Sustainability
We treat sustainability as something to be addressed through the business itself, rather than as an activity alongside it. We do not promise what we cannot do; we contribute through confirmed facts and actual business activity.
Approach
The problems we are facingClimate change and resource constraints, the rapid advance of AI and other technologies, and shifts in how people work and how industries are structured. The world is changing faster than before, and the pace is still increasing. None of these can be solved by one company alone. That is why we work along two axes — materials that return to nature, and learning for the age of AI — and build up what contribution we can make to companies and to society.
Actions
Three areas of workPutting materials that return to nature into real use
Through bringing Sonali, a jute-derived biodegradable material, to the Japanese market, we work on alternatives to single-use plastics. Rather than loud claims, we try small and confirm with facts: building up data through joint trials with local governments and companies, and seeking third-party verification. In agriculture we are also looking at the possibility of removing the heavy work of collecting and disposing of used film.
Reskilling for the age of AI, for smaller companies too
The change generative AI brings to how people work is not only for large corporations. Through training programmes that include support for applying for government subsidies, we deliver reskilling opportunities regardless of company size. Turning the fear of “AI will take my job” into the sense that “AI changes how I work” is our role.
Fair collaboration across borders
UNPLACED has its roots in an encounter with the people and technology of Bangladesh. In bringing Sonali forward we place importance on fair partnership, in which proper returns reach the people there, and on building relationships in which Japan and emerging economies can grow as equals.
SDGs
The goals we address| 4 Quality Education | Providing AI training and reskilling opportunities |
|---|---|
| 8 Decent Work | Support for reskilling and fair international partnership |
| 9 Industry & Innovation | Supporting DX and AI adoption at smaller companies |
| 10 Reduced Inequalities | Building relationships that grow with emerging countries as equals |
| 12 Responsible Production | Sourcing support and adoption of biodegradable materials |
| 14 Life Below Water | Contributing to marine plastic issues on the materials side |
| 15 Life on Land | Materials that return to soil, and trials in agriculture |
| 17 Partnerships | Joint trials with local governments and companies |
The SDG icons on this page are distributed by the United Nations Information Centre. Their use does not imply endorsement by the United Nations.
Disclosure
How we reportWe do not claim effects that have not been demonstrated. Certifications and figures are published only once confirmed, and the results of joint trials are reported on this page and in our news once verification is complete. Where we are considering domestic certification in Japan, we will state it once it is settled.