Foundation for Sustainable Value Creation

Fostering Trust……………………………………………………………………… 90
Stakeholder Engagement based on Integrated Reporting……………… 91
In Harmony with Communities…………………………………………………… 93
Addressing Sustainability Issues………………………………………………… 96• Respect for Human Rights……………………………………………………… 96• Natural Rubber Value Chain……………………………………………………… 97

Governance…………………………………………………………………………… 98
Compliance……………………………………………………………………………… 98
Corporate Governance……………………………………………………………… 99• Board of Directors and Executive Officers………………………………… 103
Interview with Independent Directors……………………………………… 104

90

Fostering Trust
Stakeholder Engagement based on Integrated Reporting
Process for Identifying Sustainability Priorities

and future challenges to management in an ongoing PDCA
cycle. Furthermore, we actively disclose the results of ourThrough dialogue with a diverse range of stakeholders,

activities and share feedback with management including

including institutional investors, NGOs, and employees,

stakeholders’ expectations and their proposals for

Bridgestone recognizes their expectations and challenges

improvement that are obtained through dialogue based on

we face. We promote stakeholder engagement based on

integrated reporting. We incorporate these feedback into the

our integrated reporting, and also closely link it to theissue identification and management strategies. This processprocess of prioritizing sustainability issues and integrating

is not only for integrated reporting, but also for the entirethem into business strategy while ensuring alignment withprocess of identifying issues and promoting management

it. As shown in the figure below, the two processes are

strategies, including raising the level of sustainability

being rotated as two wheels, and continuous improvement

initiatives. (Opportunities for dialogue with stakeholdersof both processes is being pursued.

include ESG interviews with institutional investors, dialogue

The 26 sustainability issues identified based on thewith NGOs and customers, and ESG small meetings, etc.)

materiality assessment are reorganized based on thebusiness perspective of creating social value and customer

Sustainability priorities are continuously reviewed throughvalue, reviewed by the global managements including thethe PDCA cycle, and the following issues have been

Global CEO, and shared and reported to the Board ofidentified for FY2024.

Directors. We identify issues by sensing social trends such as• Establishment and evolution of the sustainability

laws and regulations, industry and competitor trends, as wellbusiness model

as customer expectations and requests, and by analyzing(Develop readiness toward carbon neutrality, expand

risks, opportunities, and their impacts. We also identify andcircular economy business activities and promote a

confirm gaps between the level of our activities andnature-positive world)

information disclosure and the expectations of society and• Fostering trust with customers, partners, and local

customers by analyzing the results of major external

communities

evaluations/ratings. Based on these activities, we hold• Natural rubber value chain

in-depth discussions with management, incorporate the• Respect for human rights

identified issues into corporate and business strategies, drive• Tire and road wear particles (TRWP)

them forward, and report the progress, results of activities,

Mid-term business plan progress review

ESG meeting / Investor Interview

Implementation
Budget reflection
Business strategy & action plan

Analysis
result review

Feedback

External
evaluations

Identification ofsustainability
priority issues

Stakeholders

TrendsSociety /regulations

Industry /competitors

Customerdemands

Society, investors, shareholders,customers, employees, etc.

Integrated
Reporting

Invitation for
co-creation—
Fostering trust

Level ofour activities
Feedback to
management

Understanding
present
situation

Planning andissuance

Strategic planning

Employee engagement

Bridgestone 3.0 Journey 2024 Integrated Report91Fostering Trust

Dialogue-based IR Activities and Information
Disclosure in a Timely and Appropriate Mannersuggestions and expectations they have gleaned. They arethen reflected in discussions and business activities so as tocreate value for the future.

