, environmental pollution has become a global challenge. Since the 2000s, environmental regulations have been established one after the other, including the European Union’s ELV (end-of-life vehicles) Directive, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive, and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive, which restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. At Uyemura, we have continued to engage in the development of products and technologies in response to these various environmental regulations. We have also undertaken environmental assessments of each stage of our business, from the manufacture of our products to their transport and disposal, and pursued measures aimed at mitigating their burden on the environment. Making the most of our strengths as a technology-intensive company, we will continue to be proactive in our approach to the mitigation of environmental problems through the development of products that are free of hazardous chemicals, the extension of the life cycle of our products, and the improvement of resource recycling efficiency.
Further, in our response to globalization, instead of merely pursuing profits, we strive to realize sustainable growth and development while responding to changes in the business management environment, by ensuring the diversity of our people and taking maximum advantage of the individual character and abilities of each and every one of our employees. We are also engaged in the development of workplace environments that will enable all Group employees to work energetically.
Positioning approaches to the SDGs as a key challenge of management, we will continue to fulfill our contributions to a sustainable society.
What are the SDGs?
Approaches to ESG & SDGs
Development and expansion of sales of environmentallyfriendly products and technologies
| ESG Field | （E） |
| Association with SDGs |    |
| Specific measures | State of Progress | Results at Achievement | Target date | Achievement rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop and expand sales of hazardous chemical-free products (free from cyanide, lead, formalin, etc.) | We set an ISO 14001 target and continue to expand sales of environmentally friendly eco-friendly products, launching three products in FY2021. | Reduction of environmental impact | 2025 | 66% |
| Extend the life of chemicals | Implemented in a timely manner for products where customers requested it. | Improvement of the quality of the Company’s products | 2025 | 48% |
| Electroless Ni recovery system | The demonstration equipment for the electroless Ni recovery system is introduced. | Reduction of environmental impact | 2022 | 100% |
| Collection and recycling of precious metals | Au, Pd and Pt recycled from waste liquid continue to be used. | Reduction of environmental impact | Achieved | 100% |
| Initiatives to reduce chemical substance emissions | Currently implementing initiatives for chemical plants under ISO14001. | Cost reductions by suppressing long-term inventories and defective inventories | Achieved | 100% |
| Report the usage of properly controlled chemical substances | The aggregate results are reported in ISO internal and external audits. Product information in line with customer needs and which leads to environmental improvement is provided. | Reduction of environmental impact | 2025 | 70% |
that will lead to the development of society
and improvement of the environment
| ESG Field | （E） （S） |
| Association with SDGs |   |
| Specific measures | State of Progress | Results at Achievement | Target date | Achievement rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry out the development and delivery of products that will lead to the development of society and improvement of the environment through development-focused corporate activities | The development itself is carried out by the Research and Development Division, and the collection of information leading to the development is carried out by the Sales Division and Technical Department, and expansion of sales of the completed products is handled by those divisions. | Reduction of environmentally hazardous substances | 2030 | 70% |
| - Provide plating solution and suggest surface treatment technology required by clean technology for eco-friendly vehicles, etc. | The commercialization of environmental vehicles and other clean technologies is in sight. We commenced sales of 18 products in fiscal year 2020 and 12 products in fiscal year 2021 with the development of chemical solutions for electronics parts such as printed circuit boards and wafers. We provide global customer support. | Greater efficiency of electric vehicle motor power, Reduction of congestion, Prevention of traffic accidents | 2030 | 73% |
| - Development of chemicals suitable for autonomous driving and nursing robots | Improvement of production efficiency | 2030 | 63% | |
| - Full automation of wafer equipment | Development is ongoing with the goal of full automation with PLP (Panel Level Packaging) equipment. We are supporting affiliates and customer bases overseas. | Improvement of production efficiency | 2030 | 60% |
| - Suggest remote maintenance, predictive maintenance and the like of plating equipment | Cooperation with suppliers, end-users, as well as non-competitive material manufacturers, experimental material manufacturers, measurement equipment manufacturers, etc.
