Download data
A Global Canopy project
Menu

Powerbroker for

Select an assessment year:

Download data
  • Overall approach
    3/16
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      0/6
      Deforestation commitment
      Commodity-specific commitment
      0/6
      Commodities (if applicable): Palm oil
      "The Meiji Group supports zero deforestation, and procures palm oil according to the Meiji Procurement Policy, working with suppliers to engage in socially responsible activities."
      Open source document
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      1/1
      Signatory
      Yes
      1/1
      Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. is a signatory to the Consumer Goods Forum and the UN Global Compact.
      Open source document
      Open source document
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Awareness
      Yes
      1/1
      "The Meiji Group uses environmentally-friendly paper in order to protect the finite forest resources and help prevent global warming. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC') is a third party organization that offers an international forestry certification system. We have set a target to use 100% environmentally-friendly paper by FY3/21, and been promoting such initiatives that include using paper products certified by the FSC"
      Open source document
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      1/1
      Business risk
      Yes
      1/1
      Does the company recognise the risk as financial, operational, competition, reputational, or other? Please detail.: All
      "We appropriately identify risks from a companywide business management perspective, and we develop countermeasures according to the impact of those risks. In this way, we not only minimize risks, but we also achieve sustainable growth and gain new growth opportunities.We outlined the three visions—the Business Vision, Sustainability Vision and Management Vision—in the Meiji Group 2026 Vision. We have identified the Meiji Group Business Management Risks according to those three Visions. [...] Sustainable raw material procurement [...] increase the ratio of sustainably procured raw materials, such as cocoa beans and palm oil"
      Open source document
    • High-level management of deforestion
      0/1
      High-level management
      No
      0/1
      Which commodities does it apply to?: 0

      How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?:
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
    • Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
      0/3
    • Reporting on emissions from land-use change
      0/3
    • Disclosure of conservation activity
    • Disclosure of reforestation activity
  • Commodity score
    22/84
    • Palm oil
      32/84
      • Commitment Strength
        15/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          9/12
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Which certification schemes are used?: RSPO
            "Meiji Co., Ltd. joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in March 2016 [...] Use 100% of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) - certified palm oil by FYE March 2024"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Meiji Co., Ltd. joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in March 2016 [...] Use 100% of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) - certified palm oil by FYE March 2024"
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2024
            0.7/1.3
            Target date
            2024
            0.7/1.3
            "Meiji Co., Ltd. joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in March 2016 [...] Use 100% of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) - certified palm oil by FYE March 2024"
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.7
        • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
          7/8
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            4/4
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            4/4
            Type of commitment: HCS; Peat
            "Meiji Co., Ltd. joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in March 2016 [...] Use 100% of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) - certified palm oil by FYE March 2024"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Meiji Co., Ltd. joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in March 2016 [...] Use 100% of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) - certified palm oil by FYE March 2024"
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2024
            0.7/1.3
            Target date
            2024
            0.7/1.3
            "Meiji Co., Ltd. joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in March 2016 [...] Use 100% of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) - certified palm oil by FYE March 2024"
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.7
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/8
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            0/2
          • Target date
            0/1.3
          • Interim target date
            0/0.7
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. commit their suppliers to ensure that their workers' rights to have freedom of association, and to be free from discrimination, forced labour, and child labour.
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          "Suppliers shall comply with the laws and regulations of each country or region, and respect local cultures, and have zero tolerance for discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, nationality, language, religion, disability, place of origin, property, or any other personal status."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No commitment
          0/4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        12/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          4/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            "Our result in FYE March 2019 - Shift to approximately 2% RSPO-certified palm oil. Shift to approximately 10% RSPO-certified palm oil in the plan for FYE March 2020."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            2/2
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            "Our result in FYE March 2019 - Shift to approximately 2% RSPO-certified palm oil. Shift to approximately 10% RSPO-certified palm oil in the plan for FYE March 2020."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/2
        • Reporting is independently verified
          3/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            "Meiji Co., Ltd. joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in March 2016 [...] Use 100% of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) - certified palm oil by FYE March 2024"
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: RSPO Certification
            "Meiji Co., Ltd. joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in March 2016 [...] Use 100% of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) - certified palm oil by FYE March 2024"
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/1.3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          No
          0/2
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          No
          0/4
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 17,080.0 tons

