Yokohama Rubber (China) Co., Ltd. (Y-CH)

Business activities

1. Business administration of tire and MB product production companies and sales companies operating in the China Area.
2. Management of investments in Chinese projects.

Total site area

442.36 m2

Number of employees

79 (Y-CH employees: 44, YCTC employees: 35) (as of April 2022)

Location

10F, Gubei International Fortune Center, 1452 Hongqiao Road, Shanghai, China

Contact for consultation and complaints

Tel.: +86-21-32091717 Fax.: +86-21-61671388

Website

Message from the President

Fan Ming

Yokohama Rubber (China) Co., Ltd. was established in 2005 as the controlling companyof the Yokohama Group in China.
In China, we have both tire and industrial product businesses. Currently, our operationsare conducted through a structure that totals seven companies; it includes four sites that host production plants and two sites that host sales companies.
Business is carried out in accordance with Yokohama Rubber’s CSR Management Visionwhich is “To build a trusted identity as a contributing member of the global community,” with our operations being conducted from both the production and sales perspectives.

In China, leveraging the environmental technologies cultivated worldwide (both products and production)!

China, which has experienced rapid economic development, is now directly confronted by serious environmental issues. In recent years, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a common goal for the international community, and we recognize that business activities that do not place a burden on the environment are now fundamental to our management. In addition to the introduction of advanced environmental products, we are deploying manufacturing technologies and equipment that we have cultivated worldwide into the Chinese market by setting goals of zero emissions, zero pollution, and zero carbon. With this high environmental mindset, we are working to contribute to the environment.

Complying with Chinese laws, conducting clean and fair business activities!

Legal compliance has been established as a guideline for our business activities; we conduct fair operating and labor practices in a manner that is equitable. Each and every employee is thoroughly educated on the issues of compliance, environmental protection and CSR, and we also focus on developing business people that are capable of operating effectively in international society. In addition to creating a corporate culture that respects the diverse values and work styles of our employees, we also maintain a system of governance that ensures sound and transparent management.

Developing a domain in which we can contribute to environmental protection from our unique perspective

Rather than contributing in areas where everyone is aware of and can take action, by considering environmental and social contributions from our own perspective, we at Yokohama Rubber (China) continue to discover unique domains where we can act. The starting point here has been our activities to support people's livelihood in Laojunshan (Lijiang, Yunnan Province), an ethnic minority region registered as a World Natural Heritage site, which has been highly evaluated. In the future, we will continue to support this project and the transmission of ethnic culture, helping to create a better cycle of ecological environment, economy, and culture. In addition, we will contribute to the conservation of local biodiversity through the "YOKOHAⅯA Forever Forest" tree-planting activities to pass on the rich natural environment to future generations.

Together with the stakeholders of Yokohama Rubber (China) Co, Ltd.!

Together with all of our stakeholders, including our business partners and local communities, we hope to contribute to the enrichment of the earth and society through the business activities of our group. To achieve this goal, we will work to be fair to society, create new value and expand our business, harmonize with the global environment, value people and create an environment of friendly competition, and further deepen our strong ties with the local community, so that we can earn their unwavering trust.

As indicated above, as an international manufacturer given the opportunity to do business in China, we conduct activities on an ongoing basis while keeping in mind a sense of “gratitude.” In particular, in the future as well we want to hold a strong consciousness and sense of conviction in contributing socially and to the environment.

Organizational Governance

Compliance education

We conduct compliance training and awareness-raising activities related to compliance with antitrust laws and anti-bribery. In December 2021, a global whistleblower system was introduced to all subsidiaries in China.
A common contact point within the China region was newly established, and training was provided to employees at each subsidiary. As a contact point for reporting violations of laws and regulations and internal improprieties, we have established an external contact point common to the entire region and a contact point unique to each subsidiary, and have created an environment that facilitates consultation without compromising the interests of the whistleblower.

Obligation to maintain the confidentiality of company secrets

All new hires are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement on joining the company.

Human Rights

Fair and equitable recruitment

In accordance with Chinese law, Yokohama Rubber (China) Co., Ltd. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of gender. We are constantly working to ensure that such discrimination does not arise in our working conditions, and we implement follow-up where necessary.

