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

President Hiroya Uyemura

Under the Uyemura Group slogan of “Growing together with U ,”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.

PresidentHiroya Uyemura

What are the SDGs?

The Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, were unanimously adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015. They consist of 17 goals and 169 targets to be achieved between 2016 and 2030, based on a vow to “leave no-one behind.”

Approaches to ESG & SDGs

Development and expansion of sales of environmentally
friendly products and technologies
ESG Field (E)
Association with SDGs
Specific measuresState of ProgressResults at AchievementTarget dateAchievement 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 impact2025
66%
Extend the life of chemicalsImplemented in a timely manner for products where customers requested it.Improvement of the quality of the Company’s products2025
48%
Electroless Ni recovery systemThe demonstration equipment for the electroless Ni recovery system is introduced.Reduction of environmental impact2022
100%
Collection and recycling of precious metalsAu, Pd and Pt recycled from waste liquid continue to be used.Reduction of environmental impactAchieved
100%
Initiatives to reduce chemical substance emissionsCurrently implementing initiatives for chemical plants under ISO14001.Cost reductions by suppressing long-term inventories and defective inventoriesAchieved
100%
Report the usage of properly controlled chemical substancesThe 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 impact2025
70%
Development and delivery of products
that will lead to the development of society
and improvement of the environment
ESG Field (E) (S)
Association with SDGs
Specific measuresState of ProgressResults at AchievementTarget dateAchievement 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 activitiesThe 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 substances2030
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 accidents2030
73%
- Development of chemicals suitable for autonomous driving and nursing robotsImprovement of production efficiency2030
63%
- Full automation of wafer equipmentDevelopment 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 efficiency2030
60%
- Suggest remote maintenance, predictive maintenance and the like of plating equipmentCooperation 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 efficiency2030
65%
- Strengthen activities in collaboration with suppliers and industry, government and academiaInitiatives 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 invigorationAchieved
100%
- Initiatives in new fieldsInitiatives 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 lineup2030
70%
Automation of factory process from order receipt to shipment
ESG Field (S)
Association with SDGs
Specific measuresState of ProgressResults at AchievementTarget dateAchievement rate*
Automation of factory process from order receipt to shipmentMarch 2026
40%
- Introduction of the IoT to production equipment for automatic productionWe 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 personnelMarch 2026
37%
- Introduction of robots for automationWe 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 personnelMarch 2026
40%
- Search for technology to automate QCWe 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 personnelMarch 2026
40%
- Simultaneous and high-speed connection of multiple devices using 5G communicationWe 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 personnelMarch 2026
30%
- Communication with Machinery Manufacturing Group regarding technology and informationWe 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 personnelMarch 2026
43%
- Introduction of AI to order reception, inventory management and production planningCurrently ongoing. In February 2021, we introduced a system to stamp the product name on plastic cans.Improvement of production efficiency, Reduction of personnelMarch 2024
47%
- Introduce a control system for tracking the history from the reception of raw materials to shipmentBeing prepared for introduction to the new plant.Reduction of mistakes, Improvement of work efficiencyMarch 2026
50%
Thorough compliance with laws and regulations
and respect for human rights
ESG Field (S) (G)
Association with SDGs
Specific measuresState of ProgressResults at AchievementTarget dateAchievement rate*
Eliminate discrimination in management positions based on gender and nationalityWe 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 discriminationAchieved
100%
Education for harassment prevention using Rakuraku Test-kunA 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 harassmentAchieved
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 contributionsAchieved
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 awarenessMonthly 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 incidents2025
95%
Child labor and forced labor are prohibited by the Uyemura Group Code of ConductWe are engaged in awareness-building activities through meetings to study the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct and Credo.Legal compliance, Prevention of accidental incidentsAchieved
100%
Thoroughly implement corporate ethics and specify anti-corruption measures with the Uyemura Group Code of ConductWe are engaged in awareness-building activities through meetings to study the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct and Credo.Legal compliance, Prevention of accidental incidentsAchieved
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 incidentsAchieved
100%
- Prohibit insider tradingThe 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 incidentsAchieved
100%
- No ties with antisocial forcesWe are engaged in awareness-building activities through meetings to study the Uyemura Group Code of Conduct and Credo.Legal compliance, Prevention of accidental incidentsAchieved
100%
Establish a whistle-blowing system and protection of whistle-blowersAn 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 incidentsAchieved
100%
Internal control activitiesWe 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 crimeAchieved
100%
Create opportunities for dialogue with investors and shareholders through active information disclosure
100%
- Timely disclosure of information on our websiteThe information was conventionally disclosed semiannually, but it is done on a quarterly basis now.Detailed information disclosure to shareholders and investorsAchieved
100%
- Annual general meeting of shareholdersHeld once a yearBuilding of good relationships with shareholders and investors, Improvement of corporate valueAchieved
100%
- Hold financial result briefing sessionsHeld every 6 monthsBuilding of good relationships with shareholders and investors, Improvement of corporate valueAchieved
100%
- Individual IR activitiesIn addition to individual IR activities, we also participate in small meetings held by securities companiesBuilding of good relationships with shareholders and investors, Improvement of corporate valueAchieved
100%
Promotion of social and community contribution activities
ESG Field (E) (S)
Association with SDGs
Specific measuresState of ProgressResults at AchievementTarget dateAchievement rate*
Cooperation in blood donation activitiesBlood donation is done at the Hirakata Plant.Social contributions2023
88%
Donation of emergency food to food banksEmergency food is donated to food banks when emergency food is replaced (before expiration).Social contributionsAchieved
