Nagase Viita Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama; Representative Director: Naoki Yasuba), a member of the NAGASE Group, has received the highest "Platinum" rating in a sustainability survey conducted by EcoVadis (Headquarters: France), one of the world’s most trusted providers of business sustainability ratings for global supply chains. The "Platinum" rating is awarded to companies that score in the top 1% of all eligible companies*.
EcoVadis assesses suppliers operating in 180+ countries across 220+ industries, and assessment results are tested on over 130,000 companies.
EcoVadis conducts objective examinations and assessment of companies’ sustainability through independent reviews and analysis, and scores the performance on a company’s policies, actions and results, in four sustainability themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. We received a Gold rating in 2022 and a Silver rating in 2023.
In this latest examination, we increased our scores in the areas of Environmental policy and implementation measures, Labor and Human Rights policy, and Sustainable Procurement policy, actions, and results. In addition, we were also recognized for our “use of eco-friendly or bio-based input materials,” the assessment results of which led to our "Platinum" rating this time around.
Nagase Viita is committed to the wider aim of contributing to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) to realize a sustainable society through our business activities. Encouraged by this Platinum rating, Nagase Viita will continue to promote measures to resolve social issues, improve our corporate value and continue to be sought after by our stakeholders.
*Evaluation criteria: Platinum (within the top 1%), Gold (within the top 5%), Silver (within the top 15%), and Bronze (within the top 35%).
Naoki Yasuba, Representative Director:
Dedicated to embedding sustainability at the heart of our operations, we have consistently cultivated an array of initiatives. As of April 1, our company has rebranded to Nagase Viita, symbolizing “symbiosis and co-creation,” marking the beginning of our journey guided by our corporate purpose: Respect life, and embrace the well-being of people and the planet. We are immensely honored to have received the highest accolade from an esteemed international sustainability assessment body at this pivotal moment. This recognition not only signifies a remarkable milestone in our new beginning but also serves as a profound source of motivation propelling us forward.
Atsufumi Yokoi, Okayama University Senior Vice President and UNESCO Chairholder:
I have had the privilege of supporting Nagase Viita’s endeavors as an external advisor (SDGs advisor) for four years.
From the outset, their dedication has centered on the ethos of ”from the local community to the world,” emphasizing sustainability management and the creation of new value with societal impact. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of their management team and every individual within the organization, as they deepen their comprehension of this fundamental concept and champion numerous glocal initiatives as a unified entity.
The international community, including the Japanese government, underscores the significance of local communities in a decarbonized society. I trust that their attainment of the Platinum rating will set a commendable precedent for companies across all regions of Japan, inspiring emulation and fostering positive change.
■EcoVadis website https://ecovadis.com/
About Nagase Viita Co., Ltd.:
Originally established in 1883, Nagase Viita Co., Ltd. (formerly Hayashibara Co., Ltd.) began its journey as a syrup manufacturer. Over the years, we have evolved into a pioneer in harnessing the potential of nature, specializing in products utilizing microorganisms and enzymes. Today, our portfolio spans a diverse array of functional materials, catering to industries ranging from food, personal care, and pharmaceuticals to industrial and agricultural sectors.
In 2012, the company became part of the NAGASE Group, and in April 2023, the company further expanded its capabilities by integrating the biochemicals (enzymes) business of Nagase ChemteX Corporation. Subsequently, on April 1, 2024, we officially rebranded as Nagase Viita. This new name embodies the collaborative synergy among NAGASE Group entities, dedicated to delivering innovative products and value propositions on a global scale.
For further details, please visit our website at https://group.nagase.com/viita/en/about_us/.
For more information about Nagase Viita's sustainability activities, please visit our website.
・Sustainability at Nagase Viita https://group.nagase.com/viita/en/sustainability/
・Sustainability Action Plan https://group.nagase.com/viita/en/sustainability/action_plan/
◆For inquiries related to this news release:
○Nagase Viita Co., Ltd.
URL: https://group.nagase.com/viita/en/contact/
