27% of Fujitsu’s total emissions stem from suppliers, highlighting the critical role of supplier collaboration in meeting decarbonization goals.
Twelve suppliers have successfully exchanged PCF data through Fujitsu’s ESG Management Platform, enabling more accurate emissions tracking and action planning.
Dual-compliant SaaS platform ensures data security and meets both global (PACT) and Japanese standards, encouraging wider supplier participation.
Fujitsu has launched a major supply chain decarbonization initiative by collaborating with twelve global suppliers to exchange Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data, a move aimed at advancing its net-zero target across its entire value chain by 2040.
The initiative is powered by Fujitsu’s ESG Management Platform, a secure Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that allows suppliers to share detailed CO2 emissions data. The system is fully compliant with international PACT Methodology and Japan’s Green x Digital Consortium standards.
“What we have achieved with the project is a small but good step forward for Fujitsu and our supplier companies aiming for carbon neutrality, and also for us as an offering provider,” said Ai Ajima, Director of the Global Supply Chain Unit at Fujitsu.
Why Supplier Collaboration Matters
Fujitsu’s FY2023 data shows that Scope 3, Category 1 emissions from purchased goods and services account for 27% of total emissions — approximately 3.9 million tons. However, existing emissions calculations rely on industry average coefficients, limiting accuracy.
To overcome this, Fujitsu adopted Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs), which measure CO2 emissions at the product level. PCFs are increasingly seen as a more accurate alternative to traditional methods, especially when paired with the PACT Methodology, now widely regarded as a global standard.
Ajima recognized that to implement PCFs at scale, she needed supplier buy-in. In February 2024, she assembled companies that supply parts and modules for Fujitsu’s information and communication devices and asked them to share:
PCF data for their own products sold to Fujitsu
PCF data from upstream suppliers
Initial pushback was strong.
“It is an interesting and important initiative, but we just don’t have enough people for the job,” one supplier told Ajima.
“The calculation method is complex, and above all, we don’t have the data available.”
Megumi Hanai, part of the supplier engagement team, emphasized education.
“We tried hard to thoroughly explain why we need the data and what they can gain by tapping into it. We tried to carefully go through the process, which was necessary for some to have their good understanding.”
Thanks to this effort, twelve suppliers eventually agreed to participate in the platform’s launch.
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A Platform Built for Trust and Scalability
The ESG Management Platform was designed to overcome the barriers to data sharing. It includes a PCF calculator, API integration with other systems, and a centralized update feature that adjusts methodologies automatically as regulations change.
Ajima noted that Japanese suppliers needed support transitioning from organization-based emissions calculations to product-based PCF models. The platform’s dual compliance allows for a smoother transition while accommodating different readiness levels.
Addressing confidentiality concerns was also critical.
“It’s a technological strength of SaaS which we have leveraged, using our expertise in this field, to build and deliver a valuable solution,” said Ajima.
Access control features allow suppliers to set strict permissions, ensuring that sensitive upstream data is protected. By October 2024, twelve suppliers had shared around 30 datasets through the platform.
Toward a Net-Zero Future
With a clearer picture of carbon emissions across the supply chain, Fujitsu is now able to form more detailed and targeted decarbonization strategies. Ajima sees this as just the beginning:
“We would like to accelerate our efforts to achieve net-zero by 2040. We hope to create a successful cycle of visualizing emissions, identifying hotspots where issues exist, and providing technical support to address the problems.”
Fujitsu also plans to combine emissions data with financial and non-financial indicators to better assess business impact and develop new offerings. As the PCF community grows, the company hopes this model will serve as a foundation for broader industry transformation.
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