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 contributionsAchieved
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 regionsAchieved
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 societyAchieved
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 societyOngoing
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%
Use of clean energy and reduction of electricity consumption
ESG Field (E)
Association with SDGs
Specific measuresState of ProgressResults at AchievementTarget dateAchievement 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 emissions2027
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 gas2030
45%
Improve the delivery efficiencyEfficiency has been improving, through consideration and promotion of the direct delivery of products that we handle and reduction of delivery count.Reduction of CO2 emissions2025
40%
Implementation of cool biz and warm bizWe 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 emissionsAchieved
100%
Environmentally friendly buildings with rooftop and walls covered with greeneryThe rooftops of all company buildings are covered with greenery.Reduction of electricity use, Reduction of CO2 emissions2030
84%
Installation of solar power generation equipment and installation of an air circulation system at the Central Research LaboratorySolar 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 emissions2027
67%
Introduction of a human sensor in lighting and promotion of LEDWe are promoting LED lighting throughout the company.Reduction of electricity use, Reduction of CO2 emissions2025
87%
Introduction of energy-saving equipmentWe are planning to introduce EcoCute for business use.Reduction of CO2 emissions2030
35%
Reduction of fossil fuel consumptionWe 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 emissions2027
73%
Support companies that develop renewable energyActively cooperating with customers for their development projects.
The efficiency of the baking furnace was improved. We use top runner equipment, etc.
Reduction of CO2 emissions2025
52%
Suppression of fossil fuel consumption by reviewing transportation methodsSwitchover from truck transportation to (hybrid trucks, electric trucks, railroads)Reduction of CO2 emissions, Reduction of exhaust gas2028
25%
Reduction of waste and water consumption
ESG Field (E)
Association with SDGs
Specific measuresState of ProgressResults at AchievementTarget dateAchievement 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 reductions2030
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 impact2035
54%
Adoption of chemical returnable containersOngoing. Reduce waste containers by using domestic returnable containers that can be used many times.Reduction of resource waste, Reduction of CO2 emissions2026
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 impact2024
70%
- Specially controlled industrial wasteLed by the Environmental Control Group. Ongoing implementation.Cost reductions, Reduction of environmental impactAchieved
100%
- Other industrial wasteLed by the Environmental Control Group. Ongoing implementation.Reduction of deforestationAchieved
100%
- Waste from general office workLed by the Environmental Control Group. Ongoing implementation.Reduction of deforestationAchieved
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 useAchieved
100%
Instruct the customers and suggest appropriate equipment to customers, in respect to waste liquid and wastewater treatment methodsSuggestions are made when visiting customers or responding to new inquiries.Reduction of environmental impact2025
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 impact2035
48%
Closed in-house treatment liquidContinuation of the closed system for treatment liquid in the laboratoryCost reductions, Reduction of environmental impactAchieved
100%
Suppression of power consumption and water use in the manufacture of plating chemicalsReduction of chiller power and cooling water through the introduction of liquid caustic, introduction of automatic drum washersReduction of CO2 emissions, Reduction of water use2026
25%
Introduction of rainwater utilization systemUse of rainwater in planting, etc.Cost reductions, Reduction of water use2035
40%
Implementation of business continuity plan (BCP)
ESG Field (G)
Association with SDGs
Specific measuresState of ProgressResults at AchievementTarget dateAchievement 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-resistanceInstallation of seismic isolators, generators, and flood prevention equipment was carried out.Continuation of production activities at times of disasterAchieved
100%
- Prevent the falling of products in multi-story warehouses due to earthquakesEarthquake 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 disasterAchieved
100%
- Waterproof banks are installed near the openings of plant buildings to prevent water intrusion due to floodingInstallation of seismic isolators, generators, and flood prevention equipment was carried out.Continuation of production activities at times of disasterAchieved
100%
- Installation of generators so that business operations can be continued in the event of a power failureInstallation of seismic isolators, generators, and flood prevention equipment was carried out.Continuation of production activities at times of disasterAchieved
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 supply2029
73%
- Ensure the validity of the BCP regarding delivery for procurement and shipment and make improvementsContinue 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 whole2023
60%
Development of workplace environments
where employees can work energetically
ESG Field (S)
Association with SDGs
Specific measuresState of ProgressResults at AchievementTarget dateAchievement rate*
Remove all smoking rooms in the companyCompletion of the removal of all smoking rooms from the company.Promotion of employee health, Creation of comfortable workplacesAchieved
100%
Support for mental and physical health of employees by establishing external consultation desksWe 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 workplacesAchieved
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 healthAchieved
100%
Encourage participation in health seminarsCurrently ongoing.Promotion of employee health2025
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 arrestAchieved
100%
Actively introduce beverages for specified health uses to beverage vending machinesThey are continuing to be actively introduced.Promotion of employee healthAchieved
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 employeesAchieved
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 inOngoing
61%
Promote company-wide paid leave and set long-term leavePromote 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 inAchieved
100%
Introduction of two no-overtime days per weekThe introduction of Wednesday and Friday as no overtime days being implemented.Enhancement of the health and leisure of employeesAchieved
100%
Telework and WEB conferences to prevent infection with COVID-19Measures 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 inAchieved
100%
Achieve gender pay equity and the legally mandated employment rate for people with disabilitiesAlready introduced.Improvement of employee motivation, Decline in employee turnoverAchieved
100%

*The achievement rate, which is quantified by the company, is based on the progress of specific measures.