Yokohama Rubber Earns Prime Status in ESG Ratings

Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd is one of the leading players in the global tire and rubber industry that has recently achieved a significant milestone by receiving the coveted "Prime" status in the latest ESG corporate ratings by ISS ESG. This recognition marks a crucial step in its journey toward sustainability and responsible corporate practices as its First for Yokohama.

Understanding ISS ESG Ratings

ISS ESG, the responsible investment division of Institutional Shareholder Services Inc., is one of the world’s leading firms in the area of proxy advisory. Their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings are highly respected in the investment community. These ratings are not just about ticking boxes; they dive deep into how companies manage their environmental impact, treat their workforce, and govern themselves. Essentially, the ratings help investors understand a company’s risks, opportunities, and overall impact on society and the environment.

Yokohama Rubber’s achievement of "Prime" status in these ratings is particularly noteworthy because it highlights the company’s exceptional performance in the "Auto Components" industry. This status is not handed out lightly; it is reserved for companies that demonstrate excellence in balancing their financial goals with a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Yokohama’s Commitment to Double Materiality

At the heart of Yokohama Rubber’s strategy is a concept known as "double materiality." This might sound like industry jargon, but it’s a simple yet powerful idea. Double materiality refers to the dual impact that a company’s actions have—on its financial performance and the broader environment and society. In other words, it’s about ensuring that what’s good for the company is also good for the world.

Yokohama Rubber’s medium-term management plan, known as Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026), is centered around this concept. The plan, which spans from 2024 to 2026, aims to create a balance between profitability and contributing to a more sustainable, decarbonized, and recycling-oriented society. The "Prime" status awarded to Yokohama Rubber is a testament to the company’s success in this endeavor. Specifically, the rating reflects the company’s strong performance in environmental management, as well as in social areas such as human capital, supply chain management, and human rights.

Recognition Beyond Prime Status

Yokohama Rubber’s efforts in the realm of ESG have not gone unnoticed. In addition to achieving "Prime" status, the company has received recognition from several other esteemed organizations. For instance, Yokohama has been a consistent performer in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a globally recognized set of ESG stock indexes. Being included in this index for 20 consecutive years is a clear indicator of the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices.

Moreover, Yokohama Rubber was also named in CDP’s 2023 Climate Change A-List. CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, is an organization that rates companies based on their climate-related transparency and performance. Making it onto this prestigious list further solidifies Yokohama’s reputation as a leader in environmental responsibility.

Caring for the Future: Yokohama’s Sustainability Vision

Yokohama Rubber’s approach to sustainability is encapsulated in its slogan, "Caring for the Future." This isn’t just a catchy phrase; it represents the company’s deep-rooted commitment to addressing social and environmental issues through its business activities. The company understands that its long-term success is intertwined with the health of the planet and the well-being of society.

By creating shared value, Yokohama Rubber is striving to ensure that its business operations contribute positively to the world. This means taking proactive steps to reduce its carbon footprint, promoting recycling, and ensuring that its supply chain is ethical and sustainable. It also involves caring for its employees, respecting human rights, and being a responsible corporate citizen.

In summary, Yokohama Rubber’s recent achievements in the ESG space are a reflection of its commitment to leading by example in the tire and rubber industry. By earning "Prime" status from ISS ESG, being included in the FTSE4Good Index for two decades, and making CDP’s Climate Change A List, Yokohama Rubber has shown that it is not just talking the talk but walking the walk when it comes to sustainability.

As the company moves forward with its Yokohama Transformation 2026 plan, it will undoubtedly continue to push the envelope in balancing profitability with its responsibility to the environment and society. For Yokohama Rubber, the future is not just about making great products—it’s about making a positive impact on the world.