Several PR projects are ongoing in collaboration with industry, government and academia. - As for the remote maintenance of plating equipment, customer awareness is changing, and an increasing number of customers are adopting the method. (Hirakata Machinery Plant) - As for suggestions on predictive maintenance and the like, requests were received from end users, and they are mainly adopted in the substrate field. (Hirakata Machinery Plant) | Improvement of the quality of the Company’s products, Improvement of production efficiency | 2030 | 65% |
| - Strengthen activities in collaboration with suppliers and industry, government and academia | Initiatives are being carried out for plating only. Initiatives are being carried out in collaboration with suppliers, industry, government and academia, in respect to the development of Ni recovery systems and the process of plating on new materials, as well as development targeting the fields with no sales under the circumstances. | Regional revitalization and invigoration | Achieved | 100% |
| - Initiatives in new fields | Initiatives are being carried out for plating only. Initiatives are being carried out in collaboration with suppliers, industry, government and academia, in respect to the development of Ni recovery systems and the process of plating on new materials, as well as development targeting the fields with no sales under the circumstances. | Strengthening of the Company’s product lineup | 2030 | 70% |
| ESG Field | （S） |
| Association with SDGs |  |
| Specific measures | State of Progress | Results at Achievement | Target date | Achievement rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automation of factory process from order receipt to shipment | March 2026 | 40% | ||
| - Introduction of the IoT to production equipment for automatic production | We are planning for this in factory reconstruction. We are planning to include this in the plan for chemical factory reconstruction. | Improvement of production efficiency, Reduction of personnel | March 2026 | 37% |
| - Introduction of robots for automation | We are planning for this in factory reconstruction. We are planning to include this in the plan for chemical factory reconstruction. | Improvement of production efficiency, Reduction of personnel | March 2026 | 40% |
| - Search for technology to automate QC | We are planning for this in factory reconstruction. We are planning to include this in the plan for chemical factory reconstruction. | Improvement of production efficiency, Reduction of personnel | March 2026 | 40% |
| - Simultaneous and high-speed connection of multiple devices using 5G communication | We are planning for this in factory reconstruction. We are planning to include this in the plan for chemical factory reconstruction. | Improvement of production efficiency, Reduction of personnel | March 2026 | 30% |
| - Communication with Machinery Manufacturing Group regarding technology and information | We are planning for this in factory reconstruction. We are planning to include this in the plan for chemical factory reconstruction. | Improvement of production efficiency, Reduction of personnel | March 2026 | 43% |
| - Introduction of AI to order reception, inventory management and production planning | Currently ongoing. In February 2021, we introduced a system to stamp the product name on plastic cans. | Improvement of production efficiency, Reduction of personnel | March 2024 | 47% |
| - Introduce a control system for tracking the history from the reception of raw materials to shipment | Being prepared for introduction to the new plant. | Reduction of mistakes, Improvement of work efficiency | March 2026 | 50% |
and respect for human rights
| ESG Field | （S） （G） |
| Association with SDGs |      |
| Specific measures | State of Progress | Results at Achievement | Target date | Achievement rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eliminate discrimination in management positions based on gender and nationality | We are promoting women directors and managers. On March 18, 2021, our action plan for general employers, based on the Action Plan for Promoting Women’s Participation and Advancement in the Workplace, was posted on the company's website. Non-Japanese nationals is working in management position (Tokyo Sales Branch) | Eliminate gender and nationality discrimination | Achieved | 100% |
| Education for harassment prevention using Rakuraku Test-kun | A person in charge of dealing with harassment is assigned to each business site. Prevention education using the e-learning system is conducted every week. | Prevention of harassment | Achieved | 100% |
| No conflict minerals are used (conflict free) | Being checked by Quality Assurance Group and Purchasing Group. The goal has been achieved for conventional materials. | International contributions | Achieved | 100% |
