Kokusai Kogyo's Mimamori GLOBAL Wins Top Prize at Green Purchasing Awards

Kokusai Kogyo's Mimamori GLOBAL Receives Top Recognition

Kokusai Kogyo Corporation, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has achieved a significant milestone with its service, Mimamori GLOBAL, which has been awarded the Grand Prize at the 26th Green Purchasing Awards, organized by the Green Purchasing Network (GPN). This innovative service supports sustainable sourcing through advanced satellite imagery and geographic information system (GIS) technologies, enabling companies to assess and verify the forest degradation risks in their supply chains using factual data.

The Need for Sustainable Sourcing Verification

In recent years, the enforcement of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the increasing demand for disclosures under the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have prompted businesses to gain insights into the impact of their supply chains on forest conservation and biodiversity. As such, companies now bear a growing responsibility to substantiate their sustainable sourcing practices. However, with global, multilayered supply chains involving thousands of suppliers and farms, effectively identifying and managing these risks has proven to be a daunting challenge, and many firms struggle to develop reliable verification methods.

Overview and Strengths of Mimamori GLOBAL

Mimamori GLOBAL leverages high-resolution satellite imagery alongside Kokusai Kogyo's expertise in advanced GIS technology to visualize and continuously monitor the impacts associated with raw material sourcing on forests and biodiversity.

Key Strengths of the Service

1. High-Precision Risk Assessment Based on Objective Data: The service evaluates risks based on objective data, such as high-resolution satellite imagery, rather than relying on reports from suppliers. This approach is essential to meet the stringent demands of the EUDR and TNFD regulations.

2. Proven Track Record with Major Corporations: Mimamori GLOBAL has numerous successful implementations with major companies, such as supporting Meiji Holdings in building a cacao traceability map and assisting Oji Holdings in demonstrating sustainable forest management.

3. Flexible and Comprehensive Support Unique to Domestic Companies: Kokusai Kogyo provides tailored support that reflects the unique sourcing policies of clients, including customized risk indicators and phased implementation assistance, aligning closely with the needs of Japanese businesses.

Evaluation Points by GPN

The GPN highlighted that Mimamori GLOBAL excels in visualizing and continuously monitoring the risks associated with raw material sourcing, which facilitates improvements in corporate sustainable sourcing strategies. The continuous data collection via satellite imagery and advancements in analytical technologies are pivotal in addressing various environmental risks within supply chains, indicating great future potential for the service.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Kokusai Kogyo plans to expand the analytical scope of Mimamori GLOBAL beyond forest risk to include biodiversity risks and water-related risks. The integration of AI technology will also enhance the accuracy of analyses. Through these initiatives, Kokusai Kogyo aims to continue supporting corporate responsible sourcing practices, not merely declaring a commitment to zero deforestation but actively providing effective verification methods. This progress will contribute substantially to the qualitative expansion of the sustainable green market.

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Conclusion

As a leader in sustainable sourcing support, Kokusai Kogyo’s achievements, exemplified by the recognition received for Mimamori GLOBAL, position the company to play a pivotal role in helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of environmental compliance and responsible procurement practices.