Sustainability
Society

The Optorun Group aims to expand the application fields of optical thin-film technology through the spread of new equipment, enhance functionality, and improve convenience in everyday life. We strive to reliably return the results of our research and development to society and contribute to the realization of a more prosperous and happy society.

Contributing to Society through Technological Contributions

By leveraging the characteristics of optical thin-film filters that can transmit and reflect multiple wavelengths of light (electromagnetic waves) at arbitrary intensities, we contribute to society in the following fields through our business activities:

  • ・Contribution through the provision of new advanced deposition technologies required for customers’ new product development.

    Through semiconductor–optical fusion technologies (ALD, etching, etc.), we contribute to the development of next-generation high‑performance devices.
    Technical application examples:
    • ・Enhancing smartphone functionality (curved or complex shapes)
    • ・Realization of AR glasses
    • ・Advancement of automotive devices and displays
    • ・Deposition of BAW filters compatible with 5G
    • ・Higher functionality and lower cost of biosensors

  • ・Technologies that Enrich Daily Life

    We contribute to improving the functions of electronic devices toward realizing an IoT society.
    Examples of thin‑film deposition:
    • ・Biometric authentication, touch panels, and chassis protection for smartphones
    • ・DWDM filters essential for optical communications
    • ・Improving LED brightness and reducing power consumption

  • ・Technologies that Support Health and Safety

    Using optical thin‑film technology in camera devices and medical equipment contributes to safer, more secure living and improved health.
    Examples of thin‑film deposition:
    • ・Lens filters inside surveillance cameras and biometric authentication for security
    • ・X‑ray imaging equipment
    • ・Support and contributions to biosensor research (joint research with Waseda University)

As part of a joint research project with Waseda University on high-sensitivity electrodes for biosensors using electrochemical detection methods, the Optran Group applied our technology to deposit a thin film of gold with a mesoporous structure onto a polyimide (PI) substrate. Using this electrode, the project won the Track Award and a Gold Medal at “iGEM 2022,” an international synthetic biology competition.
The Optorun Group is supporting the activities of the iGEM Waseda team in fiscal year 2022 as a sponsoring company.

Quality Control

As a leading company in the industry, we clarify quality standards and thoroughly implement quality control to prevent defects. We continue to make every effort to maintain quality so that customers can place even greater trust in us.

・Thorough quality control

We will continue to provide products, services, and information by engaging in quality improvement activities from two perspectives: quality improvement and technological improvement, in order to satisfy customers.

・Quality first / Customer first

In order to provide high-quality products to customers who use our products, we have established our own quality control system, which covers everything from rigorous inspections at the design and development and manufacturing stages to maintenance and service after delivery.

・Rapid-response service structure

Our customer service serves as the contact point for cooperation with each of our business sites, and we have put in place a system to respond as quickly as possible to problems and to urgent requests and requests.

・Quality management system

The President and Representative Director leads the global quality activities to improve the reliability of our products. In addition to unifying the quality policy at all plants, each site has its own quality system, which covers everything from the design and development stage to the manufacturing process, shipment, and delivery and installation.
In addition, we conduct thorough analyses of complaints from the market and defects in each process, implement standardization and preventive measures, and share within the organization the identified quality issues for group-wide improvement.

・Quality education

Each and every employee is aware of the importance of "Quality First" and "Customer First" and is putting it into practice. We believe that not only managers but also workers need to improve their skills. Accordingly, we have established a system for defining qualifications and implementing education and training at each plant.
In terms of quality, all of our employees are highly aware of the importance of quality activities, not only for product and services, but also for all areas our operations.

・Response procedures when issues arise

As a manufacturer, we have established a system to ensure the safe use of our products, as well as a system to deal with defects in the design and manufacturing processes.
In the event of a complaint or a quality problem during the in-house manufacturing process, the information is distributed to the relevant departments of each site, quality-related personnel, and management. The manufacturing plant that caused the complaint or problem is in charge of handling the problem, investigating the cause, and taking measures to prevent a recurrence. In addition, the relevant departments work together to share information on problems related to problems and countermeasures for quality problems. We also revise the design standards for the current equipment as well as the relevant equipment of other customers to prevent recurrence of such problems.

