Column

No.

06

Denka Consultant & Engineering Co., Ltd. (DCE) is located in a corner of Denka’s
Chiba Plant along the coast of Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. In 1971, a periodof rapid economic growth in Japan, DCE was established after splitting off from
Denka’s facility and electrical equipment divisions. This year marks the 50th
anniversary of its establishment.
DCE’s main business is the design, construction, and maintenance of plantfacilities, and the company is currently expanding its businesses overseas. In
particular, the pneumatic conveyance of powder and granular materials is one of
the main pillars of its business. The High Flow Pneuma, developed in 1973, is asystem that conveys powder and granular materials with high-pressure air or
inert gas, suppressing dust and saving space and labor in maintenance. This
product led to the development of pneumatic conveyance systems for various
other powder and granular materials, and the company has built up a trackrecord in fields such as steel, machinery, petrochemicals, cement, food, andpaper manufacturing.
Take steel, for example. The PCI (Pulverized Coal Injection) System, jointly
developed with a major steel manufacturer, is a system for blowing pulverizedcoal into blast furnaces. Following the second oil crisis, it contributed to meeting
the increased demand for coal through cost reductions and the stabilization of
blast furnace operations. Its sister technology of blowing waste plastic into blast
furnaces achieves the same benefits, while also making a positive impact on thefacilities to treat special liquid waste generated by IT companies, storage andhandling facilities for fly ash in biomass power plants, and sewage sludge
carbonization pellet handling facilities, all of which have been highly evaluated bycustomers.
Efficiency and eco-friendliness are both essential for the future of the manufacturing industry. As an engineering partner that commits to customers, we arestarting to look toward the next 50 years.

Unauthorized
reproduction prohibited

environment by reducing CO2 emissions.
Recent projects to reduce environmental impact include the construction of

Published: January. 1, 2021/ Publisher: Corporate Communications Dept., Denka Co., Ltd. / Editor-in-chief: Satoshi Fukuoka /Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022

Co-creating the Futurewith Customers

Winter
2021

Vol.

06

Vol.06

Denka Consultant & Engineering’s 50th Anniversary

The DenkaWay

2021

To mark the 50th anniversary of the company’s establishment, head office was relocated into Chiba office andbegan integrated operations

The DenkaWay WinterGunbai

Driving forward
to the future of the world with EVs
Contents

2 Amazing the World with Innovation
Think Next Generation Driving forward to the future of the world with EVs

4 The Future of Automobiles as Predicted by CASE
6 Denka’s technologies used in electrification
8 Special Talk Session with Manabu Kawaguchi
Automotive Innovation Inspiring the Next Generation

14 Denka—Hand in Hand with Automobile Developments

16 Think INNOVATION
To Be on the Runway My Whole Life
by Ai Tominaga, Model, Ethical Lifestyle SDGs Ambassador(Consumer Affairs Agency)

17 DENKA TOPICS
18 LINK GLOBALLY, LINK FUTURE
20 Gunbai Column

ThinkNext

Generation
Driving forward to the futureof the world with EVs

The Denka Group aims to realize a clean and safe future for society by supporting technological innovationin the automobile industry, using our chemical capabilities that we have cultivated over the years.
So that the next generation can also lead an enriched life with automobiles,
we are thinking about what we can do to contribute to the global environment and automobiles.

Amazingthewith Innovation

2

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3

The

FutureAutomobilesofas Predicted by

CASE“A period of change that only comes once a century”
This is what the president of a leading automobile manufacturer said
in response to the huge transformations in the industry.
CASE has gained popularity as a keyword forconsidering the future of automobiles.
The technologies and services encompassed bythese words will surely create a new era of automobiles.

ConnectedAutonomous

S

hared & Services

E

lectric

New values created throughconnection

An era where drivers no longer
need to drive

Turning owned things intosocial infrastructure

Cars that can exist in harmony
with the earth

A connected car is a car that can be used as an ICT
terminal. New value is created by collecting a wide
variety of data such as on the vehicle’s status andsurrounding road conditions through sensors, andanalyzing it via a network. When 5G service is morewidespread and connected services are more fully
featured, it is expected that IoT will link cars todrivers and various other devices, other cars, andeven public transport. Even after getting out of ourcars, we can find and reserve restaurants by linking
our location information with our smartphones, avoid
traffic jams by using other means of transport. In thisway, we will be able to live more convenient andenriched lives through connected cars.