| Enhance the awareness of compliance by establishing the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct, ensure understanding through continuous employee education and implement initiatives to promote awareness | Monthly meetings are held at Corporate Management Division for managers to study the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct and Credo, and small study meetings for group members are held to promote understanding and spread of the Code of Conduct and Credo after the monthly meetings. | Legal compliance, Prevention of accidental incidents | 2025 | 95% |
| Child labor and forced labor are prohibited by the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct | We are engaged in awareness-building activities through meetings to study the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct and Credo. | Legal compliance, Prevention of accidental incidents | Achieved | 100% |
| Thoroughly implement corporate ethics and specify anti-corruption measures with the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct | We are engaged in awareness-building activities through meetings to study the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct and Credo. | Legal compliance, Prevention of accidental incidents | Achieved | 100% |
| - Prevent all forms of corruption, bribery and fraud (strengthening internal audits) | Business processes and the like are continuously reviewed. | Legal compliance, Prevention of accidental incidents | Achieved | 100% |
| - Prohibit insider trading | The board meetings point out what might be considered insider information. We are engaged in awareness-building activities through meetings to study the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct and Credo. | Legal compliance, Prevention of accidental incidents | Achieved | 100% |
| - No ties with antisocial forces | We are engaged in awareness-building activities through meetings to study the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct and Credo. | Legal compliance, Prevention of accidental incidents | Achieved | 100% |
| Establish a whistle-blowing system and protection of whistle-blowers | An internal reporting system (hotline system) has been established and is operated through the Legal and Intellectual Property Department as a means for employees to directly provide information on violations of laws and regulations and other questionable actions related to CSR promotion. The Whistleblowing Procedures clearly state that the disadvantageous treatment of whistleblowers is prohibited. | Prevention of serious incidents | Achieved | 100% |
| Internal control activities | We are implementing initiatives to achieve the internal control goals and fulfill our social responsibilities through collaboration with related companies and divisions. | Legal compliance, Suppression of crime | Achieved | 100% |
| Create opportunities for dialogue with investors and shareholders through active information disclosure | 100% | |||
| - Timely disclosure of information on our website | The information was conventionally disclosed semiannually, but it is done on a quarterly basis now. | Detailed information disclosure to shareholders and investors | Achieved | 100% |
| - Annual general meeting of shareholders | Held once a year | Building of good relationships with shareholders and investors, Improvement of corporate value | Achieved | 100% |
| - Hold financial result briefing sessions | Held every 6 months | Building of good relationships with shareholders and investors, Improvement of corporate value | Achieved | 100% |
| - Individual IR activities | In addition to individual IR activities, we also participate in small meetings held by securities companies | Building of good relationships with shareholders and investors, Improvement of corporate value | Achieved | 100% |
| ESG Field | （E） （S） |
| Association with SDGs |     |
| Specific measures | State of Progress | Results at Achievement | Target date | Achievement rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooperation in blood donation activities | Blood donation is done at the Hirakata Plant. | Social contributions | 2023 | 88% |
| Donation of emergency food to food banks | Emergency food is donated to food banks when emergency food is replaced (before expiration). | Social contributions | Achieved | 100% |
| Red Feather Community Chest (UNICEF, etc. to be considered in the future) | Donations are made to the Japanese Red Cross Society every year. We received an award from the Japanese Red Cross Society in 2021. | Social contributions | Achieved | 100% |
