Supply Chain CSR

Communication and Training

Communications with Suppliers

Annual Supplier Conference

In addition to its commitment to delivering quality products, Epson believes that maintaining human rights, labor standards, and environmental conservation throughout its entire supply chain is an important part of its corporate responsibility. Epson therefore considers all suppliers to be important business partners.

At an annual supplier conference, we explain our procurement policies. The conference is held in Japan where Epson's HQ and main development functions are located. And many of suppliers attend every time.

In 2021, the conference was held online due to Covid-19. Seiko Epson President Yasunori Ogawa introduced Epson's new corporate vision, "Epson 25 Renewed." The chief officers of the business divisions provided a general explanation of the business situation and strategies, and expressed their appreciation for the efforts of suppliers to maintain delivery schedules and reduce costs despite the challenging circumstances brought about by Covid and social changes. The executive officer in charge of environmental affairs and quality assurance presented Epson's updated environmental vision. He was followed by the executive officer in charge of procurement, who asked for the understanding and cooperation of suppliers in Epson's CSR business continuity plan initiatives.

Supplier Conference for CSR

At an annual socially responsible procurement supplier conference (held since 2016), we talk about CSR trends and our socially responsible procurement activities. We also ask our suppliers to engage with us in our efforts. Suppliers attend the conferences held at Epson manufacturing sites in Japan, China, and Indonesia.

At the conference, we ask suppliers to comply with our Sustainable Procurement Policy and the Epson Supplier Guidelines. We provide guidance for completing self-assessment questionnaires (SAQ) used to evaluate suppliers' CSR efforts and emergency response capabilities. We also ask suppliers to cooperation in conflict mineral surveys. Furthermore, due to the impact of natural disasters and infectious diseases on procurement and logistics in recent years, we remind suppliers of the importance of business continuity management.

Whistleblowing System for suppliers

Epson has established compliance hotlines as grievance mechanisms that suppliers can use to report or discuss violations or potential violations of legislative requirements and the Epson Group Supplier Guideline. These compliance hotlines are being used to further promote ethical corporate conduct.

Suppliers can use the hotlines to report:

• real or suspected misconduct or legal, regulatory, or ethical violations relating to Epson's operations or involving Epson officers or employees;
• ideas or complaints relating to health and safety; and
• concerns relating to conflict minerals

How to report:

• For suppliers in Japan: Link
• For suppliers of Epson group companies outside Japan: Use the comments/opinions box located in the facility or refer to the facility's supplier guidelines to learn about other reporting channels.

Internal Training

The Epson Group's Management Philosophy champions respect for the individual and teamwork. Principles of Corporate Behavior, meanwhile, outlines conduct for creating a corporate culture by fostering employee independence and confidence through professional development. We believe it is particularly important to understand legal and other requirements to ensure compliance and sustainability in procurement. Epson thus provides general procurement training for all employees, as well as courses tailored to the needs of procurement staff.

Procurement compliance seminar (Japan domestic)

Procurement compliance seminar

Basic online course

RBA (Supply Chain CSR) Professional Training (Worldwide)

Epson provides professional training for procurement staff to manage supplier CSR. These programs are based on the RBA Code of Conduct and RBA (VAP) audit standards, including A. Labor, B. Health and Safety, C. Environment, D. Ethics, and E. Management Systems. Some programs are conducted by outside consultants.