These days, cars with driving support features, suchas detecting a car ahead and maintaining a certain
distance or supporting the steering to stay in the
middle of its lane, became much more familiar.
Issues including long-standing legislation ispreventing completely automatic driving, but it isexpected to become the standard in the 2030s. This
would mean that steering wheels, brake andaccelerator pedals, and even the front windshieldwould no longer be necessary, and so it is likely thatthe interior of cars will massively change in the
future. Under the "new normal," autonomous
dispatch services without drivers are starting to draw
attention, and taxis and food delivery services havealready taken off in China and the USA.

People’s idea of “owning a car” has been changing
over recent years. When car sharing service
becomes more popular, it is expected that cars will
no longer be a thing that one person owns, but will
instead be considered a social infrastructure. It is
likely that the form of ownership will not be
individual-based and decentralized, but more
centralized and brought together by companies
offering services using automobiles. In that case, thenumber of automobiles in society will decrease,
while each will be used more frequently. This shift
will likely increase the value of each automobile andchange their shapes, with more functionality andhigher comfortability.

Electrification has become a trend in the world ofautomobiles. Especially in Europe, many countries
have been promoting EVs as a national policy. The
majority of automobile manufacturers are expected
to expand the development and commercializationof these kinds of vehicles through the 2020s. In
comparison to cars with engines that burn fossil
fuels, EVs with electric motors do not produce any
exhaust fumes. EVs are an integral essence ofCASE, as they not only have superior acceleration
and are extremely quiet, but also align with
Connected, Autonomous, and Shared & Services, asthese functions will allow better control of automatic
driving. While there are still problems such as
charging time and range, there is no doubt that EVs
will play a leading role in the future of the automobile
industry.

A number of Denka’s technologies lie at the heart of electrification,
which drives the evolution of automobiles

C
A

E
S
What is CASE?

CASE stands for Connected, Autonomous,
Shared & Services, and Electric. The word was
first used at the 2016 Paris Motor Show by
Dieter Zetsche, then the Chairman of Daimler AG
and the Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, in a talkon mid- to long-term strategy.

Amazingthewith Innovation

4

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5

Denka’s technologies used in electrification
In our management plan, Denka Value-Up, we have established Environment and Energy,
particularly in relation to automobiles, as one of our areas of priority, and are working to expand our business.
We are contributing to the evolution of automobiles by creating various products that help drive the electrification.

A power control unit (PCU) controls the electric power of

inverters for the motor, so the demand is growing. While

motor-driven hybrid and electric vehicles. It consists of an

automobiles use lower voltages than electric railways, silicon

inverter to power the motor and a converter to control thenitride substrates are frequently used owing to demand forvoltage. Aluminum nitride plates and silicon nitride plates havesize reductions and a high level of reliability.

for many years been used as circuit boards for high-voltage,high-current inverters in the electric railway field, in partic-

Ele ctricP

C

UPower Control Unitular for high-speed railways. Electric vehicles will also need6

Amazingthewith Innovation

Lithium-ion
batteries

Denka Black® is a type of carbon black, obtained from thermal

voltage cables. Spherical alumina filler is a modifier that adds

decomposition of acetylene. Lithium-ion batteries require

high thermal conductivity to resins, and is used as a key materi-high-purity cells, as a large amount of metallic impurities canal for dissipating heat generated by equipment.

®

lead to short circuits. Denka Black contains significantly fewer
impurities than competing products, and it is used for parts
that must be extremely reliable, such as conductive materials inlithium-ion batteries and semi-conductive layers for ultra-highCeramic PCBs

Denka Black® acetylene black

Denka IP® heat resistance modifier

Harness tapeInterior and

W

i

r

e x t e r i o r

h a r n e s smaterials

b i n d i n g

Spherical alumina fillere

Our technological innovations in automobile interior and exterior

resistance of resins and preventing heat deformation of parts.

