Background/Objectives

In fiscal year 2022, the Nitto Group established the PlanetFlags™/HumanFlags™ recognition scheme as a system to evaluate and recognize products and services that contribute to solving social issues. Under this system, the environmental and social contributions of products and services are evaluated based on the Nitto Group’s own criteria, and those with particularly high levels of contribution are recognized as PlanetFlags™ or HumanFlags™. Through this recognition, we aim to make our contributions to solving social issues more visible, promote the integration of business activities and sustainability, and evolve all our products into ones that are “essential” to society.

Recognition Standards

Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria. PlanetFlags™ and HumanFlags™ are assessed on their contribution to environmental and societal challenges, along with common criteria such as necessity, leadership, and stakeholder endorsement.Environmental contribution is evaluated based on lifecycle-wide CO₂ emissions reductions and other environmental benefits compared with conventional products.Societal contribution is evaluated based on the value created for people and society, including improvements in health, safety, convenience, and quality of life.

Screening and Recognition Process

PlanetFlags™ and HumanFlags™ products are certified once a year after the following internal recognition process:

External Experts Discuss the Value of Flags

Katsuyuki Nakano
Professor, College of Policy Science, Ritsumeikan University

In addition to decarbonization and resource circulation, the creation of nature-positive products that contribute to the restoration of natural capital is a critical issue that will shape corporate value in the future. PlanetFlags™ is a meaningful initiative that assesses these contributions from a life-cycle perspective and makes them visible and accessible to society. I hope that, through this initiative, more products will deliver environmental value and that the development of such products will continue to advance.

Hiroshi Tomita
Representative Director & President, Cre-en Inc.

Recognition under the Flags program is viewed not only as a contribution to solving social issues but also as a driver of the company’s growth, and I can sense the company’s strong commitment throughout the review process. Making the Nitto Group’s vision of making every product “essential” a tangible reality is important for both its customers and its employees. I look forward to the Nitto Group continuing to incorporate societal perspectives, confirming the necessity and value of its products, and further expanding its lineup of recognized products.