Messages from Our Leaders

1. Introduction

Q Today, we would like to ask you about i-PRO’s environmental management. First, could you tell me about your role in environmental management and the themes you would like to convey in this interview?

A Thank you. I am responsible for environmental promotion at i-PRO, driving efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our business activities and pursue continuous improvement. Today, I would like to share i-PRO's approach to environmental management, our specific initiatives within business operations, and our stance encompassing international frameworks.

2. Environmental management policy and goals: Overall objectives of the company

Q First, please share i-PRO's company-wide “Environmental Management Policy” and the issues you prioritize addressing.

A i-PRO aims to realize a sustainable society through its business activities and positions environmental management as a corporate responsibility.

To this end, based on compliance with environmental laws and regulations, it sets clear environmental goals and prioritizes environmental protection and the prevention of environmental pollution.

Its initiatives focus on climate change countermeasures and resource management, driving the reduction of environmental impact within its business operations.

Q You mentioned “continuous improvement”. How are you continuing to improve?

A We are advancing based on the concept of establishing an environmental management system and continuously improving it through operation.

ISO 14001 is one example, but the key point is not merely establishing the framework; it is to repeatedly operate, review, and improve based on actual conditions on the ground.

It is crucial to create a state where reducing environmental impact can be executed “within daily operations”.

3. Specific initiatives in business operations: Energy and resource conservation, effective waste management, and innovative product solutions

Q Next, please tell us about specific initiatives in your business operations, such as in factories and offices.

A Yes. We are implementing initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, including initiatives to conserve energy and resources and effectively manage waste.

We consider setting CO₂ emission reduction targets, utilizing CO₂-free energy, and proper waste management to be critical themes, as they directly contribute to reducing environmental impact.

The key point is not to implement individual measures as isolated “points,” but to continuously drive the cycle of improvement within an environmental management framework.

Q When discussing environmental measures, the operational aspects of factories and offices are often emphasized, but what are your thoughts regarding products and technologies?

A i-PRO aims to realize a sustainable society through its business activities, and therefore considers the introduction of environmentally considerate products and technologies to be important.

For example, we improved our packaging materials in innovative ways. We are enhancing our packaging system while maintaining quality and performance. By continuously operating, reviewing, and improving our packaging system based on on-site conditions, we reduced the amount of plastic used in packaging materials by approximately 80% compared to previous levels.

This demonstrates our commitment to reducing our environmental impact through technological innovation.

We believe that by continuing to “reduce our environmental impact without compromising our quality or value proposition”, we can achieve sustainable manufacturing.

Q Packaging materials are the first thing customers experience when they receive products. What have you learned from this example?

A The key point is that we achieved a reduction in environmental impact while maintaining quality and performance, as mentioned earlier.

We have implemented environmentally considerate initiatives while ensuring product quality that meets the expectations of our customers.

This experience is a valuable reminder of the importance of contributing to society as a company.

4. Adherence to legal regulations and international standards: Compliance and global standards

Q When it comes to environmental management, compliance with legal regulations is essential.
As i-PRO, how do you approach compliance with environmental laws and regulations?

A i-PRO prioritizes compliance with environmental laws and regulations above all else.

Furthermore, we thoroughly implement environmental management as a corporate responsibility, setting clear environmental goals and striving to prevent environmental pollution before it occurs.

We believe that compliance is not only a defensive measure but should form the foundation of environmental management, as it directly impacts business continuity and trust with society and customers.

Q You mentioned your participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) as an example of your commitment to international frameworks. What is its significance?

A i-PRO has joined the United Nations Global Compact and supports its ten principles.

By joining the UNGC, i-PRO clearly demonstrates its commitment to integrating environmental and social considerations aligned with global standards into its management practices.

This participation also reflects our intention to fulfill our accountability to a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, through transparent and responsible communication.

Through engagement with the UNGC, we remain conscious of global standards and reference internationally recognized frameworks as we advance our initiatives in an effective and practical manner.

5. Messages to stakeholders: corporate value, dialogue, and accountability

Q From here, we would like to ask about your message to stakeholders. How do you view the value that environmental management brings to a company?

A We believe that environmental management goes beyond responding to social expectations and is closely linked to corporate value. It can contribute to enhancing a company’s reputation and reducing management risks.

Delaying action on environmental issues can pose risks to business continuity. On the other hand, addressing these challenges in a systematic and structured way helps strengthen corporate trust and operational stability.

For these reasons, we do not see environmental management as a cost, but rather as an essential element for sustainable business operations.

Q How do you approach dialogue and reporting with stakeholders?

A As a global company, we believe it is important to clearly demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility and to actively engage in dialogue and reporting with our stakeholders.

This approach is based on the belief that enhancing transparency and fulfilling accountability are fundamental to building trust.

Including our participation in the UNGC, we continuously strive to communicate our initiatives in a clear and understandable manner to multiple stakeholders, in alignment with global standards.

6. Uniqueness of i-PRO: Our advanced expertise as a manufacturer and our agility

Q Finally, could you tell us about what makes i-PRO unique? What characterizes i-PRO’s approach to environmental initiatives?

A i-PRO has more than 60 years of business experience, including its history as part of Panasonic. Leveraging this deep manufacturing expertise, we place great importance on promoting environmental initiatives in a scientific and systematic way.

At the same time, we combine the DNA of our predecessor with the agility of an independent company. This enables us to implement a wide range of environmental measures quickly and effectively, which we consider a key characteristic of i-PRO.

We believe that our sincere and agile approach to environmental management contributes to our reputation as a trusted and reliable partner.

7. Summary

Q Based on today’s discussion, could you share a final message for stakeholders, including investors and customers?

A As discussed today, i-PRO views environmental management not as a special initiative, but as a fundamental responsibility that should be embedded in our business activities.

With compliance as a fundamental premise, we aim to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining quality and the value we deliver to our customers, always with global standards in mind. We believe that steadily accumulating these efforts leads to greater trust and sustainable growth as a company.

We will continue to value dialogue and reporting with all stakeholders, including our customers who use our products every day, and challenge ourselves to evolve in a better direction.

i-PRO will continue to fulfill our responsibilities as a manufacturing company and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.