Independent Report

Nissha Printing Co., Ltd. is currently implementing internal reforms. I highly evaluate that it recognizes the urgency of building management structures to oversee the entire group, which has expanded globally with the shift in the company’s businesses to reflect changes in the social landscape, and that based on this recognition, it is reviewing the large framework of its quality management system, including strategies for supply chain and logistics, in an aim to create even more efficient structures committed to CSR management.

This report is compiled in line with the seven core subjects of ISO 26000. I welcome that they are aware of the international standards of CSR, as listing activities based on those standards can clarify the strengths and weaknesses of the global company’s initiatives. One challenge henceforth might be to compare CSR-related objectives with actual performance. I hope the company will consider informing stakeholders of the progress of its CSR activities as much as possible in quantitative data, as this would demonstrate that its PDCA cycle for CSR-related issues is working effectively.

In fiscal year 2011, they saw an increase in environmental impact, as evidenced by rises in energy use and CO2 emission volumes; that is, its performance declined in terms of basic-unit environmental indicators per net sales. While this was due to changes in product lineup and the operation of new factories—inevitable for a company during transition period—in this day and age where total reductions are the norm, a company’s measures are required to take into account growing environmental impact from changes and expansions in its business. I recommend setting common targets throughout the group, like resource productivity, as environmental performance is best improved when linked with production efficiency.

Their CSR Report is published only online starting in fiscal year 2011. This is friendly to users who rely on web search functions, and very convenient for those who know what they are looking for, as it is easy to find needed information. However, I feel it would be better to continue releasing PDF-format reports, which give a fuller picture of the entire document. I hope that in the future, they will build a closer link between its CSR Reports and other information, and work to further enhance the value of its corporate information as a whole.