Procurement Policy

We, the Nitori Group, uphold the mission (aspiration) of "Enrich the everyday lives of people all over the world." Our " NITORI Group Code of Conduct," which serves as a guideline for actions to realize this mission (aspiration), clearly states our fundamental stance on " product safety and security through comprehensive quality control," " promotion of environmentally friendly business," and " fair and honest trade and respect for human rights in the supply chain." These principles are also consistent with our procurement philosophy throughout the entire supply chain.
This policy, based on the " NITORI Group Code of Conduct," specifically outlines our commitment to "sustainable procurement" that takes into consideration environmental and social issues. In order to continuously build a supply chain that precludes environmental destruction and human rights violations, we establish this policy in partnership with our suppliers.

1．Scope of Application

This policy applies to all directors and employees (hereinafter referred to as "officers and staff") of the Nitori Group. We also require our suppliers to understand and comply with this policy.

2．Compliance with Laws and Respect for International Norms

  1. We conduct appropriate transactions with attention not only to the laws and regulations of the countries where the Nitori Group provides products and services but also to the laws and regulations of the countries where the products are manufactured. We also ensure that our product　manufacturers comply with the laws and regulations of the countries and regions related to sales and manufacturing.
  2. Utilizing international rules and framework guidelines such as the United Nations' "Universal Declaration of Human Rights," "Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights," "Global Compact," and the International Labour Organization's (ILO) "Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work," we promote procurement activities that respect the human rights of all in the supply chain and ensure labor and safety and health.
  3. We strictly adhere to norms and treaties related to environmental destruction, human rights violations, corruption prevention, and trade, and respect these norms and treaties in our procurement activities. We also consider a wide range of norms and treaties related to world peace, economic stability, human health, education, and culture, and act in accordance with international standards.

3．Consideration for Human Rights, Labor Environment, and Safety and Health

  1. Based on the "Nitori Group Human Rights Policy," we promote procurement that respects human rights and aims to maintain an appropriate labor environment and ensure safety and health.
  2. We promote procurement that considers respect for diversity, prohibition of discrimination, harassment, child labor, and forced labor, promotion of workplace safety and health, assurance of appropriate working hours and wages, freedom of association, and the right to collective bargaining.

4．Response to Environmental Issues

  1. Recognizing the importance of responding to climate change, we strive to reduce greenhouse gas　emissions.
  2. Recognizing the finiteness of resources, we strive for their effective use and the promotion of recycling, aiming to reduce resource use and waste emissions.
  3. We endeavor to procure raw materials with assured traceability to their origin.
  4. We consider biodiversity and strive for conservation and sustainable procurement.
  5. We work to prevent and reduce pollution of the air and water in the product manufacturing process and engage in environmental protection through thorough management of chemicals.
  6. We recognize the finiteness of water resources and the risks posed by water shortages and strive to reduce water usage.
  7. In the above items 1 to 6, we will work with suppliers to address these issues throughout the supply chain and regularly grasp the status of our efforts and achievements.

5．Fair Trade and Respect for Ethics

  1. At the Nitori Group, we establish a "real partnership" with suppliers through our " Anti-Corruption Policy," " Competition Law Compliance Policy," "Business Partner Charter & Fair Trade Declaration," and always strive for fair, equitable, and clean transactions.
  2. In procuring products and services, we do not infringe on third-party intellectual property and protect our intellectual property, respecting the intellectual property of customers, suppliers, contractors, and other third parties.

6．Assurance of Quality and Safety

  1. In procuring products and services, we conduct quality management that takes into account manufacturing technology, equipment, sanitation, labor safety, etc., to meet the needs and requirements of customers and users. We also conduct quality assurance activities in cooperation with suppliers.
  2. In procuring products and raw materials, we thoroughly manage quality to ensure that substances that could harm the ecosystem or the global environment, as well as those that could harm the health of producers and customers (users), are not included.

7．Appropriate Information Management

We take measures to prevent the leakage of information assets, including information related to design and development in the supply chain and personal information, and to protect them from internal and external intentional or accidental threats.

8．Response to Traceability ※

  1. In transactions with suppliers, we regularly perform risk assessments using traceability to confirm the legality and sustainability of raw materials and strive to reduce risks.
  2. Based on the results of traceability and self-assessments by suppliers, if risks are recognized, we will conduct regular factory audits and work together on improvements.

※ Currently, this applies to private brand products.

Category-Specific Policies

Timber

Based on our procurement policy, we aim to build a supply chain that precludes forest destruction, illegal logging, or human rights violations.

  1. We comply with the laws and regulations of the logging countries and regions.
  2. We strive to procure raw materials (certified woods or non-certified woods proven to be　environmentally friendly) with assured traceability to their origin.
  3. We do not contribute to the damage of high conservation value forests (HCV ※1)
  4. In the process of logging and trading, we verify that the human rights of indigenous peoples are not violated and that customary rights of local residents are adequately considered.
  5. In the process of logging and trading, we verify that environmental impacts in the place of origin are considered.
  6. For fiberboards (MDF, particleboard, etc.), we consider the environment by effectively utilizing normally discarded scraps etc※2. Furthermore, by actively using uniformly sized fiberboards, we aim to reduce material loss and achieve both affordable prices and reduced environmental impact.

    ※1　HCV：High Conservation Value

    A concept to identify places of social, cultural, and environmental importance and to maintain their ecological and social value while producing sustainable raw materials.

    Reference：FSC Japan　/　High Conservation Value（HCV）https://jp.fsc.org/jp-ja/HCVs

    ※2　Branches and wood pieces that are not turned into products or lumber

    Ex. branches and wood pieces left in the forest when plantation trees are harvested, scraps generated during the manufacturing process, etc.

Other Naturally Derived Materials

At this stage, we prioritize establishing a system for sustainable wood procurement and will gradually expand the scope to include other natural materials.


Established Jan. 29, 2024


This policy will be revised in response to changes in social conditions and new information.