Code of Conduct

Preface

As a chemical company, Showa Denko K.K. has been providing the public with useful products and services over many years utilizing its rich stock of technical expertise and creativity, thereby making contributions to the good of society.

With the advent of the information age and the progress of globalization in recent years, great changes have been taking place in our society. Moreover, as people are taking an increasing interest in the global environment and in their own safety and amenity, the industries are now required to meet such expectations by exercising greater care than before.

In view of the current trends in society, the chemical industry now has an increasingly important role to play. Showa Denko's mission is to contribute to the sound growth of society through the development of innovative technologies and the provision of valuable products and services.
To fulfill this mission, we must gain public confidence by conducting business always in a fair and faithful manner as a respected member of society.

It is not possible to build the public confidence in a short time. The confidence can be created only after each of us has discharged our responsibilities fairly and in good faith over a long period of time while maintaining discipline both at work and in private life. And the confidence can be maintained only by the continuation of such strenuous efforts of ours.

This Code of Conduct sets forth Showa Denko's principles its officers and employees should follow in discharging their responsibilities. Each of us will always observe this Code of Conduct and its Guidelines to ensure that Showa Denko will enjoy the public confidence, contribute to the prosperity of society and continue to grow in the future.

As Showa Denko officers and employees,

 

 

1. We will develop and provide useful and safe technologies, products and services to contribute to the sound growth of society:

1. Provide the public with products and services that are useful and valuable;
2. Provide reliable products and services whose safety and environment-friendliness are assured throughout their entire life cycle from the development to production, use and final disposal;
3. Develop creative technologies that open up a new era, closely watching the trends in social and consumer needs; and
4. Make a fair profit from businesses and use the profit for the continuous growth of the company and for the good of society.
   
   

2. We will observe the laws of Japan and of foreign countries in which we operate, abide by the company rules and strive to maintain the social order:

1. Observe all laws and regulations, and never act against the law or the social order;
2. Refrain from acts that are questionable from the standpoint of common sense or public morals, even if they do not infringe the law;
3. Observe the company rules and never mix company business with personal affairs; and
4. Never seek a profit from activities outside the scope of the company's objects and purposes.
   
   

3. We will conduct business in Japan and abroad based on the principle of fair and free competition:

1. Compete fairly and freely on the basis of product quality, price, services and technological strength;
2. Never seek a profit through unfair or unjust means that will harm our competitors or suppliers;
3. Never join in acts or follow practices that are suspected to be unfair or unjust; and
4. Never use illegal or unfair means to obtain information concerning others.
   
   

4. We will do our best to ensure safety and to protect the global environment:

1. Make utmost efforts to secure safety and eliminate accidents;
2. Take every possible measure to save resources and energy, and to reduce industrial waste and emission of chemical substances;
3. Develop products with reduced load on the environment and easily recyclable; and
4. Implement our Responsible Care program -a voluntary control program carried out on our own responsibility- through the measures mentioned in (1) through (3) above.
   
   

5. We will make sure that we maintain good communications with the public and disclose accurate information on our company in a timely manner:

1. Maintain good communications with our shareholders, suppliers, customers and local communities in which we operate;
2. Disclose accurate information on our company in a timely manner to increase the public's understanding of, and confidence in, our company;
3. Strictly control company secrets and unpublished information and never divulge them nor use them privately; and
4. Make contributions to our communities as a good corporate citizen.
   
   

6. We will respect human rights and create a cheerful and comfortable working environment:

1. Respect another's individuality and promote mutual understanding, and avoid prejudice and discrimination;
2. Do our best to create a healthy, cheerful and comfortable working environment that encourages each employee to develop and display his/her ability;
3. Develop a company style which is free and frank, and provide a creative atmosphere; and
4. Take pride in our own work and strive continually for self-advancement.
   
   

7. We will act as a member of the international society and contribute to the development of regions in which we operate:

1. Respect the culture and customs of regions in which we operate and contribute to their development;
2. Observe Japanese laws which are based on international treaties and the laws of foreign countries in which we operate;
3. Consider our business on a global scale and act in accordance with the global standard; and
4. Develop communication skills and deepen relations with the international society.