Material Issues and KPIs of the Asahi Group
The Asahi Group conducts an annual evaluation and review of material issues in order to integrate sustainability into management. Our five material issues are systematically organized into two types: key initiatives that require focused allocation of management resources and other important initiatives. Key initiatives are determined not only by their importance, but also by their potential to create unique value for the Group.
Additionally, we are advancing a double materiality assessment while taking into account international regulatory and
disclosure requirements, including the CSRD and ISSB standards. Through this process, we identify and assess the impacts of our business activities on society and the environment, as well as the risks and opportunities they create for our business, and review our material issues accordingly.
Material Issues
- Key Initiatives
- Initiatives
Realizing sustainability across the value chain.
As a group, we aim to manage risk and create opportunities while aspiring to make a positive impact for business and society with our products and services.
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Environment
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Respond to Climate Change
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Sustainable Packaging
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Sustainable Agricultural Raw Materials
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Sustainable Water Resources
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Communities
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Realize Sustainable Communities through the Creation of People-to-People Connections
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Responsible Drinking
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Reduction in Inappropriate Drinking
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Solution for Alcohol-Related Issues through Creation of New Drinking Opportunities
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Health
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Create Value of Health
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Human Rights
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Respect for Human Rights
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KPIs for Individual Material Issues
The Group has also established KPIs for each of its material issues and is closely monitoring the progress of efforts to address these issues under the sustainability governance structure. We have established task forces on the key initiatives in the governance system and have incorporated the groupwide targets into the targets of each Regional Headquarters (RHQ).
Background for Identifying Material Issues
The Asahi Group recognizes the impact that its business has on the environment and society as a whole. We confront these issues head-on and work to resolve them, thereby creating positive value for society, which will lead to sustainable business growth.
As a result of analysis conducted in updating the new Medium- to Long-Term Management Policy, including the 2022 long-term strategy, we anticipate that climate change and the depletion of natural resources, changing demographics and shifts in economic power, technological advancements, and the accompanying changes to conceptions of human well-being will be megatrends in 2050. Based on this assessment, we established material issues, which are areas to be addressed, as a management issue.
When identifying material issues, we incorporated perspectives on future trends, such as backcasting from megatrends and future projections, and chose what is needed in terms of sustainability to achieve the AGP. In identifying key initiatives, we emphasized the perspective of “whether we can create unique value” of importance to the Asahi Group.
Processes for Identifying Material Issues
1. Identifying social issues
A broad range of social issues were identified for consideration based on the following perspectives.
- Global megatrends and future predictions
- Sustainability report guidelines (GRI standard / SASB Standards)
- ESG assessments (FTSE / MSCI / Sustainalytics / CDP)
- SDGs
- World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Risks Report
- Other social issues unique to the businesses of the Asahi Group
2. Mapping of the identified social issues
The Asahi Group mapped the identified social issues from the viewpoints of their importance to society, stakeholders, and the Asahi Group, and the issues that were classified as falling into similar categories were reviewed for material issues.
3. Evaluating adequacy
After discussions with each RHQ, the top management of Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. evaluated the adequacy of the material issues through deliberations by the Corporate Strategy Board and Board of Directors.
Progress on Material Issue Initiatives
The statuses of initiatives addressing material issues are as detailed in the Sustainability Report below. Under our sustainability promotion framework, reasons will be identified for unachieved targets and efforts promoted toward achievement.