Sustainable & Responsible Supply Chains (November 21)

The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into force in 2019, presents promising opportunities for bolstering commercial exchanges between Europe and Japan. Companies from both regions now have easier access to each other’s consumer markets.

Simultaneously, the demand for sustainable products among European and Japanese consumers is on the rise. Businesses on both sides are expected to cater to these discerning consumers by offering environmentally friendly and socially responsible products. Achieving this requires a commitment to ensuring that their supply chains not only meet rigorous environmental standards but also adhere to social and ethical guidelines.

Navigating these supply chains, which span various geographical contexts and are subject to diverse local regulatory frameworks, often presents significant challenges. Diligence efforts encounter obstacles such as access to reliable information, regulatory disparities between producing and end-market countries, cultural differences, and more.

In this collaborative event co-organized by the sustainability committees of the EBC and the JBCE, companies from Europe and Japan will discuss the challenges of sustainable supply chains, including the impact of regulations. Our goal is to gather recommendations and requests from businesses to inform discussions with European and Japanese authorities, promoting supportive regulations for responsible and sustainable supply chains. A joint EBC-JBCE position paper will be produced based on the outcome of the event.

 This event is limited to representatives of member companies of the JBCE, EBC, Japanese chambers of commerce and European chambers of commerce, as well as representatives from Japanese embassies and European embassies.

Event details

• Date: 21st November 2023 | 9:00-10:30 CET – 17:00-18:30 JST
• Format: online (Zoom) – registration form
• Language: English
• Target audience: Members of EBC and JBCE; selected guest organizations: Japanese and European chambers of commerce, their members (companies only), Japanese and European embassies
• Chatham House Rule
• Contact: [email protected]

Agenda

EU and Japan Policies for Sustainable & Responsible Supply Chains

Delve into essential policies with policymakers from both regions as they unveil the regulations that underpin sustainable supply chains for European and Japanese companies. Gain valuable insights into the pivotal role played by the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in fostering corporate responsibility and its impact on shaping sustainable practices within businesses. Explore how these frameworks are instrumental in guiding responsible business conduct, ultimately influencing and enhancing global supply chains.

• Webinar introduction: Dr. Tara Van Ho, University of Essex (moderator)
• Mr. Daisuke Shamoto – Principal Deputy Director, Business and Human Rights Policy Office, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan
• Mr. Gabriele Lo Monaco – Policy Officer, Directorate General for Trade, European Commission

Advancing Social Responsibility, Human Rights and Labor Ethics

After an expert introduction, representatives from a Japanese and a European company will share real-world experiences addressing human rights, social, and labor challenges in supply chains. They’ll discuss challenges, ethical treatment of workers, and regulatory influences, highlighting innovative solutions.

Panasonic Group, a comprehensive electronics manufacturer, will highlight key challenges as a midstream company, impacts of existing and forthcoming legislations and importance of industry collaboration to tackle human rights violations.

Tony’s Chocolonely, Dutch company with a mission, will introduce their vision for an ethical chocolate, and their efforts to address human rights challenges in the cocoa supply chain in Africa. 

• Ms. Yoshimi Onishi, Manager (Corporate Sustainability / Human Rights), Sustainability and Government Affairs – Panasonic Europe | Advancing Social Responsibility, Human Rights and Labour Ethics – Experience as a midstream company
• Mr. Rijk de Bie, Splendor Vendor(Japan market)– Tony’s Chocolonely
• Discussion and Q&A

Preserving Environment, Climate and Biodiversity

After an introduction by an independent expert, one company from Japan and one company from Europe will share their experiences dealing with environmental challenges in supply chains. They will present concrete examples of challenges faced in measuring environmental impacts across diversified and complex supply chains, as well as solutions.

Maersk, a leading global logistics and shipping company based in Denmark, will shed light on the decarbonization challenges they observe within their clients’ international supply chains. They will also spotlight the innovative solutions they have developed to tackle these challenges.

Teijin Limited, as a worldwide operating materials and pharmaceuticals company, will highlight challenges to answer all current and upcoming legislation requests for environmental data; both for themselves and their value chain partners. How can industry and authorities reinforce each other to be most effective in the preparations for disclosure? 

• Ms. Heidi Beers, Manager Corporate Sustainability Affairs EU – Teijin Limited | The challenge to act effectively on environmental data requests for existing and upcoming EU legislation
• Ms. Sanne Frias Henriksen, Head of Decarbonization, Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs – A.P. Møller Mærsk | Decarbonizing shipping: paving the way for low-carbon international supply chains
• Discussion and Q&A

Closing Session

• Wrap-up: Dr. Tara Van Ho, University of Essex
• Closing remarks:
  • Mr. Stéfan Le Dû – Sustainability Committee Chair, European Business Council in Japan
  • Ms. Yukako Kinoshita – Corporate Sustainability Committee Vice Chair, Japan Business Council in Europe

Registration Link