Sumitomo Chemical Achieves 2024 CDP Supplier Engagement Leader Status

On July 22, 2025, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. announced its recognition as a 2024 Supplier Engagement Leader by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an esteemed international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing corporate environmental transparency and sustainability. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Sumitomo Chemical has received this prestigious accolade, affirming its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing sustainability across its supply chain.

The CDP Supplier Engagement Assessment evaluates companies based on their efforts to manage climate-related risks, engage suppliers, and reduce emissions within their supply chains. In the 2024 assessment, of approximately 24,800 companies that disclosed information, only 1,394 were distinguished as Supplier Engagement Leaders. This recognition highlights Sumitomo Chemical's unwavering dedication to climate action and collaboration with suppliers.

According to Dr. Emily Turner, a senior researcher at the Environmental Defense Fund, “Acknowledgment as a Supplier Engagement Leader indicates that Sumitomo Chemical is not just focusing on its own emissions but is actively working to influence its suppliers towards sustainability.” This comprehensive approach is pivotal in achieving broader climate goals, especially in industries that significantly contribute to global emissions.

In 2021, Sumitomo Chemical unveiled its ambitious plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The initiative includes specific targets to reduce Scope 3 indirect GHG emissions, which account for emissions occurring in the supply chain, excluding those from the company itself (Scope 1) and those from purchased energy (Scope 2). The company’s new targets have been certified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to well below 2°C.

Sumitomo Chemical has been proactive in its climate change efforts, regularly engaging with suppliers through presentations and initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation on GHG reduction. “Our continuous dialogue with suppliers is integral to our sustainability strategy,” said Hiroshi Tanaka, Executive Officer of Sumitomo Chemical. “By sharing our objectives and seeking their commitment, we can collectively make significant strides in reducing emissions.”

The recognition from CDP not only boosts Sumitomo Chemical’s reputation but also reflects a growing trend among leading corporations to prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. According to a report by the World Economic Forum in 2022, companies that integrate sustainability into their business models are likely to experience enhanced financial performance and stakeholder trust.

The implications of Sumitomo Chemical’s recognition extend beyond its operations. As industries worldwide confront the pressures of climate change, collaboration and engagement become essential components for effective change. “Sustainability is no longer just a corporate responsibility; it has become a business imperative,” noted Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Environmental Science at Stanford University. “Companies that fail to engage their suppliers on sustainability risk falling behind as regulations tighten and consumer expectations evolve.”

Looking ahead, Sumitomo Chemical is committed to strengthening its partnerships with suppliers and further enhancing its sustainability initiatives. The company aims to not only achieve its carbon neutrality goals but also contribute to the global effort of creating a sustainable society. With continued advancements in technology and collaboration, the potential for impactful change in reducing GHG emissions within supply chains is significant.

As the urgency of climate action intensifies, the recognition of Sumitomo Chemical by CDP serves as a promising example of how corporations can lead the way in sustainability and environmental stewardship. As stakeholders increasingly demand accountability and transparency in corporate practices, the importance of such recognitions will likely grow, influencing business strategies across various sectors.