| Donation of photo news to local schools (around the Hirakata Plant) | Donation of photo news (Sankei Advertising) to a local school (Ikaga Elementary School near the Hirakata Plant) | Contributions to local society, Build good relationships with the regions | Achieved | 100% |
| Cooperating with local activities (Goryo Shrine, Sukunahikona Shrine, etc.) | We continue to participate in community activities. We also help collect money. | Contributions to local society | Achieved | 100% |
| Cooperation in rescue and support to local residents in the event of natural disasters (provision of temporary storage space) | Specific measures are being considered. | Contributions to local society | Ongoing | 73% |
| Publish UYEMURA TECHNICAL REPORTS on the Web (provision of technical information, paperless) | Publication of UYEMURA TECHNICAL REPORTS on paper was discontinued in October 2021, and subsequent technical reports are digitized and published on the website. | Reduction of paper consumption (complete elimination of paper resources for UYEMURA TECHNICAL REPORTS) | Achieved | 100% |
| ESG Field | （E） |
| Association with SDGs |  |
| Specific measures | State of Progress | Results at Achievement | Target date | Achievement rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promote the introduction of ecological company vehicles (HVs, EVs) | We promote leasing hybrid vehicles. As of February 2022, 29 in-house vehicles (3 company-owned vehicles and 26 leased vehicles) consist of 19 hybrid vehicles, 8 gasoline vehicles and 2 diesel vehicles. | Reduction of gasoline costs, Reduction of CO2 emissions | 2027 | 78% |
| Promote the introduction of delivery trucks equipped with an exhaust emission purification system (urea SCR system) | 5 out of 12 vehicles are AdBlue vehicles. All vehicles will be AdBlue vehicles by 2030, changing 2 leased vehicles to AdBlue and clean vehicles. | Cleaning of exhaust gas | 2030 | 45% |
| Improve the delivery efficiency | Efficiency has been improving, through consideration and promotion of the direct delivery of products that we handle and reduction of delivery count. | Reduction of CO2 emissions | 2025 | 40% |
| Implementation of cool biz and warm biz | We are currently implementing the opportunity for each employee to choose their clothes within the parameters of the dress code. | Reduction of electricity use, Reduction of CO2 emissions | Achieved | 100% |
| Environmentally friendly buildings with rooftop and walls covered with greenery | The rooftops of all company buildings are covered with greenery. | Reduction of electricity use, Reduction of CO2 emissions | 2030 | 84% |
| Installation of solar power generation equipment and installation of an air circulation system at the Central Research Laboratory | Solar power generation equipment has been installed on the rooftop of the Chemical Plant and the Central Research Laboratory. New equipment has yet to be installed. | Reduction of electricity use, Reduction of CO2 emissions | 2027 | 67% |
| Introduction of a human sensor in lighting and promotion of LED | We are promoting LED lighting throughout the company. | Reduction of electricity use, Reduction of CO2 emissions | 2025 | 87% |
| Introduction of energy-saving equipment | We are planning to introduce EcoCute for business use. | Reduction of CO2 emissions | 2030 | 35% |
| Reduction of fossil fuel consumption | We plan to work on this as a target for fiscal 2022. Reduce consumption by introducing ecological company vehicles. | Reduction of gasoline costs, Reduction of CO2 emissions | 2027 | 73% |
| Support companies that develop renewable energy | Actively cooperating with customers for their development projects. The efficiency of the baking furnace was improved. We use top runner equipment, etc. | Reduction of CO2 emissions | 2025 | 52% |
| Suppression of fossil fuel consumption by reviewing transportation methods | Switchover from truck transportation to (hybrid trucks, electric trucks, railroads) | Reduction of CO2 emissions, Reduction of exhaust gas | 2028 | 25% |
| ESG Field | （E） |
| Association with SDGs |  |
| Specific measures | State of Progress | Results at Achievement | Target date | Achievement rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion of the paperless office concept (use business cards and envelopes made of environmentally friendly materials) | Implementation of the paperless office concept for materials for board meetings, requests for approval, requests for vacation, applications for charge-free shipping and the like. (Not yet implemented for materials for business cards and envelopes) | Reduction of deforestation, Cost reductions | 2030 | 75% |
| Elimination of PET bottle beverages from vending machines (inside the company) (exclude from the lineup), and promotion of the use of paper cups (discontinuation of the use of hazardous plastic products) | Under consideration together with vendors and manufacturers. | Reduction of environmental impact | 2035 | 54% |
