ASI certifies Kobe Steel, Ltd. Against Performance Standard V3.1
The facility produces components such as air conditioner parts (pistons), train bodies, impellers, door beams, bumpers, and Auto Braking Systems (ABS).
22 May 2025
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that KOBE STEEL LTD. Chofu Works Aluminum Extrusion & Fabrication Plant has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3.1 (2023). The Certification Scope covers the facility’s Aluminium division, which produces components such as air conditioner parts (pistons), train bodies, impellers, door beams, bumpers, and Auto Braking Systems (ABS). Key processes at the facility include mixing, melting, casting, heating, extruding, inspection, hardening, cutting, tempering, packaging, and shipping.
The ASI Certification program was developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process and is the only comprehensive voluntary sustainability standard initiative for the aluminium value chain. The ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) was launched in May 2022 following a multi-year revision process. It defines 11 principles and 62 criteria under three sustainability pillars – Environment, Social, and Governance – with the aim to address pressing sustainability issues in the aluminium value chain, such as biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, circularity, and greenhouse gas emissions. The 2022 Standards and related documents underwent a minor update in 2023, accounting for editorial changes, correction of minor errors and for general clarification, culminating in the release of Performance Standard V3.1 (2023) and Chain of Custody Standard V2.1 (2023).
The independent, third-party audit of KOBE STEEL LTD. Chofu Works Aluminum Extrusion & Fabrication Plant was carried out by ERM Certification and Verification Services. A full listing of audit findings outlining evidence of conformances and minor non-conformances is available from page 5 of the summary audit report, linked below. 12 minor non-conformances are noted under Criteria 2.7a-f Emergency Response Plan, 2.8a-d Suspended Operations, 5.3b-e GHG Emissions Reduction Plans, 6.1a-f Emissions to Air, 6.2a-g Discharges to Water, 6.3a-g Assessment and Management of Spills and Leakages, 6.5a-c Waste Management and Reporting, 9.7a-h Affected Populations and Organisations, 9.8b Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas – Identify and assess risks, 9.8c Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas – Strategy to respond to risks, 9.8e Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas – Report annually, 10.3a-c Forced Labour and 11.1b-e Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System – Reviews and disclosure. During the Certification Period, KOBE STEEL LTD. Chofu Works Aluminum Extrusion & Fabrication Plant will be implementing a corrective action plan, which will be verified in follow-up audits.
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