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

642.2 m2

Number of employees

89 (Y-CH employees: 60, YCTC employees: 29) (as of April 2023)

Location

Gubei SOHO 10th floor, No. 188 Hongji Road, Changning District, 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 regarding antitrust law compliance, bribery prevention, personal information protection, etc. Additionally, we have introduced a global whistleblowing system at all of our subsidiaries in China. A common point of contact within China has been established. 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 2022, GHG emissions intensity has been reduced by 26.96% compared to the base year (2013), achieving the medium-term goal of reducing GHG intensity by 25% by 2020 (China Group's medium-term goal).
The Yokohama Rubber Group is taking measures such as energy conservation and the introduction of renewable energy in order to achieve its mid-term goal of reducing CO2 emissions from its own activities by 38% compared to fiscal 2013 by 2030.

Amount of waste generated (from production sites in China)
 

China Area Environment Meetings

China Area Environment Meeting

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the 2022 Area Environmental Conference was held by sharing materials.

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 2022, a Group environmental audit was implemented at each production site within the region once again.

2022 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 0 96 98 100 98
YIP-HZ 0 0 88 95 95 93
CSZY 1 3 91 95 98 95
YRSC 1 2 96 99 85 93

Opening meeting

Field audit

Enhancing the sharing of environmental data

Managers’ Environmental Meeting

In order to improve the sharing of environmental information between each site, we held the 9th environmental meeting in May 2022, the 10th meeting in September, and the 11th meeting in December.

Fair Operating Practices

Environmental risk management for supply chain

We conducted supplier environmental voluntary assessments and on-site environmental audits to ensure that there is no risk of supply problems due to environmental issues when manufacturing products.

Evaluation target: 75 raw material suppliers
Evaluation details: air pollution, wastewater, noise, hazardous waste, and operation of environmental management systems

Audit results

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 the same year, the project was designated as part of the United Nations Environment Program's (UNEP) Global Code of Conduct for Community Conservation Areas (ICCAs).

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.
We also received the Community Unity Award from the Paul Feyerabend Foundation (Switzerland). By 2022, 49 protected areas have been established and more than 12 km of watershed protected by the Laojunshan Project in Lijiang, Yunnan Province.
Twenty-nine new village banks were established with a total cost of 1.42 million yuan and a total of 655 families. There have been no breaches of trust so far.

In 2023, the project will focus on supporting local beekeeping as an eco-industry. We support the cultivation of bee farms and honey source plants for farmers' honey sales business.

Over the past 12 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.
Converting this into CO2 emissions, it can absorb the emissions from 2 million cars.

Donated bee farm

Group photo of 2023 activities

honey harvesting work

Community contribution activities (volunteer activities)

In August 2022, we participated in a blood donation drive sponsored by the local government.

blood donation

In March 2022, as a countermeasure against COVID-19, our company donated vegetables worth 200,000 yuan to Changning District in Shanghai. The vegetables were delivered to the Kitashinpo town community, which was under lockdown.

Bagging vegetables

Group photo

In May 2023, we were invited as a company official to the “2023 Kitashinpo Town 6th Community Convention Third Meeting”.

Yokohama Rubber was recognized at the 2022 "Star of Charity" ceremony for its active donations of funds and supplies to local communities and volunteer activities during the spread of COVID-19.
Received the "2022 Kitashinpei Town Charitable Enterprise" award.