On October 7, 2019, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui", Head office: Tokyo, President and CEO: Tatsuo Yasunaga) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization ("UNIDO") signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to form a partnership and work together to promote the use of packaging and raw materials that contribute to improving environmental issues in Africa.

UNIDO is a United Nations specialized agency for supporting the sustainable economic development of emerging economies through industrial development. It supports technological collaboration and promotes investment to facilitate the industrialization of emerging economies and achieve a sustainable environment.

Mitsui is focusing on initiatives to improve the ocean plastic waste problem, a new global issue. However, demand for packaging and raw materials in Africa is expected to rise due to increased consumption accompanying economic growth. Through collaboration with UNIDO, Mitsui aims to encourage the sustainable development of society and environment by providing rational and lasting industrial solutions through the promotion of environmentally sustainable substitute materials and products.

Mitsui strives to contribute to the creation of a future where the aspirations of the people can be fulfilled, as it works toward the development of a globally sustainable economy and society and the resolution of global issues through a broad range of business activities.