| Adoption of chemical returnable containers | Ongoing. Reduce waste containers by using domestic returnable containers that can be used many times. | Reduction of resource waste, Reduction of CO2 emissions | 2026 | 55% |
| Promote the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) | Until 2019, the amount of waste decreased due to the effect of 3R, but the amount increased slightly from 2020. Recycling activities are ongoing by collecting containers. | Cost reductions, Reduction of environmental impact | 2024 | 70% |
| - Specially controlled industrial waste | Led by the Environmental Control Group. Ongoing implementation. | Cost reductions, Reduction of environmental impact | Achieved | 100% |
| - Other industrial waste | Led by the Environmental Control Group. Ongoing implementation. | Reduction of deforestation | Achieved | 100% |
| - Waste from general office work | Led by the Environmental Control Group. Ongoing implementation. | Reduction of deforestation | Achieved | 100% |
| In-house wastewater and exhaust management (water quality improvement, water consumption quantity monitoring) | Currently implementing initiatives for the reduction of waste from Chemical Plant under ISO14001. Wastewater is monitored by the Environmental Control Group and environmental measurement is carried out by the Administration Department. We comply with laws and regulations for chemical plants based on ISO14001. Wastewater is monitored by Environmental Control Group. The drainage tank and large lines at the Central Research Laboratory are equipped with electrical conductivity systems so that wastewater of a certain level is not transferred to the wastewater building. Monitoring is not done, but the quantity has been reduced by reminding workers Implementation of improvement work for equipment to be disposed of | Reduction of water use | Achieved | 100% |
| Instruct the customers and suggest appropriate equipment to customers, in respect to waste liquid and wastewater treatment methods | Suggestions are made when visiting customers or responding to new inquiries. | Reduction of environmental impact | 2025 | 55% |
| Reduction of plating equipment washing water, expansion of the use of heat pumps, replacement of air cylinders with electric cylinders, recovery and reuse of waste heat, and use of parts made of PP | - Plating equipment is designed with the intention of reducing washing water, since customers also want to reduce do so. - Regarding the expansion of the use of heat pumps, we only introduce them to customers (no adoption due to cost performance. There are issues regarding costs) - As for the use of PP parts, some parts are used in Wafer UBM equipment, etc., but there are many problems such as the difficulty of welding. - As for the replacement of air cylinders with electric cylinders, conductive actuators are increasingly being used. - Recovery and reuse of waste heat - As for the use of PP products, temperature control brackets and level gauge brackets are being changed to those made of PP, but they have yet to be standardized. | Reduction of water use, Reduction of CO2 emissions, Reduction of environmental impact | 2035 | 48% |
| Closed in-house treatment liquid | Continuation of the closed system for treatment liquid in the laboratory | Cost reductions, Reduction of environmental impact | Achieved | 100% |
| Suppression of power consumption and water use in the manufacture of plating chemicals | Reduction of chiller power and cooling water through the introduction of liquid caustic, introduction of automatic drum washers | Reduction of CO2 emissions, Reduction of water use | 2026 | 25% |
| Introduction of rainwater utilization system | Use of rainwater in planting, etc. | Cost reductions, Reduction of water use | 2035 | 40% |
| ESG Field | （G） |
| Association with SDGs | |
| Specific measures | State of Progress | Results at Achievement | Target date | Achievement rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiatives for the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) | BCP measures against COVID-19 are being implemented | 100% | ||
| - Insert flexible sections in piping to ensure earthquake-resistance | Installation of seismic isolators, generators, and flood prevention equipment was carried out. | Continuation of production activities at times of disaster | Achieved | 100% |
| - Prevent the falling of products in multi-story warehouses due to earthquakes | Earthquake mitigation measures are provided to existing multi-story warehouses. Installation of a seismic isolator and an uninterruptible power supply system in new multi-story warehouses. Installation of seismic isolators, generators, and flood prevention equipment was carried out. | Continuation of production activities at times of disaster | Achieved | 100% |
