Sustainability | Environment | Risk ManagementTCFD/TNFD

Introduction

In May 2019, TDK expressed its support for the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which recommends the analysis and disclosure of the financial impact of climate change on companies. TDK has formulated its environmental vision, “Three ZERO for the planet,” setting the goals of reducing to zero the negative impacts of its business activities on the global environment and continually pursuing the reduction of society's environmental burden for generations to come. TDK has also evaluated and disclosed the risks and opportunities that climate change poses to its business.
Furthermore, following the final recommendations of the Task Force on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) published in September 2023, we have begun conducting an analysis and assessment of our dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities related to natural capital, including biodiversity, in accordance with the guidance, and have begun to implement related disclosure, starting from FY March 2025.
TDK believes that evaluating and appropriately disclosing the risks and opportunities for our business relating to climate change and natural capital is essential for both TDK’s growth and the realization of a sustainable society, and we are steadily advancing our initiatives in this regard. In addition, by proactively working to ensure that the measures we take to address environmental issues also generate new business opportunities, we are aiming to lead a society-wide transformation and realize a further evolution in value creation.

1. Governance

1.1 Governance structures

Board of Directors' Supervisory Responsibility

TDK's Board of Directors receives quarterly reports on the execution of environment-related activities through the monitoring of non-financial goals' progress. They deliberate and make decisions on basic policies, medium- to long-term strategies, annual plans, and key indicators and targets.

Management's Executive Responsibility

At meetings of the Executive Committee, reports are received from the executive departments on the status of goal achievement and risks. TDK’s global environment activities, including those relating to climate change, are overseen by the Chief Officer of Quality, Safety & Environment (COQ*), with the Safety & Environment Group of the Quality Assurance HQ playing a central role in promoting and supporting environmental activities within the TDK Group. Aspects of the TDK Group’s environmental activities that are deemed to have a significant impact on management are discussed by the Sustainability Committee prior to deliberation and decision-making by the Executive Committee and, when necessary, the Board of Directors.

At TDK, importance is placed on linking remuneration with both short-term and medium- to long-term performance while continuously pursuing a competitive compensation system to attract and retain diverse and talented personnel. This approach encourages Directors to act toward improving corporate performance and stock price, thereby contributing to the sustainable enhancement of corporate value across the Group. For Corporate Officers and Directors who also serve as Corporate Officers, Performance Share Units (PSUs) are adopted as a form of performance-linked stock compensation granted after the performance period. The number of TDK shares and cash delivered is determined based on the achievement of performance targets set in the medium-term management plan. Among the PSU evaluation indicators, the CO₂ emissions reduction target from the medium-term management plan is included as a non-financial goal. The degree of achievement of performance targets shall vary from 0% to 100% depending on the degree of achievement of consolidated performance targets outlined in the medium-term management plan. The CO₂ target was selected to help address climate change and connect environmental value to business growth.

* Chief Officer of Quality, Safety & Environment

1.2 Stakeholder engagement

TDK has global business locations and utilizes various raw materials, energy, water, and other resources in the manufacturing processes of its core electronic devices. At every stage of our analysis and evaluation of nature-related issues, we conduct meaningful engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders. We consider all customers, suppliers, local communities, government agencies and team members (employees) who are directly or indirectly affected through our business activities and value chain as constituting important stakeholders.
Through an ongoing process of dialogue with stakeholders, we share insights regarding natural-capital-related dependencies and impacts, and enhance the quality of measures relating to the identification, assessment and management of risks and opportunities. Furthermore, we respect stakeholders’ knowledge, particularly that of local communities; by adopting a collaborative approach, we are able to ensure that their insights are reflected in the formulation of more effective nature-related measures.