A wire harness is an assembly component that consists offewer and more compact parts. Denka not only develops

material fields play an important role in meeting the increasing

In addition, it greatly contributes to reducing environmental

electrical wires for power supply and signal transmissions, aslightweight grades, but also reduces the size and the number

global needs for lightweight materials, which is led by theburden by reducing the weight of parts, removing the need forwell as terminals and connectors. The process of electrificationof parts used in a wire harness by adding new functionality toelectrification of automobiles. Denka IP®, which is widely usedcoatings, improving the vehicle’s internal environment throughhas increased the number of wire harnesses used, which has

the tape. In addition, high voltage cables are used for the wireas heat resistance modifier for ABS and ASA resins, contributelow-VOC materials, and producing recycled heat-resistant ABS

led to a corresponding growth in vehicle weight. As a result,harness of electric and hybrid vehicles, and we are aiming toto the safety of manufacturing plants by increasing the heatby adding it to recycled ABS materials.

there is new demand for lighter cables, and a trend towards

capture the needs by developing new products.

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7

Special Talk Session with Manabu Kawaguchi

Automotive Innovation
Inspiring the Next Generation

The technology of the Denka Group, which spans more than 100 years,

What is the Automotive Materials &Solution Dept.?

has contributed to the development of the automobile business.

A department that promotes the expansion of Denka
Group’s next-gen automotive business by working

First of all, please tell us about yourfor innovation in automotive technology.

responsibilities within the Denka Group.

Kamiya: I am in charge of developing new

Miyakawa: I am in charge of new businessproducts for the automotive industry throughdevelopment for the automotive industry. My

marketing activities. In order to keep up with the

How will automobiles and the environment around us change in the future?

duties include marketing, listening to the needs

expanding market, we need to explore new

We invited Mr. Manabu Kawaguchi, an automobile journalist,of automakers, and examining ways to utilize theresearch topics. We are extracting needs mainly

to join us for a roundtable discussion with employees from Denka’s automotive-related divisions.

technologies and products of the Denka Group

from automakers in the North America area andacross various divisions and activities across various
divisions and conducting cross-functional marketingand new business development activities.

Amazingthewith Innovation

Special Guest

Manabu Kawaguchi
Automobile Journalist

8

The Denka Way | 2021 WinterTaro Kamiya

Takeshi Miyakawa

Masakazu Minegishi

Keisuke Murasaki

Automotive Materials &Solutions Dept.

Automotive Materials &Solutions Dept.

Special Conductive
Materials Dept.
Electronics & Innovative
Products Div.

Advanced Tape Dept.
Living & Environment Products Div.

2021 Winter | The Denka Way

9Special Talk Session Automotive Innovation Inspiring the Next Generation

continuing to provide feedback within the Denka

2050. There is currently a slight upward trend inGroup.

the production of EVs (Electric Vehicles) and

Murasaki: I am in charge of sales of harness

PHVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles), but looking attapes, which bind the wiring harnesses thatmarket trends, I honestly wonder if they will reallytransmit electricity and electrical signals inreach that level. Further expansion of the xEV

automobiles. With electric vehicles and automatic

market hinges on a change in the mindset ofdriving necessitating even lighter materials, we

end users. The first major issue is the pricing. For

are responding to the needs of our customers

example, HVs (Hybrid Vehicles) have been

by manufacturing the thinnest and lightest

around in Japan since 1998. The price has

harness tapes in the industry.

remained low, so they have spread throughout

Minegishi: I am in charge of sales of acetylene

Japan, but the price of EVs remain high. Lower

black, which is used as a conductive material inprices are essential for popularizing EVs.

lithium-ion secondary batteries. The strength

Additionally, the range problem needs to be

Changing the mindset of end users is key to further
expanding the xEV marketof this product is its high purity and its well-de-solved. Currently, the cruising range of EVs isveloped chain structure, which provides excellent

about 400 km. This is actually enough, but on a

conductivity and moisture absorption. I am proud

psychological level, I think a lot of users feelEVs waiting in lines to charge at shopping malls.

of the fact that it is widely used as a de facto

uneasy because that number isn’t higher.

