Contributing to a Society in Harmony with Nature

The Sumitomo Riko Group collaborates with local governments and community members to engage in forest management and satoyama conservation efforts. Our activities include various initiatives based on agreements and contracts with local authorities as well as participation in community organizations, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each location.
In addition to our participation in forest maintenance tasks such as thinning and pruning, we enhance interactions between our employees and local residents through various events, leveraging these opportunities for environmental education.

At SumiRiko Eastern Rubber (Thailand) Ltd. (SRK-ER), a mangrove planting project has been underway since 2014. In Rayong Province, where SRK-ER is located, approximately 1,500 mangrove saplings are planted each year, and their survival rates and growth are monitored.
Mangrove forests, often referred to as the cradle of life in the sea, play a crucial role in supporting a rich ecosystem teeming with diverse species. However, the decline of these forests in Thailand poses a significant threat to this invaluable ecosystem. SRK-ER is dedicated to advancing this project to sustain and enhance biodiversity. Moreover, mangrove forests are known for their ability to absorb CO₂ and store substantial amounts of carbon, which helps mitigate climate change.

The manenashi, also known as the Callery pear, is a deciduous tree belonging to the genus Pyrus in the Rosaceae family, primarily found in the Tokai region of Japan. This species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the Japanese Ministry of the Environment's Red List  and Critically Endangered (CR) on Aichi Prefecture's Red Data Book. From late March to early April, it bears delicate white flowers, and in autumn, it produces small fruits approximately 1 cm in size that resemble pears.
The Okusa no Mamenashi Jiseichi (Okusa Manenashi Habitat), located in eastern Komaki City, is one of the largest natural habitats for manenashi in Japan, where this species grows in clusters. This habitat has preserved an environment that allows manenashi to undergo natural generational succession over many years, enhancing its ecological value and leading to its designation as a Natural Monument of Aichi Prefecture. Sumitomo Riko collaborates with the city of Komaki, local volunteers, and experts from local universities to conduct conservation activities, including seedling surveys, vegetation management, and observation events, all aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of this habitat for future generations.

The Komaki Plant has been actively eradicating lanceleaf tickseed since 2022. This species is classified as an invasive alien species under the Invasive Alien Species Act due to its potential to significantly impact ecosystems in Japan. As the seeds of lanceleaf tickseed can attach to vehicles used for transportation or commuting, the Komaki Plant recognizes its responsibility to mitigate the spread of this species in the surrounding areas. To this end, we conduct habitat surveys and compile this information into maps, providing a clear overview of distribution patterns. This initiative is part of a larger effort to educate employees about the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Sumitomo Riko’s various plants and business locations, along with group companies such as Tokai Chemical Industries, Ltd., regularly organize cleanup activities in surrounding areas, supported by employee volunteers.

In Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where the Komaki Plant is located, efforts are underway to promote the formation of ecosystem networks by dividing the prefecture into nine regions and establishing Ecosystem Network Councils that bring together local universities, non-profit organizations, businesses, and government agencies in each area. As a member of the Northern Owari Ecosystem Network Council, Sumitomo Riko is committed to advancing the development of regional ecosystem networks.

In August 2024, Sumitomo Riko and Epson Sales Japan Corporation co-hosted a workshop titled Komaki Kodomo Mirai Daigaku* for elementary and middle school students in Komaki City. During the workshop, participants engaged in experiential learning centered around the theme "Let's Think About SDGs through Paper," which included hands-on craft activities utilizing recycled paper.

*Workshops organized by Komaki City for elementary and middle school students to learn about various aspects of SDGs and society from local businesses and organizations.

The Sumitomo Riko Group is dedicated to reducing environmental impacts across our supply chain. To preserve natural rubber, a vital component of our products and an essential aspect of natural capital, we joined the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) in July 2022. Following this, we established the Procurement Policy for Sustainable Natural Rubber.

The Omine-kogen Biodiversity Conservation Area, for which Sumitomo Riko has a foster parent agreement, was designated as a Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site by the Ministry of the Environment in FY2024.
Situated in the northern part of Ikeda Town, Kita-azumi District, Nagano Prefecture, at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters and covering an area of about 116 hectares, this area is home to 18 species of wild animals listed on national and regional red lists.
As a member of the Omine-kogen Satoyama Management and Utilization Promotion Council, we are committed to the sustainable stewardship of the satoyama and the preservation of the natural environment.

*The Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites program recognizes areas where biodiversity is conserved through private sector initiatives, aiming to achieve the "30by30" target. The 30by30 initiative is a global effort urging governments to designate 30% of the planet's land and ocean as protected areas by 2030.

In March 2024, Sumitomo Riko, a company dedicated to fostering biodiversity for the future, joined the Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation, organized by the Keidanren Nature Conservation Council. This participation focuses on the items outlined in the Keidanren Declaration for Biodiversity and Guideline (revised) and supports the overall objectives of the initiative.

The Sumitomo Riko Group is committed to communicating the connections between our business activities and Earth's resources, the natural environment, and biodiversity. We will inform our employees about the impacts of our activities on the environment and the initiatives required to protect it. Our goal is to help employees view efforts toward coexistence with the environment not just as a social contribution, but as an essential part of our business, empowering each individual to take personal ownership of these initiatives.
Additionally, each of our locations will establish activity policies tailored to the unique characteristics of their local communities, actively promoting initiatives that are grounded in those areas.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to understanding the environmental impacts of the raw materials and components we use as we strive for coexistence with nature throughout our entire value chain.