(Our policies for respecting human rights)

The TDK Group Code of Conduct states that “The TDK Group shall respect and uphold international norms regarding human rights. In addition, based on the recognition that it is important to understand the potential impact of all corporate activities on human rights and to conduct activities to prevent and mitigate adverse impacts, the TDK Group shall continuously administer human rights due diligence within the value chain to fulfill its responsibilities.” To that end, TDK Group Code of Conduct provides that “The TDK Group shall not tolerate any form of inhumane labor including child labor and all types of forced labor or human trafficking,” and that “The TDK Group shall comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding minimum wages, working hours, and other protections for workers.” TDK respects such internationally recognized human rights, as respect for freedom of association and right to collective bargaining The TDK Group Code of Conduct also states that “The TDK Group shall take measures to remedy, correct, improve, and prevent recurrence if the TDK Group recognizes that its corporate activities have caused or contributed to adverse human rights impacts. In addition, the TDK Group shall enhance effective mechanisms to enable quick actions concerning any comments related to human rights, and to remediate the issue if any.”
The TDK Group Policy on Human Rights was formulated in 2016. TDK respects and supports international norms on human rights including the International Bill of Human Rights, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the Children’s Rights and Business Principles. Based on the framework of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), TDK promotes the correct understanding of potential human rights issues and takes steps to address them, not only within the business operations of TDK itself but also throughout the value chain.
The "TDK Group Human Rights Policy" is published on our website and communicated to internal and external stakeholders. We expect all stakeholders, including our business partners and suppliers, to understand and support this policy, and we request that their responses be in compliance with the TDK Group Business Partner Code of Conduct, including the prohibition of unreasonable restrictions on movement leading to child labor, forced labor, or compulsory labor, and the respect for freedom of association and the right of collective bargaining.

(Identification and evaluation of human rights risks)

Through dialogue with experts, reporting from international human rights organizations, labor and corporate ethics risk assessments, and CSR self-checks, we regularly scrutinize potential human rights risks and identify affected stakeholders.

(Human rights due diligence)

At TDK, we determine and promote human rights due diligence processes in accordance with the procedures outlined in the "UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights." Additionally, we enhance the effectiveness of our activities through dialogue with external experts and both internal and external stakeholders.

2. Strategy

In FY March 2025, TDK formulated its new long-term vision, “TDK Transformation,” which outlines where TDK aspires to be over the next 10 years, setting the following goals: “Contribute to the transition towards a sustainable future by accelerating the transformation of society and advancements in technology enabled by electronic devices developed through leveraging cutting-edge innovation in materials, processes and software technology” and “Become the No. 1 partner growing alongside our worldwide customers by pursuing continuous ‘transformation.’” This long-term vision embodies two meanings: contributing to the transformation of society, and TDK’s own continuous internal transformation. It reflects TDK’s aspiration to accelerate these two cycles and thereby contribute to the realization of a sustainable future.
To achieve this, TDK has redefined its key issues (materiality) and, as part of its efforts to address climate change, is strengthening its greenhouse gas reduction activities and promoting climate change measures toward achieving a net-zero CO₂ society by 2050.

2.1 Climate change scenario analysis (TCFD)

To analyze the business risks and opportunities related to climate change issues and incorporate them into our strategy, we conducted scenario analysis based on the assumptions outlined below, following the "TCFD Scenario Analysis Practical Guide" published by the Ministry of the Environment.

・Preconditions
Assumed period: FY March 2031
Applicable scope: Entire TDK Group, upstream and downstream value chain
Adopted scenarios: 1.5℃ scenario (IEA-NZE), 4℃ scenario (the IEA’s Current Policies Scenario [CPS], Stated Policies Scenario [STEPS], and Representative Concentration Pathway [RCP] 6.0 scenario)
Types of risks covered: Current and emerging regulatory, technology, legal, market, reputational, acute and chronic physical risks.

