Menicon and Zevero Collaborate to Enhance Global ESG and GHG Management Systems

Menicon and Zevero Join Forces for Enhanced ESG Goals

Menicon, the leading global company in contact lens manufacturing and eye care solutions, has announced a collaboration with the Tokyo-based startup Zevero. This partnership seeks to leverage AI to develop a more sophisticated global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and GHG (Greenhouse Gas) management system, emphasizing decarbonization in corporate operations.

Commitment to Sustainability

For Menicon, this collaboration signifies a crucial step towards intertwining its business objectives with internationally recognized sustainability disclosure standards, including the SSBJ (Sustainability Standards Board of Japan) and the European CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). By focusing on integrated management of GHG emissions across all global facilities (Scope 1–3), Menicon aims to bolster its competitive edge in the ever-evolving global market while ensuring continuous growth that is not dictated solely by regulatory changes.

Vision 2030 and Environmentally Friendly Practices

Menicon operates in multiple countries, primarily focusing on contact lens manufacturing and sales. Under its medium-term management plan, "Vision 2030," which espouses the motto "Bringing New 'Vision' to the World," the company actively pursues initiatives that lessen environmental impact. This includes the recycling of plastic materials and the development of environmentally friendly products. In recent years, as its business rapidly globalized, there has been an increasing demand for an ESG management framework that transcends its domestic bases and incorporates its international subsidiaries. Menicon views this evolving need as a critical managerial challenge and is actively laying the groundwork to elevate ESG practices beyond mere compliance.

Collaboration with Zevero

Founded in the UK, Zevero is a global startup dedicated to supporting companies in the sustainability sector through AI-based GHG assessment and management SaaS platforms, coupled with expert guidance. As part of the collaboration, Zevero has conducted multiple initiatives to support Menicon, including:

- Execution of Double Materiality Assessment (DMA)
- AI-supported global calculation of GHG emissions (Scope 1–3)
- Assistance with ESG questionnaires, including EcoVadis and CDP, utilizing AI technologies.

Through these initiatives, Menicon is building a robust ESG data infrastructure that considers variances based on business scale and geographical differences. The ultimate aim is to establish a coherent and transparent data management framework that adheres to global ESG policies.

Navigating Beyond Regulatory Frameworks

As sustainability disclosure practices advance, particularly in Europe, Menicon is setting its sights beyond established frameworks. Rather than sticking to specific compliance requirements, the company is taking CSRD standards as a reference point for developing a future-focused ESG structure. This forward-thinking approach will not only enhance trust among investors, customers, and partners but also quantitatively showcase the value of environmentally conscious products and operations.

Zevero will continue to leverage AI for data integration and analysis, collaborating with specialized teams well-versed in international standards, to globally enhance Menicon’s ESG management capabilities.

Statements from Key Players

Rimi Ito, Head of the Sustainability Strategy Office at Menicon, stated, "At Menicon Group, we believe it is our duty to protect the Earth’s environment and create a sustainable world that realizes a 'healthy and fulfilling society.' We are conducting continuous global efforts in this regard. With Zevero's innovative support based on advanced AI technology, we aim to share our sustainability performances with the world."

Kisho Yachi, CEO of Zevero, expressed, "We are thrilled to support Menicon, a leading company in the eye care sector that prioritizes environmental considerations while expanding globally. The essence of this collaboration goes beyond mere assessment support; we are simultaneously building an ESG and GHG data foundation capable of enduring global management. Zevero integrates AI with expert insights to support consistent sustainability efforts regardless of country or region."

About Menicon and Zevero

Menicon Co., Ltd. was established in 1951 as the first company in Japan to develop corneal contact lenses. With the corporate slogan of "Contributing widely to society through providing better vision," Menicon prioritizes safety in its research and development, using advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure comfort and security in eye care. Operating in over 80 countries, the company manufactures both lens materials and care products from its base in Nagoya. For more information, visit Menicon’s official website.

Zevero, on the other hand, offers a platform and consulting services that assist companies in developing sustainability strategies. Leveraging AI for automatic emission matching and expert knowledge, Zevero aids in strategizing sustainability initiatives, managing emissions, and supporting ESG disclosures and branding. Combining AI technology with lifecycle assessment approaches allows Zevero to not only visualize emissions but also guide actionable reduction strategies, greatly alleviating operational burdens through AI-supported ESG reports. The company serves establishments in over 20 countries, supporting a diverse range of firms from SMEs to large corporations within Japan. Discover more at Zevero’s official site.