Key Issues and Materiality

Astellas addresses key issues to
adapt to the changing needs and expectations pressed for by society.

Astellas recognizes that our efforts to evolve sustainability will lead to increased enterprise value. The environment surrounding both society and business has changed significantly. In response to this shifting landscape, in FY2021 we identified and prioritized key issues and updated our Materiality Matrix as a compass to our sustainability efforts.

In preparing a new Materiality Matrix, Astellas identified 19 key issues. We then prioritized 9 material issues (Materiality) from this group. We believe that prioritizing and subsequently addressing the Materiality will set Astellas on the path to “transforming to be a cutting-edge, VALUE-driven life science innovator”, and “strengthening resilient and sustainable business operations to meet the expectations of society”. This, in turn, will lead to improved sustainability for both society and Astellas.

Materiality Matrix

Materiality_Matrix

 

Click here to learn more about the definitions of the key issues (PDF)

 

Steps in identifying Materiality

Step 1: Issue identification
To identify key issues, Astellas analyzed various references, such as SDGs-related frameworks (IIRC, SASB and GRI standard, ISO 26000the UN Global Compact's ten principles, TCFD recommendation), stakeholder engagement and communication, and topics covered by ESG ratings.
When updating Materiality Matrix in FY2021, we surveyed the shifts in sustainability trends since FY2017—the year of the previous Matrix update. We also ensured alignment with Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 (CSP2021) and acknowledged industry-specific issues. As a result, we identified 19 key issues.

Step 2: Issue prioritization
Astellas developed Materiality Matrix by prioritizing the key issues identified from the perspectives of significance to society and Astellas.
Societal Significance, shown on the vertical axis of the matrix, was determined by considering the depth of interest from global stakeholders—multinational organizations, governments, NGOs, investors, and industry associations—and the scale of economic losses caused by social issues. Significance for Astellas, shown on the horizontal axis, was determined by assessing Astellas’ opportunities for utilizing its capabilities and assets to contribute to the resolution of issues. The assessment also included management perspectives based on interviews with Top Management.

Step 3: Review and finalization
The prioritized key issues were refined and validated through the information provided by various stakeholders and a series of interviews with experts. The Sustainability Committee* held further discussions before the Executive Committee reviewed and deliberated on the findings. Finally, the Materiality Matrix was approved by the Board of Directors.
Materiality Matrix was refined and validated through the information provided by various stakeholders—institutional investors, industry associations, NPOs, and NGOs—and a series of interviews with experts.
The Sustainability Committee, consisting of cross-functional Astellas employees, held further discussions before the Executive Committee* reviewed and deliberated on the findings.  Finally, Materiality Matrix was approved by the Board of Directors.
Materiality Matrix is reviewed and verified by Sustainability (Functional Unit) annually and updated when necessary. Related targets and action plans are also established to address the material issues.

*The Committee discusses material issues concerning business strategies, product strategies, corporate management, and personnel of the Astellas Group companies. 

 

 

 

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