The mission of The Nisshin OilliO Group is to realize people’s happiness and to continue contributing to social and economic development, under the core concept of “good flavor, health, and beauty” and as a corporate group whose existence is valued by all stakeholders, including customers, business partners, shareholders and investors, employees, and society.

In October 2002 the Group established The Nisshin OilliO Group Code of Conduct based on our Corporate Philosophy. Further recognizing our mission and responsibilities to society, we positioned it as a guideline in our endeavor to become a corporate group that is highly regarded by society and aims to realize a vibrant future.

Based on our Corporate Philosophy, this Code of Conduct is an action guideline, which clearly states that all of us in the Group will have a strong sense of responsibility, promote energetic business activities, comply with relevant laws and regulations as a member of society, and act in accordance with social ethics and norms.

In recent years the business environment surrounding the Group has faced accumulated social issues on a global scale, including environmental issues and human rights issues. Major changes have appeared in Japan as well, including the extremely low birthrate, rapid aging of society, and full-fledged population decline. Uncertainty about the future is mounting. Because of worldwide transformation in consumption and lifestyle patterns and their further diversification, conventional ways of doing business and thinking about things may no longer pass. Furthermore, as a corporate citizen, we are being required even more than before to contribute toward the realization of a sustainable society.

Amid these circumstances, in April 2021 we launched The Nisshin OilliO Group Vision 2030 with the purpose of achieving the sustained growth of the Group into the future and contributing to the realization of a sustainable society. We aim to continue growing by identifying priority areas among social issues that the Group will focus on and creating diverse shared value (CSV: Creating Shared Value) with society through the solution of these issues.

About 20 years have passed since we declared our Corporate Philosophy, Core Commitment, and Corporate Statement of “The Natural Power of Plants,” yet they remain a good expression of the Group’s reason for existing and are universal. In addition, to realize the Group’s aspirations, we have established Values, which is a set of values that every one of us must cherish as the basis for his/her actions. In light of the relationship between our Corporate Philosophy and Values, we reviewed what actions we should take in the future from a more global perspective and set about revising our Code of Conduct accordingly. The accumulation of efforts by each and every one of us to behave in accordance with the Code of Conduct will enhance trust in the Group and give us the “power” to create diverse shared value with society.

Directors, officers, and employees of all companies constituting The Nisshin OilliO Group are required to fully understand the purposes of this Code of Conduct and to act with determination to comply with the code and to proactively implement it.

1. Purpose and scope of application

    This Code of Conduct sets forth basic standards for directors, officers, and employees of all companies comprising The Nisshin OilliO Group to be aware of their responsibilities and mission as Group companies and to carry out their duties with vitality based on our Corporate Philosophy.

2. Encouragement of the Code

• (1) Directors, officers, and employees will perform their duties in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
• (2) Directors, officers, and employees in managerial positions will instruct and supervise all employees in their departments to carry out their work in accordance with this Code.

1.Pursuit of customer value

• (1) The Group will constantly strive to maintain and improve the quality of our products and services so as to supply them with the best quality.
• (2) We will strive to thoroughly manage our supply system and make further improvements to provide a stable supply of safe and reliable products and services.
• (3) We will endeavor to disclose accurate and easy-to-understand information about our products and services and their supply and management systems as much as possible and to maintain and improve the transparency of product information and the status of our activities.
• (4) In the event of an unexpected situation, we will promptly sort out the possible effects on people, equipment, the environment, etc., and take measures to minimize the impact. At the same time, we will investigate the cause of the incident, take fundamental measures to prevent any recurrence, and endeavor to disclose as much information as possible.
• (5) We will constantly take all possible measures to increase value and reduce costs and endeavor to supply products and services that resonate with our customers.
• (6) From the perspective of customer satisfaction, we will endeavor to respond swiftly and sincerely to customer opinions and continue to create and propose new values that enrich customers’ lives through communication.

2. Pursuit of business partner value

We will build equal partnerships with our business partners to build mutually trustworthy relations, jointly develop products, services, and markets, and grow together toward the realization of a sustainable society.