Establishment of an information desk for whistle-blowing

Whistle-blowing procedures have been announced to all employees.

Labor Practices

Implementation of fire response training

In accordance with Chinese law, Yokohama Rubber (China) Co., Ltd. attaches great importance to the creation of a safe workplace environment, with employees undergoing fire response training on an annual basis.

Disaster prevention training

We conduct disaster prevention training for new employees as a mandatory course.

Disaster prevention training

Disaster prevention training

Helping employees to maintain their physical health

Reflecting the company’s concern for employees’ health, the provision of an annual health check-up for employees is covered by the company’s health insurance scheme.
First-aid training is implemented once a year, in order to be able to respond in emergencies when employees are suddenly taken ill in the workplace.

The Environment

Environmental Policy

As the controlling company of the Yokohama Group in China, Yokohama Rubber (China) Co., Ltd. has formulated and implements the following environmental policy for the Yokohama Rubber (China) Group , in line with a management policy which emphasizes fairness with society and harmony with the environment, and with the aim of becoming a top-level corporation in terms of our contribution towards the global environment and an embodiment of "Caring for the Future".

  1. We will comply with environmental-related laws, rules, and regulations, and agreements, contracts, etc. the Company has consented to for environmental preservation and the prevention of environmental pollution.
  2. We will deepen communication with stakeholders and work to reduce our environmental footprint at every stage from purchasing, sales, distribution, use, collection, disposal, etc. and will strive to make contributions to local communities and to society as a whole by promoting collaboration to working with the value chain.
  3. We will strive for education and improving awareness so that all employees and people involved in the Company’s operations can act appropriately with a proper recognition and awareness of the impact of business activities and individual duties on the environment.
  4. To realize a carbon neutral and recycling-oriented society, we will promote decarbonization measures such as energy-saving activities and introduction of renewable energy, and actively involve and promote all employees in the prevention of global warming, energy saving, resource saving, and resource recycling.
  5. We will take steps to safeguard biodiversity and realize the sustainable utilization of bio-resources through our business activities.
  6. Yokohama Rubber will pursue harmony with the region as it values the local community with the aim of becoming an environmental contribution-oriented company trusted by the local community.
  7. We will release these policies.

Environmental data

Volume of greenhouse gas emissions (from production sites in China)

By December 2021, we had reduced our GHG emissions intensity by 30.11% compared to the base year (2013), achieving our mid-term goal of a 25% reduction in GHG emissions intensity by 2020.
New GHG mid- and long-term targets are under consideration.

Amount of waste generated (from production sites in China)
 

China Area Environment Meetings

China Area Environment Meeting

Due to the impact of COVID-19, Area Environmental Meetings in 2021 were held via videoconference; the 16th Area Environmental Meeting was held in August 2021 and the 17th Area Environmental Meeting was held in December 2021.

Group Environment Audits

Concerning the Group Environment Audits, inspections of plants are conducted by those persons responsible for environmental matters/ environment managers at the various China sites. Audits take the form of confirming compliance with laws and regulations, and also checking the operation of environment management systems. Participants can take home with them the know-how of what is being done well, while it is also possible to identify issues that still need to be addressed. This activity allows for the sharing of experience.
In 2021, a Group environmental audit was implemented at each production site within the region once again.

2021 Audit Results

Move the screen to the left or right to see the table information

Audited site Minor weaknesses
(items)
Opportunities for improvement
(items)
Evaluation score
Key points Environment Risk Overall
CHZY 0 2 100 98 98 99
YIP-HZ 5 1 89 90 98 93
CSZY 0 0 100 100 96 99
YRSC 3 4 84 95 70 83

Opening meeting

Field audit

Enhancing the sharing of environmental data

Managers’ Environmental Meeting

To improve the sharing of environmental information among bases, we held the 8th environmental meeting of persons in charge in October 2021.

Fair Operating Practices

Compliance

Compliance is implemented based on the Y-CH procurement guidelines, and contact with business partners (business talks/trips) is conducted by at least two department members (including one member of management) in all cases.
We implement on-site audits and documentary surveys of suppliers on a regular basis, and use only suppliers that comply with China's environmental laws.

