Environmental Activities

Relations with Suppliers

From the selection of suppliers to the procurement of materials and parts, Canon builds good relations with suppliers based on fair and transparent business transactions.

2006 Highlights
  • Procurement division began conducting internal audits at manufacturing sites outside Japan
  • Promoted introduction of electronic ordering system and electronic estimate system worldwide
Promoting Fair and Transparent Business Transactions
Fundamental Procurement Policies

The cooperation of suppliers is essential to implementing Canon’s EQCD concept (*1), which stipulates the timely delivery of high-quality products at reasonable prices to customers around the world, while exercising environmental concerns.

This idea underpins our Fundamental Procurement Policies. We promote good relations with suppliers based on a thorough understanding of our approach to procurement.

Since 1997, Canon has promoted a policy of Green Procurement (*2). As an extension of this strategy, we are currently considering the introduction of CSR (corporate social responsibility) Procurement, which encompasses not only environmental concerns, but social welfare issues as well.

Green procurement briefing for suppliers

Green procurement briefing for suppliers

*1 The EQCD concept
This is Canon’s basic product development policy. “E” stands for “Environment”: “Companies are not qualified to manufacture goods if they are incapable of environmental assurance.” “Q” stands for “Quality”: “Companies are not qualified to market goods if they are incapable of producing quality goods.” “C” and “D” stand for “Cost” and “Delivery”: “Companies are not qualified to compete if they are incapable of meeting cost and delivery requirements.”
*2 Green Procurement
Favoring the procurement of materials and products that have a lower burden on the environment.

Fundamental Procurement Policies

  1. In all of our procurement activities, Canon endeavors to contribute to society and observe the law while maintaining our focus on protecting the environment and natural resources.
  2. In all of our procurement activities, Canon shall work together with our suppliers to realize our corporate philosophy of kyosei and work together for the common good.
  3. Canon will open its door equally to suppliers worldwide and do business with excellent and reliable suppliers in accordance with our corporate philosophy of kyosei.
Reinforcing Compliance in Procurement

In 2004, Canon established the Canon Group Procurement Code of Conduct to ensure fair and transparent business transactions with suppliers and strict compliance with laws and regulations on procurement.

This code falls under the wider Canon Group Code of Conduct and stipulates that employees of the procurement divisions fully understand and abide by its content.

Canon has also established a special department within its procurement division to ensure observance of procurement ethics and compliance and reinforce fair business transactions from the development stage by conducting internal audits. Such internal audits have been extended to manufacturing sites outside Japan from 2006 as part of our efforts to strengthen and expand the internal audit system.

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