3. Pursuit of shareholder value

• (1) We will meet the expectations of our shareholders by pursuing increased corporate value through sincere business activities, efficient use of management resources, and appropriate risk management.
• (2) In addition to disclosing information on the Group’s activities, organizational structure, financial condition, and business performance, we will constantly strive to disclose management information in a timely manner, including our future growth strategies and initiatives to address issues related to sustainability, in order to contribute to appropriate decisions by our shareholders and investors.

4. Pursuit of employee value

• (1) Every employee, with a constant spirit of challenge, will strive to improve his/her work-related abilities and to positively improve and streamline operations. In addition, every employee cherishes the five Values of “Be Dedicated,” “Integrate,” “Master,” “Pioneer,” and “Be Resilient,” and endeavors not only to respond to changes in society and the marketplace but also to bring about changes and provide new value to the marketplace and customers.
• (2) We will endeavor to respect the individuality and aptitude of every employee, foster a free and vibrant organizational culture where creativity can be fully exercised, build rewarding workplaces, and maintain and promote mental and physical health. We will also constantly strive to maintain and improve the safety and health of the workplace environment and to create a sense of security for our employees and their families.
• (3) We will respect the fundamental human rights and diverse values of every employee and eliminate unfair treatment and discrimination in the workplace. We will also strive to conduct fair evaluation and treatment based on self-realization and improved performance.
• (4) We will actively support the career development and skill development of each employee. In addition, we will strive to develop human resources who will be the core of the next generation with “rich creativity, advanced expertise, strong initiative, and problem-solving capabilities.”

5. Contribution to people, society, and the economy

• (1) In accordance with social ethics, laws and ordinances, and rules, we will endeavor to create diverse shared value with society through the pursuit of value for stakeholders, realize people’s happiness, and continue contributing to sustainability.
• (2) We will be aware of the responsibilities and roles that we must fulfill as a good corporate citizen, including participation in the activities of local communities and in relief and cooperation in the event of disaster, and will endeavor to contribute widely to society. We will also respect the voluntary social contribution activities of individual employees and work to establish a system for this purpose.
• (3) As a member of the international community, we will comply with the laws and regulations of related countries, international agreements, and the principle of free trade and strive for the development of related countries, regions, and companies through good business practices and proactive communication with local communities.

6. Environmental initiatives

• (1) In order to hand over our irreplaceable Earth to the next generation, we will continue to engage in environment-friendly corporate activities by maximizing the “Natural Power of Plants.”
• (2) We will conduct corporate activities in compliance with environmental laws and voluntary standards throughout the Group’s entire supply chain.
• (3) We will promote carbon neutrality and contribute toward mitigating the environmental impact of climate change and the formation of a decarbonized society through the efficient use of resources and energy, the introduction of natural energy and new technologies, and other measures. Furthermore, we will protect biodiversity through the conservation of forest resources and the effective use of water resources.
• (4) We will reduce the environmental impact of our entire supply chain and contribute to the creation of a recycle-oriented society by implementing 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) activities from the procurement of raw materials to the delivery of products and services to customers and after-use disposal and recycling.
• (5) We aim to establish a circular economy by developing and providing nature- and environment-friendly products and services that are safe, high quality, and considerate of resource conservation, energy saving, and recyclability.
• (6) We will endeavor to thoroughly implement education relating to our environmental initiatives and thinking and positively disclose information about our environmental activities in compliance with international standards with the aim of spreading understanding broadly among our stakeholders.

1. Activities in accordance with the Core Commitment

Constantly mindful of our Core Commitment, we will strive to enhance the brand value of the Group from all perspectives, including product development, services, sales activities, and public relations activities.

2. Posture of constant search, creation, and reform

• (1) Never neglecting self-study, the employee will strive to continue to grow as one whom the Group can be proud of.
• (2) We will always pursue “good flavor, health, and beauty” and strive not to miss any related information or business opportunities.
• (3) The employee will always act in consideration of what is best for the Group from a broad and long-term perspective, without being bound by experience or conventional wisdom.