Implementation of employee education regarding improper business practices

Education regarding the prevention of improper business practices is implemented twice a year, based on departmental guidelines, targeting procurement managers.
In addition, we abide by Y-CH's own internal standards regarding customer entertainment, and all gifts received from suppliers are reported and a list is kept.

Relationship of trust with suppliers

Y-CH’s purchasing department has incorporated the fundamental policy of “Always being aware of the need for the purchasing team to maintain a fair, equitable, humble stance,” which is one of Yokohama Rubber Headquarters’ procurement rules, into its department policy. Y-CH will establish structures for core business partners and multiple business partners and build trust relationships with business partners based on stable production at Yokohama Rubber plants in China.

Consumer Issues

Communication with customers

Since April 2021, we have established and operated a customer service center (+86 400 605 8369) for users to ensure prompt and accurate responses. In addition, in response to the rapid development and widespread use of smartphones, an online customer feedback (questions, requests, complaints, etc.) route will be established in April 2022. Customers will be able to scan QR codes on the Yokohama website, apps, etc., and submit inquiries online anytime, anywhere.

Web site: http://www.yokohama.com.cn/

Community Involvement and Development

Social contribution activities (sponsorship of the Laojunshan Project)

As an international manufacturer that is allowed to conduct business within the Chinese market, always within our mind there has been a desire to “give something back.” Thus, since 2011 we have supported the Laojunshan Project on an ongoing basis.

Laojunshan is a mountainous area surrounded by rich nature and was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2003. The Laojunshan Ecosystem Preservation Project is unique in that it aims to protect the ecosystem by transforming a village whose livelihood was previously dependent on deforestation into an agricultural and livestock production economy.

In 2011, Y-CH started this project in Hengyuan Village. In the first year, the company established a "village bank" to provide loans necessary for the transition to agricultural and livestock production, and a "natural ecological industry cooperative" to provide training. In 2012.

In 2012, Y-CH provided the "Yokohama Rubber Ecology Scholarship (Educational Support) Fund". In 2014, Y-CH established the "Laojunshan Ecological Agriculture and Forestry Products Sales Platform" to strengthen the production and sales chain of environmentally friendly agriculture and forestry products.

In 2015, the project was launched in Liuguang Village and integrated six areas in the Liuguang River basin into the Liuguang Village Liuguang River Basin Protection Area, which allowed us to strengthen our ecological protection activities.

Due to those activities, in 2017, the Laojunshan Ecosystem Preservation Project was recognized by the State Council of China as a subject of a national investigation, and in 2018, the project began its activities in Liming Village. This covered the entire northern part of the nature reserve and created a complete ecosystem protection system. We also focused on passing on the folk culture of the Krazyme (Squirrel) minority living in Laojun Mountain, providing traditional textiles and ethnic musical instruments making tools, and conducting workshops by folk research scholars to pass on folk art manufacturing techniques. In addition, in 2019, we donated Lisu folk instruments to an elementary school in Liming Village.

In 2020, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Laojunshan Ecological Preservation Project, we took advantage of our past experience to expand the project to Guangxi Province, China. By 2021, 49 protected areas have been established and more than 12 km of watershed protected by the Laojunshan Project in Lijiang, Yunnan Province.

Over the past 11 years, Y-CH has been able to protect approximately 20 million square meters of forests and watersheds in three villages. In the future, Y-CH will continue to support this project and the transmission of ethnic culture, helping the environment, economy and culture to become more circular.

The "weeding" process

Group photo of activities in 2021

Local agricultural products (honey, walnuts)

Community contribution activities (volunteer activities)

On March 5, 2021, Y-CH collaborated with the local government to conduct a "Learning from the Thunderbolt" volunteer activity, in which YOKOHAMA volunteer members went into the community near the company to pick up trash and clean the hallways.

Group photo

Picking up trash

Cleaning a hallway

On March 25, 2021, YOKOHAMA staff representatives participated in the "100th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Communist Party" series of activities organized by the Changning District Government.

Activity Photos

YOKOHAMA staff representatives being interviewed