          Which certification schemes are used?: RSPO

          What is the certified volume?: 1,420 tons
          Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. report their total palm oil usage as 18,500 tons in the 2019 RSPO ACOP, of which 1,420 tons are RSPO certified.
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not disclosed

          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems
          "When beginning trade with a new partner, we confirm the raw material and packaging data provided by the supplier and perform quality analysis. We survey and audit the supplier manufacturing plant’s production and quality assurance system, production control system, and the supplier’s fulfillment of social obligations, including human rights and the environment. Suppliers must meet rigorous planning standards set by each Meiji Group company. In addition, we work with suppliers to improve any problems."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: not specified

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
          "We notify suppliers that they are required to comply with the Palm Oil Procurement Guideline. We take action as deemed necessary if we suspect suppliers of non-compliance."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Pulp & Paper
      28/84
      • Commitment Strength
        18/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          10/12
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Which certification schemes are used?: FSC
            "Use 100% of paper raw materials including paper with FSC or other certifications and post-consumer paper by FYE March 2021 (Product containers and packaging produced in Japan) [...] We are expanding the range of eco-friendly papers (including paper with FSC* or other certifications and post-consumer paper) that we use for product containers, packaging, printing, and copying. By fiscal 2020, we aim to use only eco-friendly raw materials for paper."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Use 100% of paper raw materials including paper with FSC® or other certifications and post-consumer paper by FYE March 2021 (Product containers and packaging produced in Japan) [...] We are expanding the range of eco-friendly papers (including paper with FSC®* or other certifications and post-consumer paper) that we use for product containers, packaging, printing, and copying. By fiscal 2020, we aim to use only eco-friendly raw materials for paper."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2021
            1.2/1.3
            Target date
            2021
            1.2/1.3
            "Use 100% of paper raw materials including paper with FSC® or other certifications and post-consumer paper by FYE March 2021 (Product containers and packaging produced in Japan) [...] We are expanding the range of eco-friendly papers (including paper with FSC®* or other certifications and post-consumer paper) that we use for product containers, packaging, printing, and copying. By fiscal 2020, we aim to use only eco-friendly raw materials for paper."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            What date is given for the interim milestone(s)?: 2020
            "Use 100% of paper raw materials including paper with FSC® or other certifications and post-consumer paper by FYE March 2021 (Product containers and packaging produced in Japan) [...] We are expanding the range of eco-friendly papers (including paper with FSC®* or other certifications and post-consumer paper) that we use for product containers, packaging, printing, and copying. By fiscal 2020, we aim to use only eco-friendly raw materials for paper."
            Open source document
        • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
          8/8
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            4/4
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            4/4
            Type of commitment: Recycled content
            "Use 100% of paper raw materials including paper with FSC® or other certifications and post-consumer paper by FYE March 2021 (Product containers and packaging produced in Japan) [...] We are expanding the range of eco-friendly papers (including paper with FSC®* or other certifications and post-consumer paper) that we use for product containers, packaging, printing, and copying. By fiscal 2020, we aim to use only eco-friendly raw materials for paper."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Use 100% of paper raw materials including paper with FSC® or other certifications and post-consumer paper by FYE March 2021 (Product containers and packaging produced in Japan) [...] We are expanding the range of eco-friendly papers (including paper with FSC®* or other certifications and post-consumer paper) that we use for product containers, packaging, printing, and copying. By fiscal 2020, we aim to use only eco-friendly raw materials for paper."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2021
            1.2/1.3
            Target date
            2021
            1.2/1.3
            "Use 100% of paper raw materials including paper with FSC® or other certifications and post-consumer paper by FYE March 2021 (Product containers and packaging produced in Japan) [...] We are expanding the range of eco-friendly papers (including paper with FSC®* or other certifications and post-consumer paper) that we use for product containers, packaging, printing, and copying. By fiscal 2020, we aim to use only eco-friendly raw materials for paper."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            What date is given for the interim milestone(s)?: 2020
            "Use 100% of paper raw materials including paper with FSC® or other certifications and post-consumer paper by FYE March 2021 (Product containers and packaging produced in Japan) [...] We are expanding the range of eco-friendly papers (including paper with FSC®* or other certifications and post-consumer paper) that we use for product containers, packaging, printing, and copying. By fiscal 2020, we aim to use only eco-friendly raw materials for paper."
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/8
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            0/2
          • Target date
            0/1.3
          • Interim target date
            0/0.7
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. commit their suppliers to ensure that their workers' rights to have freedom of association, and to be free from discrimination, forced labour, and child labour.
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          "Suppliers shall comply with the laws and regulations of each country or region, and respect local cultures, and have zero tolerance for discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, nationality, language, religion, disability, place of origin, property, or any other personal status."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No commitment
          0/4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        5/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          4/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Meiji Group reports for 2019 a total of 55.3% complying with their policies
            Open source document
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            2/2
            Meiji Group reports for 2019 a total of 55.3% complying with their policies
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/2
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/1.3
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            No
            0/1.3
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/1.3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          No
          0/2
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          No
          0/4
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/4
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not disclosed
          "When beginning trade with a new partner, we confirm the raw material and packaging data provided by the supplier and perform quality analysis. We survey and audit the supplier manufacturing plant’s production and quality assurance system, production control system, and the supplier’s fulfillment of social obligations, including human rights and the environment. Suppliers must meet rigorous planning standards set by each Meiji Group company. In addition, we work with suppliers to improve any problems."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Not disclosed

