(1) Our goal
With the motto "DO THE RIGHT THING" - we are committed to these goals:
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[FOR OURSELVES] Implementing responsible manufacturing and business practices that not only ensure the production of high-quality and safe products for our customers but also minimize the environmental impact of
our operations. - [OUR EMPLOYEES] Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and adhering to local labor laws not only for our employees but for all individuals involved in our supply chain
- [OUR PARTNERS] Promoting the long-term development of sustainable agricultural and farming methods by consistently strive to demonstrate to our partners the long-term benefits of environmental conservation all within the framework of maintaining mutually beneficial and respectful relationships.
- [OUR CUSTOMERS] Inspiring our customers to adopt a greener and healthier lifestyle by reducing waste, reusing materials as much as possible, and enhancing awareness about responsible consumption of natural resources through the company's products and services.
- [OUR COMMUNITY] Contributing to the local community’s economy and support finding sustainable livelihood solutions for vulnerable groups in society (women, disabled people) through the company's business activities.
(2) Our approach
1. Responsible manufacturing
- We are committed to sustainability at every step of our production process. Our ingredients are sourced exclusively from naturally cultivated or native plants, grown without harmful pesticides or chemical fertilizers, sourcing locally to minimize our ecological impact.
- We strategically partner with local distilleries near our sourcing locations in Vietnam (Dong Thap, Thai Nguyen and Ha Noi) and Japan (Osaka and Nara) to ensure our ingredients are processed while they are still fresh. This approach not only maintains the integrity of our products but also significantly reduces carbon emissions by minimizing transportation distances.
- Our products are manufactured following rigorous procedures (as shown below), and each batch is carefully controlled based on our production and quality standards. We adhere strictly to our quality control standards, conducting quality tests on every batch to ensure that our essential oils are pure and safe for therapeutic use.
- We comply with environmental and safety laws and regulations on handling and disposing waste, chemicals or other dangerous materials or substances.
- Maintaining strict transparency standards, we openly disclose information on material origins (COA) and provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of each of our products, ensuring the safety of our workers, consumers, and the environment. For more information on our product quality standards, please refer to our product quality information disclosed on our product page.
2. Efficient use of resources
- Through R&D activities, we utilize agricultural by-products to develop and create new value for products and increasing income for farmers; minimizing the wastage of agricultural resources.
- We extend the product/ingredients life cycle (using waste from the production process as organic fertilizer, combustible material, mushroom growing substrates, etc.) to fully utilize natural resources more effectively and reduce production costs for farmers.
- We prioritize the use of recycled materials such as utilizing 99% recycled glass cullet for our glass bottles or eco-friendly paper for our product packaging etc., alongside with responsibly managing natural resources used in business and production process.
- During our manufacturing process, we maximize the use of natural light combined with energy-efficient LED lightings as much as we can in our facilities to reduce electricity consumption. We also save and optimize water usage in production through a closed-loop water recycling process.
- We aim to enhance awareness and encourage customers to recycle packaging through creative activities using recycled materials from the company's product packaging.
3. Fair and transparent business ethic
- We believe that the integrity of our products stems directly from the respect and fairness we show to those who help bring them to life. We prioritize ethical sourcing practices to not only guarantee fair pricing but also advocate for the safe working conditions of all individuals involved in our supply chain.
- Our aim is to establish long-last trusting and collaborative relationships / partnerships with farmers and suppliers based on fairness, honesty and transparency. This commitment motivates our suppliers and partners to be open and honest to the best of their ability about their processes and practices. By promoting transparency and openess we ensure that every ingredient or material we procure is a result of principled decisions that meets our ethical standards, reflecting our business conduct.
4. Respect for Human Rights
- We believe in treating every individual with respect and dignity and adhere to international human rights principles with no use of forced, bonded, indentured or involuntary prison labour, nor any kind of modern slavery or human trafficking.
- Our business practices are designed to ensure that we are fair, ethical, and responsible in all areas of our operations. This commitment is reflected in all of our business operations and interactions with our employees, suppliers, and partners.
5. NO child labor
- We maintain a strict no child labor policy, ensuring compliance with all local and international laws regarding minimum employment age, and we do not engage in or support the hiring of child labor below the age of 18 years old under any circumstances.
- We conduct regular audits and require our suppliers and partners to adhere to these same stringent standards, with the aim of promoting safe and healthy working conditions throughout our supply chain.
6. NO animal testing
- We are commited to cruelty-free practices, and we do not conduct or commission animal testing for any of our products or ingredients.
- We ensure all our products meet safety standards through humane and innovative testing methods that do not involve animals.
- These commitments extend to any third-party suppliers, and we require all partners and suppliers to comply with this policy as part of our contractual agreements.
7. Community contribution
- We enhance interaction and fulfill corporate responsibilities to the community by participating in social and charitable activities aimed at raising awareness about health and the environment. For example: Organizing classes and workshops within the local community to guide and encourage sustainable and healthy lifestyles; Provide guidance and support (offering our production residue as organic fertilizers) to encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable agricultural and farming practices.
- We also actively seek chances to support our local communities by partnering with local governments and non-profits, with the aim to provide sustainable livelihoods, especially for vulnerable groups, ensuring our positive impact is felt at every possible level.
For any advice or questions on this Code of Conduct Statement please contact: hello@areme.co.jp.