Initiatives as a Member of Society

Human Rights Policy

We understand that there is a possibility that our business activities may negatively affect human rights, and to avoid such a risk, we will:

  1. ①Prohibition of forced labor
    All forms of forced labor are prohibited.
  2. ②Prohibition of child labor and consideration for young workers
    We prohibit the employment of children who have not reached the minimum working age as defined by the laws of each country.
  3. ③Prohibition of discrimination
    We prohibit all forms of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, social status, family background, gender, disability, health status, political or religious beliefs,
    sexual orientation, gender identity, and differences in occupation or employment status.
  4. ④Prohibition of harassment
    We prohibit inhumane treatment, including harassment and abuse.
  5. ⑤Consideration for working hours based on work–life balance
    We will comply with the laws and regulations of the countries or regions where we operate regarding working hours, the Article 36 Agreement (an agreement between labor and management establishing limits on overtime work), and the taking of holidays and leave. As a general rule, overtime will be limited to 45 hours per month, with a maximum of 80 hours per month, and we will work to reduce excessive working hours.
  6. ⑥Appropriate wages and treatment
    We will pay appropriate wages that exceed the minimum wage, establish fair working conditions based on the principle of equal pay for equal work, and comply with all laws and regulations regarding benefits and other provisions as stipulated by the laws of the countries or regions where we operate.
  7. ⑦Respect for workers’ rights
    We respect the right to freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
  8. ⑧Prohibition of all acts that infringe on human rights

  • ・Specific Initiatives to Promote Respect for Human Rights
    1. １）Prevention of child labor and forced labor
      To prevent child labor, we verify age using official residence records during the hiring process.
      Additionally, to prevent forced labor, we hire only after presenting details such as working hours and wages, and ensuring the applicant’s voluntary consent.
    2. ２）Labor-Management Dialogue
      We have established a Labor-Management Committee as a mechanism for employee representatives to engage in dialogue with company management.
      By deepening mutual understanding through dialogue and the exchange of opinions between labor and management, we are building a healthy relationship.
    3. ３）Management of Working Hours
      We have designated days to encourage employees to take paid leave and are working to reduce excessive working hours.

・Continuous improvement initiatives and advice from external experts

As necessary, we will seek advice from experts and organizations specializing in human rights and incorporate their recommendations into our internal policies and regulations. We will also promote awareness and understanding throughout the company through training sessions and the distribution of informational materials, ensuring that these principles are put into practice in employees’ daily work.
We conduct training for managers on how to handle situations where harassment actually occurs or when they receive a report of it.

・We appreciate the cooperation of our customers and supply chain partners

We ask our business partners to sign a confirmation document outlining our human rights compliance requirements, and we appreciate their cooperation in our efforts to respect human rights.

・Risk Assessment of Labor Issues

When investing in new projects, we conduct due diligence on management systems—including human resources management and internal regulations—and assess risks related to labor issues.

・Response to Non-Compliance with Labor Standards

We conduct interviews with an occupational physician for employees whose overtime exceeds 45 hours per month. Following these interviews, we take appropriate measures—such as reducing working hours—as necessary.

Diversity

Since its founding, the Company has continued to grow by employing talented people of all gender, ethnicity, and nationality, and by providing job assignments suited to the characteristics of each individual, based on the business operations of management with a global background.
Each site in Japan and overseas operates its own organization in accordance with the characteristics of each region.
We will continue to implement the following measures to help our diverse employees further demonstrate their individuality.

・Recruitment and development of human resources

Hire talented employees regardless of gender, race, or nationality. In addition, employees are given equal opportunities to work and are encouraged to develop their abilities. Appropriate roles are assigned according to abilities.

・Work environment

We will strive to improve the working environment to enable employees with diverse backgrounds to grow and thrive.

・Appropriate treatment and improvement of employee motivation

Employees will be fairly evaluated and treated according to their performance regardless of gender, race, or nationality. To further share values with employees and stakeholders and achieve sustained growth, we have introduced a promotion system corresponding to ones' abilities and contribution to company performance, a remuneration system that determines bonuses directly linked to profits, and a stock-granting system to raise employee motivation.

