Skylark Group Biodiversity Policy
Skylark Group is committed to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in order to realize a society that coexists in harmony with nature.
- Compliance with biodiversity treaties and laws
- Contribute to the conservation and restoration of forests and oceans
- Sustainable sourcing of raw materials through suppliers
February 28, 2023
Approved by Group Sustainability Committee
Target
Respect for legally protected areas and contribution to the conservation and restoration of forests and oceans
We consider the following as one of our requirements when selecting suppliers
- No exploration or development in protected areas
- No negative impact on endangered or protected species
- Ensure FPIC (free, prior, informed consent) of indigenous peoples
- No trade in species regulated by CITES
In addition, we will promote efforts to conserve forests and oceans as a measure against climate change.
We will work with suppliers to end the loss of forest and ocean resources and promote sustainable use of resources for future regeneration.
Policies and Initiatives for Preventing Deforestation
In addition to complying with laws and regulations related to the prevention of deforestation, Skylark Group strives to procure sustainable raw materials that are environmentally, socially, and human rights friendly and that lead to biodiversity, based on strict procurement standards, including the promotion of paperless operations and the active use of certified paper. We will promote initiatives to minimize the burden on forest resources in our business activities.
As specific initiatives, we are actively adopting FSC/PEFC certified products for paper products (such as paper straws, wooden cutlery and copy paper), we use a 30% Rainforest Alliance-certified bean formulation for the coffee we serve in multiple brands including Gusto, which is our flagship brand. We are also changing the formula of our frying oil, reducing the ratio of palm oil, and consulting with our suppliers to introduce RSPO-certified palm oil. It is also our policy to develop new production areas to increase the ratio of domestic vegetable and rice-producing areas with JGAP certification or equivalent farm management standards in the future.
In June 2022, we obtained ISO20400 certification, the international standard for sustainable procurement, for some categories, and in September 2023, we obtained certification for 18 categories of foodstuff procurement operations under the jurisdiction of the Foodstuff Purchasing Group, and others based on "Details of Compliance with Certification and Registration (Details)".
Approval of Scope and Policy
All executives and employees, suppliers and business partners of Skylark Group
ISO20400
＊ISO 20400 certification is a private certification of JUSE.
ISO 20400:2017 "Sustainable Procurement - Guidance" is a guidance standard focused on the "sustainable procurement" of organizations. Sustainable procurement is procurement that seeks to minimize the environmental, social, and economic impacts of an organization's activities or products and services throughout their life cycle, and provides more value to the organization by improving productivity, assessing value and performance, enabling better communication among all stakeholders, including purchasers and suppliers and by encouraging innovation, thereby providing more value to the organization. By engaging in sustainable procurement, we can address not only Q (quality), C (cost), and D (delivery time), but also a wide range of risks, including environmental, human rights, and country risks.
Guidance Certification for Sustainable Procurement (ISO20400)
（Click to Enlarge）
| Registration Type |
Sustainable Procurement — Guidance |
| Applicable Standards |
ISO 20400:2017 |
| Registration Number |
JUSE-SC-001 |
| Registered Organization |
Supply Chain Purchasing Division (Purchasing Policy Group and Purchasing Group)
SKYLARK HOLDINGS CO., LTD. |
| Top Management |
Nobuyuki Katayama,
Executive Officer Managing Director of Supply Chain Purchasing Division |
| Address |
1-25-8 Nishikubo, Musashino-shi, Tokyo |
| Registered Range |
Procurement of 18 categories of foodstuffs under the jurisdiction of the Purchasing Group, and other specified in list of registered facilities |
| This Certification Is Valid From |
June 16, 2022 - June 15, 2025 |
| Date of Initial Certification |
June 16, 2022 |
| Reissuing Date |
September 27, 2023 |
Coffee from Rainforest Alliance-Certified Farms
Musashinomori Coffee
FSC/PEFC Certified Products
Skylark Group Animal Welfare Policy
Skylark Group agrees with the concept of the "Five Freedoms" outlined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)* and will promote animal welfare-conscious procurement activities in cooperation with its suppliers.
The Five Freedoms
- Freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition
- Freedom from fear and distress
- Freedom from physical and thermal discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury and disease
- Freedom to express normal behavior patterns
We will engage in the following procurement activities in consideration of animal welfare.
- Comply with laws and regulations regarding animal welfare
- Strive to engage in dialogue with stakeholders on animal welfare
- We give consideration to animal welfare in procurement of raw materials.
June 18, 2024
Approved by Group Sustainability Committee
※An intergovernmental agency established in Paris, France in 1924 with the signatures of 28 countries to improve animal health worldwide.
Japan became a member in 1930. Its activities include the formulation of international standards for animal hygiene and zoonosis.
Scope of Application
All businesses and suppliers of Skylark Group.
Examples of Activities
Using our own CSR checklist, we conduct on-site interviews with suppliers regarding their animal welfare initiatives.
Through the CSR check, we will confirm which specific activities and systems related to animal welfare are in place, identify priority risks by type, and work with suppliers to further promote and strengthen cooperation.