2.2 Evaluation of dependencies and impacts on natural capital

To understand the relationship between TDK’s business activities and natural capital across its direct operations as well as its upstream and downstream value chains, we evaluated dependencies and impacts for each business sector. Heat maps of dependencies and impacts are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively.
As a manufacturer in the electronic components sector, TDK shows a moderate dependency on water supply and regulation services in its direct operations while having a high impact in areas such as climate change, water use, and pollution. Infrastructure, such as factories, is associated with a high impact from land-use changes, which may negatively affect ecosystems depending on the location.
In the upstream value chain, especially in raw material procurement, there is a tendency toward very high impacts on land use, climate change, water use, soil contamination, and water pollution. As the value chain moves further upstream, the interface with nature increases, resulting in greater dependencies and impacts. Some raw materials handled by TDK fall under the High Impact Commodity List (HICL) identified by the Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTs for Nature) framework, which designates commodities with significant environmental impact. These include copper, nickel, lithium, gold, silver, and platinum. Raw materials containing these minerals are considered to have particularly high impacts on natural capital.

2.3 Risk Assessments at TDK Business Locations

For 79 of TDK’s business sites, we assessed spatial risk information for nature-related items using the WWF Risk Filter Tools (Biodiversity Risk Filter/Water Risk Filter). Based on the previously presented heat maps of dependence and impact, we evaluated 34 items—including water, ecosystems, pollution, and land use change—by compiling risk scores for each site and conducting site-level reassessments. Of the 34 items, 13 were deemed irrelevant, 11 had risk assessment scores ranging from Low to Middle, and 10 had risk assessment scores ranging from High to Very High. The proportion of sites evaluated as high risk is shown in Figure 3.

As for physical risks, items such as water (water scarcity, water quality) and climate change (landslides, extreme heat, tropical cyclones) were identified at multiple sites. Several sites were found to be affected by risks related to biodiversity, such as protected areas, conservation areas, and key biodiversity areas. Based on these analyses, we identified key nature-related issues and evaluated TDK’s risks and opportunities.

2.4 Risks and opportunities (TCFD/TNFD)

The results of the scenario analysis related to climate change, and the risks and opportunities identified from key nature-related issues are shown in Table 1.

(Physical risks)

Regarding climate change, we have identified increased business risks due to the intensification of wind and water-related disasters, as well as a rise in landslides and flooding. The financial impact is estimated to be 4.9 billion yen.
As a risk related to both climate change and natural capital, the decline in water resource availability has been identified. TDK conducted scenario-based analysis for all production sites using water risk analysis tools to identify regions with high water risk. Based on the findings, each site implements countermeasures tailored to its physical risks, promotes BCP (Business Continuity Planning) measures, and strengthens its BCM (Business Continuity Management) systems. For soil and water pollution risks, TDK is taking measures such as reduction, reuse and recycling, and advanced wastewater treatment. TDK has obtained ISO 14001 certification (an international standard for Environmental Management Systems) and complies with legal regulations. Moreover, for some items, we have established even stricter voluntary standards than the legal limits to reduce environmental impact and prevent issues before they occur.

(Transition risks)

Regarding climate change, under the 1.5°C scenario where decarbonization policies result in stricter regulations across various countries, we recognize transition risks such as the introduction of carbon pricing and a potential increase in the cost of renewable energy. The financial impact by 2030 is estimated to be 11.4 billion yen for carbon pricing and 15.5 billion yen for renewable energy.
As for natural capital, transition risks include the strengthening of regulations on emissions and recycling obligations, conservation of water sources, tightening of laws and ordinances related to protected areas and land use change, rising raw material procurement costs, and a potential decline in ESG external evaluations. We will continue to manage these risks appropriately through our environmental management system while closely monitoring external developments.

(Opportunities)

TDK recognizes the expansion of products for the renewable energy market and environmentally conscious products as business opportunities. In particular, the accelerating adoption of electric vehicles and other low-carbon automobiles is expected to drive growth in sales of sensor application products for the automotive market. The financial impact of this opportunity is estimated at 224.6–231.3 billion yen, with an anticipated investment of 20 billion yen to realize its potential.

Table 1: Risks and opportunities

*Time axes: Short term refers to less than one year, medium term refers to one year to less than three years, and long term refers to 3 to 20 years.

