Together with Suppliers
To supply customers with high-quality products while maintaining a low environmental impact, forging partnerships with suppliers that constitute the supply chain is essential. Based on the spirit of mutual trust and mutual growth, Roland DG is committed to developing a sustainable supply chain by focusing on open and fair transactions, reasonable costs and excellent quality, and procurement methods that have a low environmental impact.
Compliance with Environmental Regulations
As a global corporation, Roland DG complies with the requirements set forth by the European RoHS Directive and the REACH regulation, and keeps up-to-date with the ongoing changes being made to various applicable laws and statutes. REACH is a particularly strict set of regulations governing chemical substances, and as it requires thorough management of information on chemical substances contained in materials procured through the supply chain, Roland DG is working on enhancing collaborative efforts of the overall supply chain. Efforts are currently being made to meet GHS,* with full compliance attained in more than ten countries including Japan—which established the earliest deadline for compliance—and China, Korea and Europe. Developments are also gradually being made in other regions to meet requirements. Roland DG will continue to further strengthen relationships with suppliers, overseas subsidiaries and distributors to enhance collaborative efforts throughout the supply chain with the aim of complying with globally standard environmental regulations.
* GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals): a system of international standards for hazardous material classification and labeling schemes (labels and SDS) relating to chemicals requiring hazard (toxic) classification.
Green Procurement
In consideration of the impact of its products and business activities on the environment and society, Roland DG has established green procurement guidelines and, with the understanding and cooperation of the suppliers, are promoting activities to reduce the environmental impact of parts and materials from the procurement stage onwards. Regarding procureing parts and materials, Roland DG asks that the suppliers take environmental aspects into consideration, such as improving energy efficiency, conserving resources, and making them easy to recycle, dismantle, and dispose of, as part of efforts to contribute to reducing GHG emissions. Furthermore, in order to strictly manage prohibited and restricted substances, Roland DG asks suppliers to establish chemical substance management systems in accordance with the “Guidelines for the Management of Chemical Substances Contained in Products,” and when delivering products, Roland DG asks that the suppliers comply with the “Quality Assurance Guide” and “Delivery Specifications” established by the Purchasing Department.
Verifying Sustainability with Suppliers
Before beginning any transactions, suppliers are screened by applying the “Supplier Acceptance Guide.” In addition to verifying the financial condition of suppliers, this guide also serves to assess the physical condition of managers, whether any successors have been appointed and their level of training, as well as any potential earthquake and flood risks of business sites, to ensure a sustainable level of mutual cooperation and growth is viable. Roland DG also asks the suppliers to agree to the contents of our “CSR Procurement Standards” and submit a confirmation letter. The Standards set out the key issues Roland DG will address throughout its supply chain (respect for human rights and prohibition of discrimination, prevention of child labor, forced labor, and excessive labor, reduction of environmental impact, compliance with chemical substance management, consideration for the global environment, establishment of environmental and quality management systems, protection of personal and confidential information, and prevention of leaks, etc.), and request their cooperation in these efforts.
Supplier Performance Evaluations
Roland DG conducts “Supplier Performance Evaluations” of all suppliers. The evaluations consist of six categories: management, quality, cost, delivery, environment, and manufacturing capabilities. In terms of the environment, Roland DG evaluates the effectiveness of chemical substance management systems, the state of development of environmental management systems, and compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Roland DG also evaluates activities that contribute to reducing environmental impact, taking into account not only energy, resource, and waste conservation but also initiatives that contribute to climate change issues. Depending on the results of the evaluation, Roland DG may request corrections and improvements with the submission of written improvement plans.
Diversifying Parts Procurement Sources and Risk Hedging
Roland DG is headquartered in Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture—one of the manufacturing industry's leading hubs in Japan—and ever since its establishment, has maintained close communication with local suppliers based in Hamamatsu with the aim of achieving mutual growth. In recent years, Roland DG has expanded its network of suppliers to the Asian region with the expansion of its production and local procurement functions at its Thai factory. The geographical spread of the suppliers and the multi-channel and diversification of the suppliers are becoming increasingly important from the perspective of business continuity plans (BCPs) for large-scale disasters, as well as responding to pandemics and increasing geopolitical risks. Roland DG will continue to enhance its complementary relationships with the suppliers and strive to hedge risks.