| - Waterproof banks are installed near the openings of plant buildings to prevent water intrusion due to flooding | Installation of seismic isolators, generators, and flood prevention equipment was carried out. | Continuation of production activities at times of disaster | Achieved | 100% |
| - Installation of generators so that business operations can be continued in the event of a power failure | Installation of seismic isolators, generators, and flood prevention equipment was carried out. | Continuation of production activities at times of disaster | Achieved | 100% |
| - Purchase raw materials from multiple regions (to secure suppliers in various regions) | The introduction of equipment for internal manufacture was completed in February 2023. We are currently promoting multiple sourcing. | Stable supply | 2029 | 73% |
| - Ensure the validity of the BCP regarding delivery for procurement and shipment and make improvements | Continue taking measures to ensure the validity of the BCP regarding delivery for procurement and shipment and make improvements. | Procurement and shipment of products by group companies as a whole | 2023 | 60% |
where employees can work energetically
| ESG Field | （S） |
| Association with SDGs | |
| Specific measures | State of Progress | Results at Achievement | Target date | Achievement rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove all smoking rooms in the company | Completion of the removal of all smoking rooms from the company. | Promotion of employee health, Creation of comfortable workplaces | Achieved | 100% |
| Support for mental and physical health of employees by establishing external consultation desks | We provide support for the mental and physical health of employees by establishing external consultation desks once per year, and employees with high stress levels are checked by doctors. | Promotion of employee health, Creation of comfortable workplaces | Achieved | 100% |
| Encourage dental checkups (general) and medical checkups (general, special) | Dental checkups are conducted at the Hirakata Plant. Medical checkups are being carried out and will be continued. | Promotion of employee health | Achieved | 100% |
| Encourage participation in health seminars | Currently ongoing. | Promotion of employee health | 2025 | 88% |
| Introduction of AEDs (automated external defibrillators) | AEDs have been introduced to all company workplaces. | Improvement of survival and social rehabilitation rates for people who suffer cardiopulmonary arrest | Achieved | 100% |
| Actively introduce beverages for specified health uses to beverage vending machines | They are continuing to be actively introduced. | Promotion of employee health | Achieved | 100% |
| Human resource development through in-house training, etc. | In addition to in-house OJT, various human resource development programs are being conducted. | Human resource development for employees | Achieved | 100% |
| Promotion of workstyle reform (improvement of operational efficiency, working conditions of non-regular employees and the working environment) | Overtime work hours for chemical product production are increasing due to an increase in orders. The efficiency will be further improved in the future. Problems are being identified. Work is being carried out without female employees who are on maternity or childcare leave, and we are identifying problems with a view to the future. | Establishment of workplace environments that are easy to work in | Ongoing | 61% |
| Promote company-wide paid leave and set long-term leave | Promote paid leave by submission of paid leave schedules and promote long-term leave by including company-wide leave in long-term leave. | Establishment of workplace environments that are easy to work in | Achieved | 100% |
| Introduction of two no-overtime days per week | The introduction of Wednesday and Friday as no overtime days being implemented. | Enhancement of the health and leisure of employees | Achieved | 100% |
| Telework and WEB conferences to prevent infection with COVID-19 | Measures to prevent workers becoming a close contact person are being implemented. | Prevention of COVID-19 infections, Establishment of workplace environments that are easy to work in | Achieved | 100% |
| Achieve gender pay equity and the legally mandated employment rate for people with disabilities | Already introduced. | Improvement of employee motivation, Decline in employee turnover | Achieved | 100% |
＊The achievement rate, which is quantified by the company, is based on the progress of specific measures.