3. Transformation into a more flexible organization and system

• (1) In order to continue creating new value and supplying it to society, we will proactively reform our organization, system, schemes, and processes and strive to transcend the framework of existing products and business domains.
• (2) Never satisfied with the current system, we will constantly work to transform ourselves and strive to continue displaying the Group’s potential to the fullest.

4. Constructive dialogue

• (1) We will strive to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, including customers, business partners, shareholders, employees, and society, to enhance the transparency of our corporate activities and increase the trust of society.
• (2) We will strive to maintain and improve stakeholder confidence and empathy by, among other things, accurately grasping society’s requests and expectations of the Group through dialogue and incorporating those opinions into our activities.

1. Compliance with laws and social ethics

• (1) As a member of society, both publicly and privately, we will comply with laws and regulations and their spirit both domestically and internationally and will not engage in any conduct that is in conflict with the law, such as insider trading, bid rigging, misrepresentation, information leakage, fraud, and illegal labor.
• (2) We will maintain and respect social order, culture, and values in each country and take a firm stance against antisocial forces and unfair pressure, assuming legal action when necessary.
• (3) We understand and respect universal human rights and will eradicate discrimination and harassment based on gender, nationality, race, age, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation, etc. Furthermore, in the areas of labor and employment relating to the Group, we will eradicate all forms of forced labor and child labor. These initiatives will be implemented throughout the Group’s entire supply chain.
• (4) We will not tolerate harassment of any kind.
• (5) In acquiring, using, and handling personal information, we will comply with laws and other regulations governing the protection of personal information.
• (6) We will endeavor to protect the Group’s intellectual property (such intellectual property rights as patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as confidential information), respect the intellectual property of third parties, and prevent the infringement of such intellectual property rights from occurring.
• (7) As well as our dissemination of information as a company, individuals must have awareness and responsibility as members of the Group when using social media to disseminate information. Each employee will not engage in any acts that may harm the trust, honor, or brand of the Group or that may damage the dignity of individuals.

2. Fair business practices and anticorruption

• (1) We will maintain a fair and equal stance toward suppliers of raw materials and other materials at all times and will not unjustly disadvantage our suppliers by capitalizing on a superior position. We also will not request the provision of personal benefits or convenience.
• (2) We will maintain a fair and equal stance toward distributors at all times and will not engage in any improper conduct, such as exclusion, unjustly discriminatory treatment, or interference in business activities.
• (3) The exchange of hospitality and gifts with business partners does not deviate from the scope of sound business practices and social norms.
• (4) We will not extend or receive any bribery, benefits, conveniences, gifts, or other treatment lacking reasonable grounds to or from domestic and international parliamentarians, local government heads and assembly members, and officers and employees of government agencies and local governments.

3. Rigorous crisis management

We will thoroughly implement systematic crisis management in preparation for such threats as terrorism, cyberattacks, and natural disasters.

4. System for swift communication of information related to wrongdoing

• (1) In the event that an employee discovers an act that violates (or is suspected of being contrary to) laws and regulations, company regulations, or social ethics or norms, the employee will promptly report to or consult with his/her supervisor or superior.
• (2) If for any reason it is deemed inappropriate to conduct reports or consultations in the usual manner, one will endeavor to ensure speedy reporting and consulting via The Nisshin OilliO Group Corporate Ethics Hotline.
• (3) We will take a sincere stance toward information providers and adopt appropriate corrective measures in accordance with the information. We will also strive to protect information providers by strictly responding to any harassment caused by the provision of information and by fully protecting their privacy.

• (1) Using every opportunity and occasion possible, we will endeavor to publicize and thoroughly instill the Code of Conduct and our stance toward it.
• (2) The Corporate Ethics Committee of The Nisshin OilliO Group, Ltd. has been positioned as the company-wide promotion body for initiatives related to the Code of Conduct and will promote company-wide initiatives, including those in Group companies.

1.The establishment, revision, and abolishment of this Code is subject to a resolution of the Board of Directors of The Nisshin OilliO Group, Ltd.

2.The supervisory department in charge of this Code shall be the Legal and General Affairs of The Nisshin OilliO Group, Ltd.