In the meantime, drivers can enjoy a cup of tea,standard product.

Another issue is the lack of charging ports. At

but it might take some time for this custom to

Could you tell us about current market

expressway service areas, there are sometimes

spread around the world. It is no exaggeration to

many people purchase HVs for economicof lower cost vs. high performance is a common

batteries. We have to overcome this competition

trends and needs in the automotivelines of cars waiting for chargers, and facilities forsay that we are in a phase where we need toreasons. One way to meet such needs is totheme in automotive related materials.

by making proposals that take into account theindustry?

quick charging are limited. Popularizing xEVs willtransform our very lifestyles.

reduce the price of lithium-ion rechargeable

Minegishi: Lithium-ion battery manufacturers

features of xEVs and all usage scenarios.

Kawaguchi: The xEV (Electromotive Vehicle)

require a change in the end user mindset with

Miyakawa: Some end users choose xEVs

batteries. However, the cruising range is short-have a growing need for conductive materials

Murasaki: The challenge of lowering prices ismarket is continuing to expand worldwide, and it

relation to pricing, range, and recharging.

because they want to reduce greenhouseened by driving with the air condition on and bythat can extend the cruising range. Our acetylene

the same for wire harnesses. As electrification

has been predicted that production volume will

Kamiya: I agree. In California, where ZEV

gas emissions and contribute to the reduction

aging batteries, so we also need to aim forblack is now the de facto standard, but there are

and automated driving technologies evolve,

increase more than tenfold between 2030 andregulations are in place, you can see dozens ofof environmental impact, but it is also true thathigher performance. The two conflicting issues

still many “dormant” conductive materials out

more circuitry is required. In contrast to the trend

Guest

there. In the future, we will face competition from

Solving the conflicting issues of lower cost vs. high performance

new materials capable of conducting electricity insmaller amounts to achieve higher capacity

Denka Group01
Manabu Kawaguchi
Automobile journalist. Member of
the Japan Automobile Journalists
Association. Member of theJapan Car of the Year Selection
Committee. Has his own
YouTube channel called “LOVECARS!TV!” (280,000
subscribers).

10

The Denka Way | 2021 WinterTakeshi Miyakawa
Automotive Materials &Solutions Dept.
Joined the company in 1990.
After working on the development of functional resins, sheets,
thermal management products,
and acetylene black, heassumed his current position in
2016. He is in charge of new
business development for the
automotive industry.

Taro Kamiya
Automotive Materials &Solutions Dept.
Joined the company in 1999.
After working in sales ofelectronic components, opticalfiber materials, and electronics
materials for the Chinese market,
he assumed his current positionin 2019. He is in charge of new
business development for the
automotive industry.

Masakazu Minegishi
Special Conductive Materials
Dept.
Electronics & Innovative
Products Div.
Joined the company in 2005. After
working in materials procurement, he
was put in charge of domestic andoverseas sales of acetylene black andhas been in his current position since2014. In addition to sales, he is incharge of training young employees.

Keisuke Murasaki
Advanced Tape Dept.
Living & Environment
Products Div.
Joined the company in 2012.
Put in charge of sales of rain
gutter products at the Osaka
Branch for three years, after
which he assumed his current
position in 2015. He is currently
in charge of harness tapes forautomobile wiring harnesses.

Realizing carbon neutrality to achieve
zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

The Denka Group's medium- to long-termtargets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
（%）

100

In 2019, our company established a medium- to long-term target for greenhouse80

gas emissions with the below 2°C target set by the Paris Agreement in mind. We

60have been aiming for an 85% reduction by 2050. Following the Japanese40

government’s declaration of carbon neutrality in October 2020, we will strengthen

20

our goals and aim to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by FY2050.