Bridgestone has defined a vision of providing social value

At Bridgestone there are two parties working together;and customer value as a sustainable solutions company

Global Sustainability Strategy Division which integrate

toward 2050. To achieve this vision, Bridgestone is moving

management strategies, business activities and corporate

forward with the implementation of mid-long term

culture to sustainability, and IR department which promotebusiness strategy that place sustainability at the core of

information disclosure and dialogue with analysts andmanagement. Through quarterly financial results

investors. Through these organizations, Bridgestone isannouncements, we also announce the progress of the Mid

improving dialogue with investors on our approach toTerm Business Plan. We consider it important for the Global

sustainability issues and the management strategies that

CEO to take the stage at such announcements to engage inwill allow us to achieve sustainable growth alongside ourdirect dialogue with analysts and investors. We work to

customer and society.

build mutual relationships of trust by taking consideration

In addition to enhancing information disclosure in aof the various suggestions obtained through this dialogue

timely and appropriate manner, through our integrated

in our management strategies and IR activities.

report we are also enhancing communication of our unique

In March 2024, we announced the Mid Term Business Plan

value creation stories that balance sustainability and(2024-2026) as a hybrid event which was a combination ofbusiness. We exchange opinions not only on ESG

offline and online. Global CEO and Global CTO appeared atinvestment perspectives, but also on expectations fromthe presentation and engaged in an open dialogue withinvestors’ perspectives as we grow as a sustainable

analysts on a wide range of strategic and technical interest.

solutions company.

In addition to our regular financial results announcements,

We will further strengthen information dissemination

we are also expanding opportunities for one-on-one

regarding a roadmap toward our future growth, which is todialogue with investors. The Global CEO and Independent

return to a “strong” Bridgestone capable of adapting to

Directors engage in direct dialogue, provide feedback to thechange, move to the “true next stage”, and become a

global management team and the Board of Directors on theresilient “excellent” Bridgestone.

External Assessments in the Sustainability Field
As mentioned above, Bridgestone uses external assessments as a means of understanding society’s demands and expectations,risks and opportunities, and their impact. We use the insights gained through analysis of external assessments and engagement

サステナビリティ分野の外部評価

with analysts to continuously improve our sustainability initiatives and information disclosure.
当社グループのサステナビリティに向けた取り組みは、社外から高い評価を受けています。
• Dow Jones Sustainability World Index
For the second consecutive year,
Bridgestone was selected as aconstituent stock.
• Dow Jones Sustainability Asia PacificIndex
For the 14th consecutive year,
Bridgestone was selected as aconstituent stock.

• Bridgestone was listed as among“Top 10% S&P Global CSA Score“of Sustainability Yearbook 2024.

• FTSE4Good Index Series
For the sixth consecutive year,
Bridgestone was selected as aconstituent stock.

• CDP
Received the ratings below for its outstanding efforts.
- CDP Climate Change: A- CDP Water Security: A- CDP Supplier Engagement: A

92• ESG Corporate Ratings by ISS ESG
Bridgestone was recognized witha “Prime” rating.

• MSCI“AAA” rating received from MSCI.

In Harmony with Communities
Bridgestone is working to build trust with society throughActivities Related to Road Safety

initiatives in harmony with communities globally. We aim tocontribute to fundamental for sustainable creation and

There were estimated 1.19 million road traffic deaths in

co-creation of social and customer value.

2021*1. As a tire company, Bridgestone recognizes that roadIn 2023, Bridgestone has become a member of Business forsafety remains a universal concern. At the same time, it isSocietal Impact (B4SI) and has embarked to visualize its social

an integral part of mobility system design, providing safety

impact related to “the changes that happen to individuals,

and peace of mind to communities. We believe it canorganizations and the company, in the short or longer-term, as

leverage its strengths and make the greatest contribution.

a result of the activity” which is defined in “the framework of
the corporate community investment” by B4SI.

