Sustainability
Top Message
Questioning the Essence of SDGs and Making Responsible Choices for Next Generations in an Era of Uncertainty
Since our founding in 1968, we have steadfastly upheld our corporate standard: “A company exists within society, and its reason for being lies in solving society’s deficiencies, dissatisfaction, and problems.” Based on this mandate, we have striven to advance the food service industry while contributing to a sustainable society.
Today, challenges surrounding human rights, the environment, and the economy are increasingly intertwined, leading us into an era of unpredictability. In such uncertain times, we believe it is vital to deeply question the root causes of these issues and continuously review and refine our actions without relying on past achievements. Guided by the SDGs as a shared global benchmark, we integrate these principles into our business strategy and practice them daily.
To realize a sustainable society, we drive value creation around four key material themes:
- From Within the Company for Society (Human Capital): Strengthening organizational foundations so diverse employees can thrive and grow together.
- Responsible Choices Between Society and Nature (Sustainable Procurement): Promoting sourcing practices that respect biodiversity and support long-term agricultural sustainability.
- Connecting with Customers in Society (Experiences & Partnerships): Creating collaborative learning opportunities around food, nature, and sustainability through partnerships with local communities, governments, and peer companies.
- Reducing Environmental Impact (Environmental Protection & Resource Circulation): Tackling waste reduction, resource recycling, decarbonization, and optimal water management.
The natural environment capable of supporting human life is remarkably fragile—akin to a layer no thicker than an apple’s skin relative to the Earth. Because we are directly affected by even subtle environmental changes, we must think beyond traditional paradigms and act with new perspectives.
Looking toward the SDG target year of 2030 and beyond, we consistently ask ourselves through our daily operations: “What constitutes a better society?” and “What should we pass on to future generations, and how?” Undeterred by change, we remain committed to making responsible choices and taking steady steps forward as a sustainable enterprise.
Aleph inc. CEO and President
Dai Shoji
Basic SDGs Policy
In accordance with our corporate mission and management philosophy,
we clarify our internal issues, express them in relation to the SDGs(Sustainable Development Goals) and resolve them through
both internal and external collaboration to embody a sustainable company and individual lifestyles.
ESG Initiatives
ALEPH’s Code of management standard states that “resolving societal shortcomings, frustrations, and problems” is the very reason for our existence. We always keep this principle firmly in mind and are committed to addressing social issues through our business activities, which involve the full commitment of all our resources, including people and materials.
In today’s rapidly changing world, to enhance our corporate value over the medium to long term and build a sustainable future, we will continue to move forward with a focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), the three pillars of ESG.
Environmental
Aiming to reduce the environmental impact of our business activities
With the goal of realizing a decarbonized society, a foundation of the SDGs, and promoting resource circulation, we have been implementing initiatives since the 1990s. We strive to remain true to the idea that the character for “food” (食) consists of two characters when put together signify “to make people (人) better (良)”. Therefore, it is only natural that our attention would turn to agriculture, the source of our food, and further to the environmental issues surrounding it.
We will continue to strive for continuous improvement in food safety and environmental awareness so that our customers can enjoy their meals with peace of mind.
Social
In order to stay close to people and society
As a company that provides products to a diverse customer base, we actively approach the diversity of our employees’ backgrounds and values as a key priority. At the same time, we strive to address our employees’ health concerns and alleviate any anxieties or hardships in their daily lives. To date, by enhancing our internal policies, we have supported employees in taking prenatal, postnatal, and childcare leave as well as returning to work, striving to create an environment where they can resume and continue their careers.
While we are still on the path to becoming the company we aspire to be, we are firmly addressing the challenges we face while accelerating our efforts to ensure the well-being of each and every employee.
Governance
Promoting a sound and transparent management foundation
We have conducted our business activities based on the management standard that “a company exists in the society and exists to solve society’s shortages, dissatisfaction and issues”. In order to continue earning the trust of our diverse stakeholders and to achieve a sustainable and captivating food service industry, it is essential that we strengthen our corporate governance to ensure management transparency and soundness. At ALEPH, we strive to enhance long-term corporate value and contribute to society by simultaneously achieving swift decision-making and maintaining a rigorous oversight system, while ensuring thorough compliance and effective risk management.