(Unit: 10,000 t-CO₂/year)

100 %

235

86 %

203

83 %

196

74 %

174
0%

0

0

2013

2018

2019

2030

(Year)

2050

Amazingthewith Innovation
2021 Winter | The Denka Way

11

Special Talk Session Automotive Innovation Inspiring the Next Generationof automobiles getting lighter, wire harnesses are

the market share of FCVs is directly related to

we don’t know how the automotive industry will

getting heavier. We would like to make proposals

increasing clean energy.

look in a few years’ time. That is why we need to

to integrate functions and optimize excessive

Kamiya: It is truly a “mobile air purifier.” I believe

look beyond the automotive industry. As a

specifications for total cost reduction and to
reduce size and weight for better performance.
What about the relationship between

Expanding the potential of xEVs to reduce environ-

automobiles and the environment?

mental impact

Kawaguchi: Automobiles and the environment
are inextricably linked. Traditionally, the focus has
been on how to reduce greenhouse gasthat an optimal mix of xEVs is important tomaterials manufacturer, I think it is important toemissions, but this idea is changing. For exam-

reduce environmental impact. Rather thanalways think about how we can contribute to theple, look at FCVs (Fuel Cell Vehicles). These

converting all vehicles to FCVs or EVs, FCVs

environment.
Murasaki: Performance requirements forharness tapes are different between conventional

the fact that your work is enriching people’s lives.

units to deepen our relationship of trust andwill continue developing new products that will

gasoline cars and xEVs. For example, we need to

Denka’s products are contributing to theaccelerate the development of new products.

become the de facto standard for next-genera-

use high-voltage cables for xEV harness tapes.

realization of a sustainable society throughKamiya: “Safety” is an important keyword. Wetion automobiles.

As Mr. Minegishi says, we believe that continuing

technological innovations in automobiles andhave technologies and products that contrib-

Minegishi: The growth of xEVs means that our

to manufacture products that meet the needs ofproducts can contribute to a wider range ofthe future will ultimately lead to a reduction infields, but on the other hand, it also means thatenvironmental impact.

vehicles take in oxygen and create a chemical

could be used as buses due to their long

Bringing joy to people and enrich their daily lives.

they will become increasingly commodified. To

Miyakawa: We also have to take into accountmake our presence felt, we will need to special-

the environmental impact of manufacturing

ize in all areas. We must improve the quality ofprocesses. There is data showing that in somethe growth of the xEV market. In addition, xEVs

ute to automated driving, and we would like toour products, research system, and customer

cases, the manufacturing processes of new

can be used as an emergency power source infully realize it without traffic accidents. We wantsupport, so that customers will come to trust thematerials used to make vehicles lighter have atimes of disaster, saving people’s lives. Whento discover new possibilities while exchanging

Denka brand. It is true that our products may

higher environmental impact than the processes

you are working on the development of new

opinions with our customers. That is the mission

only be a tiny part of the automobile. However,for conventional materials. We will continue

products with high added value, please imagineof the Automotive Materials & Solutions Depart-our customers choose us, and we can contributelooking for ways to reduce environmental

the happy faces of end users.

ment.

to the lives of people around the world. There is

Murasaki: I am proud of the fact that when you

nothing that makes me happier than that. We willreaction with hydrogen to power the motor. This

cruising range, and EVs could be used as small

impact, not only during driving but also during

Miyakawa: Thank you very much. We arereaction only produces water, so no CO2 is

one-seater vehicles for elderly people to go

manufacturing.

currently building a network with automakers andopen a car’s hood, you can see our harness

continue to take on the challenge of further

emitted. Moreover, the latest model purifies the

shopping. Operating with each vehicle’s features

Lastly, what are your expectations for thetier 1 suppliers around the world, and we havetape. This may not be something that end users

specialization and contribute to enhancing theare aware of, but it is an area where ourvalue of the Denka Group.

technical capabilities are put into practice. We

air it takes in and discharges it, so the more you

in mind should lead to more efficient energy use.