In order to generate synergies from its global efforts,
Bridgestone established the Bridgestone Road Safety

We aim to further increase our positive impact andProgram (BRSP) in 2023. The Global Road Safety Partnershipdemonstrate the tangible results of our efforts that lead to(GRSP), an international NPO specializing in road safety, hasbuilding trust with communities. Also, through these social

helped us in establishing the BRSP and creating thecontribution activities, in line with their purpose and theplaybook, a practical guide for our employees. In 2023, withcreation of the eight Bridgestone-like values in thethe cooperation of GRSP, we focused on setting indicators“Bridgestone E8 Commitment”, we are committed to building

to assess the impact of these activities. We also participatedsafer, and healthier communities and making education morein the Asia Pacific Regional Road Safety Seminar, co-hosted

accessible and inclusive for current and future generations.

by GRSP and the Asian Development Bank, in the Philippines

In 2023, Bridgestone implemented a total of 1,144 initiatives*1

with key stakeholders to discuss further promotion of roadin 36 countries, which includes 873 initiatives with externalsafety. During the event, Bridgestone shared our journey ofpartners*2, with 32,102 employee volunteers*3, and reachedenhancing road safety actions, partnerships, and the case324,198 people*4 from the communities.

study.
In 2023, 105 initiatives*2 related to road safety were2023 Highlights: Social Contribution

implemented in 34 countries, including 67 initiatives withexternal partners*3, involved 2,195 employee volunteers*4,
and reached 103,428 people*5 from the communities. Of

Number of countries
and regions

Total numberof initiatives

Number of initiatives
with external partners

36

1,144

873

Employee volunteers●

Community beneficiaries

5 activities in 5 countries.
*1 Source: WHO “Global Status Report in Road Safety 2023”

Number of participants●

these, the impact of community benefits was assessed in

32,102
324,198*1 Counting of “initiatives” varies by country or region.
*2 Counting of “partners” varies by country or region.
*3 The number of volunteers is the total number, including estimates forsome activities.
*4 The number of people who directly benefited from our activities, which varies
by country or region and only includes those activities for which Bridgestone
has confirmed the status.

*2 Counting of “initiatives” varies by country or region.
*3 Counting of “partners” varies by country or region.
*4 The number of volunteers is the total number, including estimates for some
activities.
*5 The number of people who directly benefited from our activities, which varies
by country and region and only include those activities for which we haveconfirmed status.

The counties where road safety activities took place in 2023

● 

(34 countries)

Bridgestone has committed to global good practicethrough strategic alignment to B4SI’s Frameworks andstandards which are applied by the world’s leading
companies. We commend Bridgestone for their active
commitment to social impact excellence underpinnedby their grasp and commitment to
B4SI, and we expect theircontinued and active engagementwith others globally across the
network of leading corporates, toenhance a shared commitment tothe creation of a sustainable
future.

Clodagh Connolly
Global B4SI Director

Bridgestone 3.0 Journey 2024 Integrated Report93In Harmony with Communities■B ridgestone Global Road Safety Project (Thailand)■B icycle Safety Workshop (Japan)

In partnership with AIP Foundation*, the program provides

Since 2017, Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd., in collaboration

solutions through initiatives such as improving road safetywith the local authorities and police departments, has

knowledge and behavior among students and teachers,

been conducting bicycle safety workshop throughout

cultivating Bridgestone Youth Champions for Road Safety,

Japan. The objective is to promote safe cycling practices

conducting school zone assessments, promoting

for people of all ages, ranging from preschoolers to seniorinfrastructure modifications, and empowering Bridgestone

citizens, by tailoring the workshops to their respective life

employees to become road safety advocates.

stages. At schools in Kurume City, BSC conducted

The program began in 2021 and has been expanding
across Thailand.
* AIP Foundation is a NPO that works to improve road safety, primly vulnerable
communities across Asia and Africa.

Output- 242 students and teachers in 4 schools, 10,977 parents andWorkshops on bicycle rules and proper helmet usage.
Output- 75 workshops held, (4,000)+ participated (2023).
Impact- Among the workshops held at schools where impact
assessments were conducted, 100% of teachers provided

community members benefited, 16 Road Safety Champions

positive feedback on the students’ increased awareness.

empowered, 2,000 social media outreach.

- 60% of teachers reported positive feedback on the

Impact in 2022-2023- iRAP Star Rating* improved from 2 stars to 3 stars

students’ changed behavior.