3. Risk and Impact Management

3.1 Identification of nature-related dependence, impacts, risks, and opportunities and assessment process (TNFD)

The identification and evaluation of dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities related to nature were conducted based on the TNFD's LEAP approach. For nature-related analysis and evaluation, we used the web tools recommended by the TNFD for each natural item (Table 2).

Table 2: Tools used for nature-related surveys

3.2 Climate change and nature-related risk management processes

At TDK, we have established the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Committee, chaired by an executive officer appointed by the President and CEO, to carry out company-wide risk management activities. The ERM Committee identifies company-wide risks in accordance with the "Risk Management Regulations." The long list of risks managed by the committee includes environment-related risks, and if these are assessed as significant through business risk analysis and evaluation, they are treated as management targets.
The Safety & Environment Group of the Quality Assurance HQ, which leads the TDK Group's environmental activities, identifies environmental risks and opportunities, implements measures, and conducts monitoring.

3.3 Group-wide risk management process

Risk Management System

TDK, aiming for sustainable growth, implements company-wide Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) activities to promote and appropriately manage measures against factors (risks) that hinder the achievement of organizational goals. To consider and implement measures related to ERM activities and strengthen risk management, we have established an ERM Committee chaired by an executive officer appointed by the President and CEO.
The ERM Committee analyzes and evaluates company-wide risks, identifies risks requiring countermeasures, and assigns risk owners, executing departments, and relevant departments for each risk to ensure proper management. The risk owner departments establish the minimum required standards and rules for building the risk management system for their respective risks, consolidate and report the results of risk assessments. The executing departments build the necessary systems to manage their respective risks, plan and implement specific countermeasures, and monitor progress.
The ERM Committee's risk analysis, evaluation, and the status of countermeasures for significant risks are deliberated at management meetings and reported to the Board of Directors.

Implementation of Countermeasures

The ERM Committee communicates the countermeasures for each risk to the risk owner departments, executing departments, and relevant departments. The executing departments work closely with the relevant departments to implement or direct the countermeasures for the risks they are responsible for within the TDK Group companies. Based on the instructions from the executing departments, each TDK Group company implements the countermeasures for each risk.

Monitoring and Improvement

The executing departments regularly monitor the implementation status of countermeasures for their respective risks and verify whether these risks are adequately controlled. The risk owner departments verify that the executing departments are appropriately monitoring the implementation status of the countermeasures.
The ERM Committee, based on the monitoring results compiled by the executing departments, may recommend improvements to the risk owner departments or executing departments if deemed necessary.

The Safety & Environment Group of the Quality Assurance HQ sets environmental targets, including those relating to climate change, for the entire TDK Group, and identifies environment-related risks across the Group. The ERM Committee identifies company-wide risks in accordance with TDK's Enterprise Risk Management Regulation and addresses climate-change-related risks as part of these company-wide risks.

4. Metrics and Targets

TCFD

In the “TDK Group’s Materiality,” TDK states its goal of achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. TDK has also established its environmental vision, “Three ZERO for the planet,” under which it aims to reduce to zero the negative impacts of its business activities on the global environment and to continually pursue the reduction of society's environmental burden for generations to come. TDK obtained SBT certification for its Near Term target in June 2024 and for its Net Zero target in February 2025.

Medium- to Long-Term Targets

TNFD

Among the core disclosure indicators guided by the TNFD, TDK discloses global environmental data on GHG emissions, waste emissions, and water withdrawal. For core disclosure indicators that are not yet disclosed, we are preparing for disclosure by collecting data and conducting more detailed analyses.

For detailed data and the status of our initiatives, please refer to the linked information. Note that GHG emissions are verified by a third party.

At TDK, aiming for the realization of a sustainable future, we have set goals not only to reduce environmental impact during the manufacturing stages at our business sites and the usage stages of our products but also to regenerate and protect the global environment from a lifecycle perspective. For undisclosed targets, we will proceed with consideration based on the goal-setting guidance of TNFD v1.0 and SBTs for Nature.