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Not disclosed
          "When beginning trade with a new partner, we confirm the raw material and packaging data provided by the supplier and perform quality analysis. We survey and audit the supplier manufacturing plant’s production and quality assurance system, production control system, and the supplier’s fulfillment of social obligations, including human rights and the environment. Suppliers must meet rigorous planning standards set by each Meiji Group company. In addition, we work with suppliers to improve any problems."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Soy
      5/84
      • Commitment Strength
        0/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          0/17
          • Commitment details
            No commitment
            0/10.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            No commitment
            0/10.7
            (For downstream soy companies only) Does the company commitment also apply to hidden/indirect soy?: No
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            0/3
          • Target date
            0/2
          • Interim target date
            0/1
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/11
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            0/3
          • Target date
            0/2
          • Interim target date
            0/1
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. commit their suppliers to ensure that their workers' rights to have freedom of association, and to be free from discrimination, forced labour, and child labour.
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          "Suppliers shall comply with the laws and regulations of each country or region, and respect local cultures, and have zero tolerance for discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, nationality, language, religion, disability, place of origin, property, or any other personal status."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No commitment
          0/4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        0/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          0/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            0/3
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/3
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            0/2
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            0/2
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          No
          0/2
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          No
          0/4
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/4
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
  • Commitment strength
    11/28
    Avg. score
  • Reporting and Implementation
    6/38
    Avg. score
  • Social considerations
    5/18
    Avg. score

Profile

Meiji Holdings is a Japanese holding company with subsidiaries that manufacture dairy products, confectionary items, health food and pharmaceuticals. The company’s diverse operations leave it exposed to a number of forest risk commodities including palm oil, soy and beef. Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. is selected as a powerbroker for palm oil, soy and paper packaging.

Sector
Industry sector 
Dairy, Packaged food
Segments
Manufacturer
HQ
HQ 
Japan
Company Type
Company type 
Public listed
Collective Commitments
Consumer Goods Forum member
New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Meiji

How we assess the Forest 500

To ensure deforestation free supply chains, companies need to adopt and implement timebound and measurable policies for forest risk commodities.

All assessments use policies published on company websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Full corporate sector performance data Forest 500 assessment methodology

More companies

Mizkan Holdings
2%
Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.
6%
Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.
2%
Yamazaki Baking Co.
6%
Kewpie Corp.
18%
Calbee Inc.
5%

Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.