Denka Group?

started to receive inquiries about new materials. I

drive, the cleaner the air becomes. Increasing

Minegishi: Our society is changing rapidly, andKawaguchi: I hope that you will take pride in

would like to collaborate with the other business

02

03

Reducing CO2 emissions by about 35,000 tons per year throughclean energy initiatives with hydroelectric power plants

Toward the realization of a sustainable society.
Resource recycling at cement plants.

The Denka Group has been actively engaged in the construction of hydroelectric power

In order to realize a sustainable society, the Denka Aomi Plant

plants since its establishment. Ten of our own power plants and five jointly owned power

utilizes Automobile Shredder Dust (ASR) and other materials fromplants in Niigata and Nagano prefectures cover about 30% of Denka’s total electricity

in-house industrial waste as fuel. Efforts are being made to recycle

consumption. With the addition of two new power plants, this is expected to contribute to

cement to minimize the discharge to final disposal sites as mucha reduction in CO2 emissions of about 35,000 tons per year in the future.

as possible.
Oami Power Station (Nagano Prefecture)

FY2019 Recyclable Resource Acceptance Breakdown by Type
Other 10%
Waste oil, plastic,
and wood chips
6%
Soil generated
by construction
7%
Cinders, soot,and dust
23%

Sludge32%

Amount accepted

821,000t

Mining waste
22%

Amazingthewith Innovation

12

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13

Denka—Hand in Hand with Automobile Developments

AmazingtheDenka’s development has gone hand in hand with the development of automobile-related technologies. In addition to the products introduced here,
we will continue to create new technologies and products for the next generation of mobility.

with Innovation

WeightReduction

Heat Dissipation
Heat dissipation technology is key for electric vehicles, which are made up of many electronic
components that generate heat.
Applications

Applications

Ceramic substrates
Silicon Nitride Plates
Aluminum Nitride PlatesHigh-voltage/high-current
compatible circuit board,made of high thermal
conductivity ceramics.

Applications

Millimeter wave radar,
V2X communication

Long-lasting,
Beautiful,
Shining
Long lasting with clear visibility. LEDs are now themainstay of lighting technology. They are also
often used in automotive components.
Applications

LED lights, indicators
SiAlON phosphor
Alonbright®
Used for LED lighting and white
LED backlights for LCDs. High
resistance to temperaturechanges contributes to longer
life and higher brightness of
LEDs.

14

LCP film(In development)
A low dielectric constant andlow dielectric tangent film.
Reduces transmission loss
when used as a flexible
insulating layer for highfrequency devices.

The Denka Way | 2021 Winter

LDM (In development)

A new thermosetting resinwith heat resistance andelectrical properties (lowdielectric constant). Reducestransmission loss when used
as hard substrates andinterlayer dielectric materials.

Low dielectric tangent
filler(In development)
By combining various
materials, it is possible toreduce the transmission lossof high-frequency devices.

Heat resistance modifier
Denka IP®
A “Styrene-N-Phenylmaleimide-Maleic anhydride
Copolymer” developed with
Denka’s proprietary
technology. Adds heat
resistance to ABS resin.

BN resin complex(In development)
Thermally conductive insulating
sheets with adhesive properties.
Allows for new structures inhigh-voltage electricalcomponents such as inverters
and DC-DC converters.

Automobiles are equipped with many parts such as
power windows and speakers that play a major roleeven though they do not directly affect driving.
Denka’s technology is also utilized in these parts.

Speakers, Small motors

Adhesive Hardloc®
A denatured acrylate-based
structural adhesive of the
2-component type. It is highly
durable and excellent forbonding metal and magnets.

Interior materials

Denka’s materials are used to create comfortable spaces with pleasant texturesand luxurious finishings.

Noble Tact (In development)
Special sheet with a brushed surface that has a pleasant texture,with optical transparency and high formability. It can be used tomake the inside of the vehicle feel more luxurious.

Evolmer®
(In development)
Synthetic rubber with many
properties such as mechanicalstrength, oil resistance,
abrasion resistance, andfatigue resistance in dynamic
environments.