We also encourage employees with preschool-aged children to refrain from working overtime.
Furthermore, a member of our Group has been selected as a 2022–2024 Shanghai Red Flag Bearer. The Shanghai “March 8th Red Flag Bearer” award is jointly presented by the Shanghai Women’s Federation and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security to recognize contributions to social and regional development and to promote women’s advancement.
The award recognizes individual women or organizations that have made contributions in various fields, including scientific research, education, healthcare, culture, and the economy. Our Group employees were selected in recognition of their achievements.

Learn more

Local hiring and local sourcing

We recognize the importance of our role in local hiring and procurement as we strive to contribute to the sustainable development of the countries and regions where we operate. At all our domestic and international locations, we prioritize localization, and we will continue to contribute to the revitalization of local economies through procurement activities and hiring of local talent in the areas surrounding our operations.

Investment in Human Capital

Policy

With the aim of enhancing corporate value over the medium to long term, we provide training opportunities to develop our employees’ skills and implement initiatives to boost motivation, thereby fostering our talent.

・Training for employee skill development

Management Training: We offer training programs designed to help managers better understand management, development, and performance evaluation, with the goal of driving organizational change and revitalization.
New Employee Training: We conduct training both in-house and externally to help new employees acquire the foundational skills required for professional life and the specialized knowledge necessary to perform their duties.

・Project Manager (PM) System

To maximize the results of our R&D projects, we have established a system in which we select project managers from among our employees to oversee their assigned projects from inception through to completion, thereby enabling efficient development progress. Under this system, employees appointed as PMs are responsible for all aspects of development management—from identifying customer needs to project completion—and bear full responsibility for incorporating customer needs into development, resolving issues, and confirming project completion. In addition, with the introduction of the PM system, we have also institutionalized the payment of PM bonuses based on the results of the development projects they overseen.

・Initiatives to Boost Employee Motivation

We have implemented systems such as “performance-based bonuses,” “granting of company stock based on length of service and contributions to performance,” and “special promotions and appointments to executive positions,” thereby establishing a human resources and compensation system in which contributions to performance are directly reflected in the benefits provided to employees.

・Donations to joint development and talent development programs with universities

We promote joint research and development with leading universities both in Japan and abroad, and we contribute to society by fostering talent through donations to university programs that support the development of startup companies.

Safety and Health

We will comply with various laws and regulations concerning occupational safety and health, and will endeavor to give consideration to the mental and physical health of employees.
Through communication with employees at the Safety and Health Committee, we will take the following safety measures and give consideration to the working environment.

  • ・Implementation of measures to prevent occupational accidents and diseases
  • ・Be careful about physically demanding work
  • ・Safety measures for machinery and equipment through risk assessment
  • ・Physical and mental health management for employees (health checkups, overwork, mental health)

In fiscal year 2025, we conducted training sessions on occupational safety and health, including safety and health education, which were attended by 63 employees.

Procurement

We will comply with the laws and social norms of each country in our procurement activities in order to fulfill our social responsibility in relation to the research and development and supply of products.

  1. １）Laws and social norms
    • ・Compliance with the relevant laws and social norms of each country and region
    • ・Exclusion of Antisocial Activities

  1. ２）Respect for Human Rights
    • ・Procurement activities in line with our human rights initiatives

  1. ３）Occupational Safety
    • ・Efforts to create an environment where employees can work in an environment where safety is ensured appropriately

  1. ４）Fair Trade
    • ・Elimination of unfair competition such as bribery, corruption, coercion, and embezzlement
    • ・No infringement of other companies' intellectual property rights

  1. ５）Environmental consideration
    • ・Efforts to minimize adverse effects on the environment of air, water, soil, etc.
    • ・Cooperation with our Group's Green Procurement Policy

■Request to Suppliers
In order to realize our group's initiatives, we have established the "Request to Suppliers for Optorun Group Procurement Activities" in order to request cooperation from our suppliers in areas such as human rights, occupational safety, environmental considerations, and fair trade. We would like to ask for your cooperation with our suppliers in continuously improving procurement to realize a sustainable society.

Requests to Suppliers for Optorun Group Procurement ActivitiesPDF:789KB