The Hodogaya Chemical Group specifies its commitment to the “realization of a fair and appropriate supply chain” in the “sustainability policy,” and implements the activities of procurement based on the “Compliance Action Policy” and the “Procurement Policy.” We have a fair deal with all partner companies in good faith when purchasing raw materials, products/consigned products, and facilities/equipment. We regard them as our good business partners in jointly addressing social issues.
The Hodogaya Chemical Group has established the Procurement Policy and Procurement Guidelines. In addition to having a fair deal in good faith, the concept of sustainable procurement, that is, giving consideration to the environment while deepening mutual communication was incorporated into the Procurement Policy. The Hodogaya Chemical Group conducts procurement inline with this policy.
In the basic purchasing contract concluded when doing business with the Hodogaya Chemical Group, there is a clause that covers compliance with the Procurement Guidelines. By having them comply with the terms of these guidelines, we work with our partner companies to conform with environmental, social, and governance needs, such as reducing the environmental impacts from raw material quality and the management and manufacture of chemical substances as well as respecting human rights throughout the supply chain, health and safety management, and ethics. Thus, the Hodogaya Chemical Group promotes compliance together with its partner companies.
When procuring raw materials, facilities and equipment as well as other items, we endeavor to establish robust supply chains. From a global perspective, we search for financially sound partner companies that are capable of continuous transactions, including respect for human rights and compliance with society’s ESG requirements. In particular, we work to secure multiple suppliers for each raw material and to diversify the countries from which we procure.
For those business partner companies whose purchasing transactions exceed a certain amount, we regularly use a Procurement Guidelines Implementation Status Survey Sheet to confirm whether the compliance items listed in the Procurement Guidelines are being properly implemented, and in FY2022, we received a response from over 70% of business partners. In parallel with confirmation by means of the survey sheet, we also conduct visiting audits of business partner companies and work to deepen mutual understanding and establish relationships of trust with them while conducting improvement activities. The personnel of the Purchasing Department are provided with the training necessary to put sustainable procurement activities into practice.
The Hodogaya Chemical Group does not handle conflict minerals such as, tin, tantalum, tungsten, or gold. Conflict minerals are minerals that are mined in African countries and other regions affected by conflict and serve as sources of funds for armed groups.
Purchasing Department
Megumi Nakahara
My job in the Purchasing Department is to place purchase orders. When we receive a request to purchase raw materials or packaging materials from our plants, I place a purchase order to our partner companies. If the delivery date or quantity is wrong, it will not only affect the production but will also cause trouble to the partner companies, so I make sure that the information is entered accurately. When a partner company is unable to deliver on the desired delivery date, we usually adjust the delivery date with the plant. I feel relieved when the adjustments go well. Also, we have quite a few sudden incidents at the Purchasing Department, which require flexible response. I hope to continue fulfilling my role firmly and establishing amicable relationships with our partner companies, thereby contributing to stable procurement.
Purchasing Department
Jun Watanabe
I handle the negotiation of prices and date of delivery of raw materials that are used in our products, and also manage inventory.
There are a few things that I always keep in mind when doing my job: firstly, not to run out of raw materials to deliver in order to the plant in production; and to be fair and equitable in purchasing products and commercial goods from our partner companies.
Negotiating prices can be tough at times as they are influenced by exchange rate effects and market conditions these days, but I wish to deal with our partner companies in a sincere manner and fulfill my responsibilities for procurement.