- Road user risk management score, an indicator of the safety■ Project Sarthi (India)

of local commutes to school improved from 13.31 to 19.88

Bridgestone India (BSID) has partnered with state-of-the-* International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) is a registeredcharity dedicated to saving lives by eliminating high risk roads
throughout the world. The Star Rating, developed by iRAP, is anobjective assessment of the level of safety.

art driver training facilities in various states of India to■T hink Before You Drive(Central and South America)

meaning “the one who drives” in Hindi), BSID provides 30

BSAM launched the “Think Before You Drive” program inon professional driving skills but also on soft skills for well-2005. Partnering with universities and government

being and responsible road behaviors. BSID employee

agencies, BSAM implements the program in various

volunteers also offer training on tire maintenance, safety,

regions. The program aims to address the importance ofand financial literacy. The program aims to develop heavyroad safety through educational initiatives and materials,

motor vehicle (HMV) skills and create opportunities forcommunity challenges emphasizing seatbelt use, tire

unemployed youth from socio-economically weaker

maintenance, and safe driving practices. In 2022, BSAM

sections of society.

developed “Think Before You Drive - Kids” for children ages
6 to 12, providing road safety tips and promoting safe

Output- 1,775 commercial drivers’ skill upgrade and certification

behavior through online resources, including videos and- 864 HMV drivers complete short-term refresher training

games.

Impact- 66% of trainees found employment with automotive

address the critical issues faced by the trucking industry,
such as a shortage of drivers and lack of formal training.
Through the initiative called “Project Sarthi” (“sarthi”

Output- 74,000 students and families in Mexico, Costa Rica,

companies.

Colombia, and Ecuador materials reached to since 2015

- 92% of drivers trained want to continue HMV driving as- 3,000+ students in 7 schools learned in 2022 and 2023

their profession

through “Think Before You Drive – Kids”
Impact- 100% employee volunteers felt confident in the level ofroad safety education delivered to children.

94

days of free residential driving training, focusing not only

■ Green Camps Teach “Sicurezza” to Italian Youth (Italy)

Also, as the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that

The multi-faceted program, “Sicurezza [security] on theit is important to address health improvement accordingroad" program in Italy addresses the road safety challenge

to the needs of each country and region, Bridgestone

among young people. The program includes Italian Red

improves the sustainability of communities by

Cross (CRI) Green Camps, which provided full-day

contributing to efforts to improve local health conditions

educational workshops for 8 to 17-year-olds. With theand to create a culture of healthier lifestyles.

participation of employee volunteers, the camps focused

Additionally, we view the support of regionalon road safety and sustainability. Participants expressed

communities affected by natural disasters to be part of its

their intention to prioritize vehicle control, condition, andsocial responsibility. We will continue to provide a variety

tire maintenance when they drive in the future. Theof reconstruction assistance based on disaster conditions

collaborative program with CRI and employee volunteers

and needs in the stricken areas. We sincerely hope for awill continue in 2024.

swift recovery of the people and areas affected by disaster.

Output- 240 “future drivers” in 8 locations were outreached insummer camps across Italy.

Community
https://www.bridgestone.com/responsibilities/social/community/- Over 5,000 secondary school students learned aboutroad safety.
Impact- Fostering Bridgestone team pride and relationship with CRI

Impact on Employees
Bridgestone believes employees who participate in social

The partnership with Bridgestone will allow us to reachmore and more people. The Toolkit for Road Safetydrawn up with the technical support of Bridgestone will
help to expand the knowledge of volunteers on
methodologies for road safety education. Thispartnership makes us more prepared to face futureroad safety challenges.

contribution activities will foster a sense of belonging to
Bridgestone and their local community. Employees can
expect to feel empowered and improve their well-being
through these activities. In 2023, as a trial, we conducted
impact assessments on employees in 14 activities in 9
countries. Among the 241 employees assessed,
approximately 82% felt a stronger sense of belonging in
Bridgestone after participating in social contribution
activities, and 88% felt a stronger sense of belonging in the

Edoardo Italia
VP Italian Red Cross and Italian
Representative of the Red Cross’s
Young Volunteers

community. 88% of them perceived positive changes intheir skills applicable to work, attitudes and behavior in life,
and their own well-being.