Denka ER®
Excellent resistance to
combined degradation byheat and oil. Used for
improving performance inautomotive and mechanicalparts.

Special synthetic rubber
Denka Chloroprene®
Commercialized first in Japan
using our proprietary technology. Has excellent balance ofphysical properties, such asheat, ozone, and oil resistance.

EV Energy

For a More Comforta ble
Applications

Hoses, wipers, sealingmaterials, air springs

The Source ofin familiar productsSpace

Applications

Heat-resistant ABS resin
Marekka®
An easy-to-use resin withgreatly improved moldability,
thermal stability, and impact
strength, which areshortcomings of conventional
heat-resistant ABS resins.

Important Parts

Applications

Harness tape
The first vinyl chloride insulating adhesive tape to be successfully
produced in Japan. It is highly flexible and has a strong adhesivestrength.

Wire harness es, interior and exterior materials

Heat dissipation materials
Heat Dissipation Sheets, Heat Dissipation Spacers, Heat
Dissipation Grease
An insulating material loaded with a highly conductive ceramicfiller.

Towards the Era of
Self-Driving Cars
The era of fully automated driving may not be that
far away. In preparation for this era, we areworking on expanding existing technologies.

Basic components are also evolving day by day. In particular, Denka isconstantly working on improving heat resistance, which continues to be anissue for automobiles.

For EVs that use motors, which are less powerful than engines, weight reduction
is essential. Lighter weig ht means lower fuel consumption.

Electric control units and drive inverters forelectric power steering units, LED headlights, etc.

Metal substrates
Hitt Plate®
A heat-resistant epoxy resin
loaded with a high inorganic
content filler using our
proprietary technology. Achieves
high thermal conductivity.

Resistant to Heat

Clean

Lithium-ion batteries are strongly associated with thedevelopment of EVs. Denka’s products for lithium-ion
batteries have been playing a role in the evolution of EVs.
Applications

Exhaust Gases

Lithium-ion batteries

Spherical alumina fillers

A high sphericity alumina developed with Denka’s proprietary
technologies. Can provide highthermal conductivity andimprove the surface hardnessof various resins or rubbers byfilling them.
Spherical magnesia filler
A filler that has a higher
thermal conductivity thanalumina. Its heat conductivity
can be further enhanced
when combined with spherical alumina.

Acetylene black
Denka Black®
An electric/thermal
conductive carbon black
made from acetylene. Denka
boasts the largest production
capacity in the world.

Thermal insulation andfire spread prevention
materials(In development)
Suppresses fires in the eventof thermal runaway of LiBs.
Enhances the safety of xEVs.

Purifying harmful substances contained inexhaust gases. We contribute to global environmental conservation by supplying raw matmaterials used as gripping materials that protect
ceramic catalyst carriers from heat and vibration.
Applications

Exhaust gas purifier

Alumina short fiber
Denka Alcen®
With high heat resistance,
insulation, and reinforcement
properties, it is used for
fireproof insulation and as amaterial for secondary
batteries.

2021 Winter | The Denka Way

15

DENKA TOPICS

Think INNOVATION
Introducing articles that provide hints for innovation

Introducing Denka Group news topics from October to December 2020
No.06

To Be on the Runway My Whole LifeModel

Ai Tominaga

Ai Tominaga came into the spotlight after her debut in the NY Collection when she was 17. Since then, she has continued to be a top model in the global fashion industry.
In addition to modeling, she is active in various other fields such as TV, radio, and events. As a Japanese model with an unparalleled career, she also participates in charity andsocial contribution activities and promotes Japanese culture overseas. In Autumn 2019, she was cast for one of the leading roles in the TV drama “Grand Maison Tokyo,”which pushed her acting career to new heights.

