Committed to Realizing the Ajinomoto Group Philosophy
The Ajinomoto Group Philosophy
In 2009, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Ajinomoto Group, the group reflected on its social responsibilities, unique capabilities and goals to be achieved as it considered the next century ahead. It led to a revision of the Ajinomoto Group Philosophy with an addition of the concept, "working for life." The philosophy expresses the intent of the Ajinomoto Group to make unique contributions to help solve fundamental issues facing humanity by drawing on the strengths of the entire group's accumulated technologies and expertise, and utilizing the potential of innovative raw materials, technologies, and business models.
The meaning of "life" in the concept is connected to food and health—the foundations of life—as well as the natural environment, which supports all life on Earth. As such, the idea of "working for life" emphasizes the value that the group places on nature's precious gifts. With this addition to the philosophy of "contributing to significant advances in Food and Health," the Ajinomoto Group has declared its desire to contribute more intently and broadly toward solving social and environmental issues.
All employees of the Ajinomoto Group share this desire, and, with a commitment to society, are pursuing and carrying out the necessary means to protect and enhance life through the group's products and services.
Approach to Helping Solve Social Issues
The Ajinomoto Group believes it has a corporate social responsibility to realize the Ajinomoto Group Philosophy through business activities. On the 100th anniversary of its founding, the group broadened the philosophy with the concept of "working for life," which led to the designation of global sustainability, food resources, and healthy living as three challenges that "life" faces in the 21st century. The group intends to strengthen the connection between its business domains and each of these three challenges with initiatives that demonstrate its unique capabilities.
Toward this end, the Ajinomoto Group is striving to help create sustainable societies through collaboration with local communities and business activities that span from procurement, development and production, to the provision of products and services.
Incorporating the Challenges for Humankind in the 21st Century in the Medium-Term Management Plan
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Process of formulating the CSR Policy
Upon appraising the centennial history of the Ajinomoto Group, in 2010 the 2011-2013 Medium-Term Management Plan was formulated as a step toward shaping its next 100 years of business. Under the plan, the group specified the challenges that humanity faces in the 21st century. However, it became evident that a strategic policy was needed to draw plans for projects intended to help solve such all-encompassing issues.
Approximately 30 business managers in charge of operations, production, and R&D divisions of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. participated in workshops held in May and June 2010, and discussed specific ways to proceed with a company-wide perspective. The workshops were divided into three stages, as shown in the chart at right.
Ideas that emerged during the third stage of the workshops were narrowed down, with focus turning to the extent that the Ajinomoto Group could contribute to society, innovative qualities of the group's contributions, and the growth potential of its businesses. The participants became increasingly aware of the need to concentrate on and clarify priority matters in relation to each of the three challenges faced by humanity in the 21st century.
A series of meetings were later held to discuss the workshop's results, and overall conclusions were presented at the annual stakeholder dialogues to obtain feedback. To gain new insights and ensure the soundness of the ideas, stakeholders were encouraged to offer suggestions from their respective points of view on how the group can help solve the social issues.
Click here for more details: Stakeholder Dialogues
Initiatives to help solve 21st century global issues
Following the stakeholder dialogues, the company formulated the Ajinomoto Group CSR Policy to specify the objectives of initiatives undertaken to help solve each of the three challenges designated.
The Ajinomoto Group CSR Policy outline
| Area of initiatives | Objectives of initiatives | |
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| Global sustainability | Contributing to a low-carbon society |
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| Conserving ecosystems and biodiversity |
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| Contributing to the recycling of resources |
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| Food resources | Improving food productivity |
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| Maximizing usage of food resources |
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| Healthy living | Contributing to healthy living through nutrition |
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| Responding to the aging of society |
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1. Co-products such as fertilizers and animal feeds are made using nutrient-rich fermentation liquid left over after the amino acid fermentation process.