Impact on Teammate

Other Initiatives
Bridgestone creates the eight values of the “Bridgestone
E8 Commitment” through various social contribution
activities that respond to the challenges and needs of each
local community. For example, believing that education is241 employees assessed in 14 activities in 9 countries(Results as of December 4th)82%

teammates show positive changes inunderstanding and attachment to theBridgestone

88%

teammates show positive changes inunderstanding and attachment to thecommunity

88%

teammates show positive changes in
attitudes, behavior and/or skills

essential for improving people’s quality of life anddeveloping their professional skills, we support inclusive
and accessible education in the local communities in which
it operates. With a particular emphasis on primaryeducation and technical and vocational training, we apply
our strengths in tire manufacturing and sales to offer avariety of training programs that foster the next
generation of automotive maintenance professionals.

Bridgestone 3.0 Journey 2024 Integrated Report95Addressing Sustainability Issues
As stakeholders and society increasingly hold businesses accountable, Bridgestone proactively integrates sustainability
initiatives into our business models, value chains, management policies, and business strategies. By executing these initiatives,
we strive to generate both social and customer value, building trust with stakeholders.

Respect for Human Rights
Bridgestone fosters an inclusive culture in which all our

from third party experts. Although no human rights

entities and locations adopt and applies ethical labor

violations were identified in any of the risk assessments, we

practices, builds trust with employees, and strives tostrive to improve and adhere to human rights standards torespect diversity and human rights.

ensure their proper implementation throughout our

As part of its dedication to being a true global leader in all

operations

that it does, Bridgestone is committed to respecting humanrights and advancing responsible labor practices throughout
our worldwide operations.
In 2023, we conducted the following two different typesof human rights risk assessments across our own operations:
1) Deep-dive human rights issue-specific and site-specificassessments and 2) Human Rights Risk Assessment Survey(HRRAS) targeting regional headquarters and subsidiaries
across the globe. As for the Deep-dive assessments, wechose the three locations for our 2023 assessment sites; anatural rubber farm in Liberia, tire plant in Indonesia, andheadquarter in Japan based on the holistic risk analysis,
previous assessment results, and human rights risk data

Human Rights
Commitment

Human Rights
Risk Assessment- Development of theBridgestone’s Global Human
Rights Policy- Embedding commitment with
the Implementation Guideline
for the Global Human Rights
Policy throughout Bridgestone’s
own operations- Raising awareness througheducation and learning- Identification of salient issues
and the locations that are
exposed to high risk*- Deep-dive human rights issueand site-specific assessments- Risk monitoring with Human
Rights Risk Assessment
Survey (HRRAS) targeting our
regional headquarters, andsubsidiaries

Accountability

Promoting continuous
reinforcementof the foundationfor value creation- Disclosure of humanrights due diligenceprocess and actions in the
Integrated Report andon website- Communication andpartnership with internal andexternal stakeholders

Based on the Bridgestone’s Global Human Rights
Policy, we implement human rights due diligenceacross our operations while continuously improving andreinforcing our risk management process. Ourcommitment to human rights is realized through theleadership of our top management team and thecollaborative efforts by the Human Rights & Labor
Practices Working Group and teammates around theworld. The essence of our commitment is the “glocal”
approach respecting and engaging with internal andexternal stakeholders, including our rights holders andthird-party human rights experts, as well as our
passion for advancing human rights and responsible
labor practices across our operations.

Nicolas Van Den Steen
President of Human Rights and Labor
Practices Working Group■ Liberia’s ISCC Certification
Actions and
Mitigation- Implementation of
the site/issue specificmitigation and prevention
measures- Development and executionof the Implementation
Guideline for the Global
Human Rights Policy- Monitoring and evaluating
mitigation and prevention
measures

Bridgestone is also implementing a portfolio of digital tools
in its natural rubber farm in Liberia to enable data integrity
and visibility of the natural rubber farm profile together
with other environmental and social parameters for bothour own farm as well as smallholder operations.
This evolution is not only a reflection of our dedication tosustainability and transparency but also aligns seamlessly
with our journey towards compliance with the EUDR.

*Sites that could be exposed to higher human rights risks due to geographic,
political, social, industrial and operational factors.
Based on “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights” that UN has outlined,
Bridgestone is building a process of human rights due diligence and promoting
its initiatives.

96

Global Human Rights Policy
www.bridgestone.com/responsibilities/social/human_rights/pdf/global_human_rights_policy.pdf

Firestone Liberia (FSLB), the largest single natural rubber plantation in West Africa, commits
to contributing towards a sustainable society through continual improvement together with
employees, communities, smallholder farmers, and customers. An integral part of our due
diligence process is to have regular dialogues with stakeholders, including internal and external
communities, to effect solutions in a timely manner based on on-site feedback. Recognizing
opportunities on a national scale regarding access to quality education and to safe drinking
water, FSLB strives to meet necessities in terms of basic living conditions and primary educationand to further support improving living standards through providing farming skill trainings forsmallholders, of our surrounding communities.

Rhea Cinco
Head of Compliance and Sustainability at Firestone Liberia, LLC

Natural Rubber Value Chain
Enhancement of Sustainability through Due
Diligence of Natural Rubber Suppliers

collect information on the supply chain and endangered
species. Therefore, we will continuously offer support anddevelop a plan to engage with suppliers to reduce risks andBridgestone has been enhancing its ESG due diligence inmonitor their implementation status throughout its natural

the supply chain and addressing environmental and social

rubber supply chain.

risks. Third-party assessments by

Verisk Maplecroft andGrievance Mechanism for Natural Rubber
Supply Chain

EcoVadis help identify and assess these risks.
95% or more of our spend-basis Tier 1 tire material
suppliers will have completed an EcoVadis enhanced ESG
risk assessment by the end of 2024. (As of March 31, 2024,

Bridgestone believes it is fundamental to work with our

97% had done so.) All of natural rubber Tier 1 suppliers willtrusted partners as a team throughout our value chain

have completed an EcoVadis enhanced ESG risk assessment

and co-create value towards society. Especially in theby the end of 2024. (As of March 31, 2024, 94% had done so.)natural rubber industry, which tends to be exposed to the

In addition, we have prioritized targeted suppliers basedrisks of deforestation and child & forced labor, a grievanceon Verisk Maplecroft and EcoVadis scores and conductedmechanism is an effective tool. It allows us to collecton-site ESG audits of those suppliers using a self-

voices of stakeholders around our operations, help us toassessment questionnaire developed in collaboration withengage with our suppliers, and enable us to understandWWF Japan. From 2022 to 2023, we completed a total of 54

where our potential risks and opportunities are, to improve

on-site ESG audits of our Tier 1 natural rubber processing

sustainability practices across our value-chain. We therefore

facilities. In the audits in 2023, no human rights as well as

set up a grievance mechanism for the natural rubber

significant environmental impacts were identified.

supply chain and publicly disclose and update grievance

However, there is room for improvement such as in ways tolist quarterly.

Since 2022, Bridgestone has been addressing grievances within its natural rubber supply chain
by implementing a robust grievance mechanism. With the support of Earthworm Foundation,
Bridgestone leverages local insights, tools and technical expertise to identify and addressenvironmental & social issues. Engaging directly with suppliers represents a significant step towards
more transparency, enabling the natural rubber value chains to contribute positively to theprosperity of communities and ecosystems. The approach also favors dialogue and collaboration
with local stakeholders so as to prevent future grievances. Bridgestone is now in the process of
spreading awareness of the grievance mechanism among the grievance mechanism with key supply
chain partners and expanding its scope to encompass other raw materials of which Bridgestone's
tires are composed.

Jeanne Delor
Member Manager at Earthworm Foundation,
Project Leader for Bridgestone

Verisk Maplecroft

EcoVadis

Earthworm Foundation

https://www.maplecroft.com/

https://ecovadis.com/

https://www.earthworm.org/

Bridgestone 3.0 Journey 2024 Integrated Report97