When you can reach 50% of a certain goal, that goal isdefinitely achievable

Exploring new fields to broaden my horizons
I was an extremely curious child, climbing every tree I could find. That

In February 2020, I applied to model at Paris Fashion Week for the first

personality of mine led me to try many other fields, but I have always

time in about 10 years. A Japanese TV crew accompanied me to France

considered modeling to be my true calling. I have chosen work that I

for an interview, but at that point, it wasn’t yet certain if I would be able

thought could be applied to my modeling work. For example, being ra-

to model in the show. I would say the odds were about 50-50. Fashion

dio personality is a completely different from modeling, but it helped meshows are highly competitive. I had to stand out among other younger

improve my ability to express myself. Trying different fields allows you

models in their teens and 20s and make myself look appealing. The key

to broaden your horizons and enrich your life. All of these experiences

to being selected is to fully concentrate on the moment and give it yourhave been meaningful to remaining a true model.

all. Fortunately, I was able to walk

Having said that, I consider my-

the runway that time.

self to be still incomplete. ThroughI decided to take on thisall my modeling experiences, I

challenge because I wanted tohave never truly felt that I haveremain a “true model.” To me,grown. Perhaps I am always look-that means being in demand foring for someone who will criticize

photos or walking the runway.

me, otherwise I will never be

Of course I was nervous, but I

able to improve. However, work-needed to make the attempt toing with young and promisingmeasure my capabilities. If you

designers in Paris made me feelknow what you are capable of,that my career was truly worth

you’ll know what you need toit. The fashion industry is always

do next, whether it’s to try again

fast-paced and volatile. It is said

or to work harder. So, I had mythat 30 years’ worth of changes

worries, but I was never afraid. If

happen in 10 years in the fashion

innovating means achieving results by challenging the uncertain, then the most important thing is tobelieve in yourself. My believe is that when I can reach 50% of a certain

Recently, consideration for the environment has become an im-goal, that goal is definitely achievable. I have encouraged myself thatportant theme in the fashion industry. Going forward, in addition

way since the moment I took my first flight to New York when I was 17.

to my modeling work, I would like to be an Ethical Lifestyle SDGs

I need to work hard to remain a “true model.” That is unquestionable.

Ambassador and make innovations in the fashion industry. I know

However, I also make sure not to push myself too hard and maintain athis is possible, because anything is possible if you believe ingood balance between modeling and my private life. Knowing how to

yourself.

refresh yourself is key to continuously working hard.
16

industry. I was proud to be able towalk the runway in such a difficult field.

The Denka Way | 2021 WinterOct.

Expansion of intended use and specimen types for
COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits

We have received approval from
the Ministry of Health, Labourand Welfare to partially change
the market authorization of
COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits
to expand specimen types. In
addition to the conventional
nasopharyngeal swab specimen(a specimen collected from deep in the nasal cavity), it is now possible to test witha nasal swab specimen (a specimen collected by inserting a swab about 2 cm into
the nasal cavity). In addition, simultaneous testing with the influenza diagnostic kit
is now possible with specimens taken from a single swab. This will contribute toimproving the testing system in medical institutions.

Nov.

Completion of a new building for manufacturing
influenza vaccine materials

As a major domestic manufacturerof influenza vaccines, we decided toincrease our manufacturing capacity
for influenza vaccines in July 2018
in order to meet the increasingsocial needs for vaccination. A newbuilding for the manufacturing of
influenza vaccine materials has
been completed at the Gosen Plant in Gosen City, Niigata Prefecture. In
preparation for the start of operations in 2022, verification and test runs of eachfacility will be conducted.

Nov.

Environmental management to achieve a carbon neutral
society by 2050

In October 2020, the Japanese
government declared thatJapan will strive to become acarbon neutral society by
2050, so we will take thisopportunity to strengthen ourenvironmental management toConstruction of a high-efficiency gas turbine generator
fulfill our social responsibility of to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was completed ataddressing the challenges the the Omi Plant in October.
world is facing. In the Eco-Pro Online 2020 exhibition held from November 25, we
introduced the Denka Group’s environmental management initiatives along with
our unique environmental products and technologies.

Oct.

Launch of advanced specialty ceramics, Denka
Spherical Magnesia, for 5G/xEV markets

In October, we launched
Denka Spherical Magnesia,
an advanced specialty
ceramic that provides a
new thermal solution for
5G and xEVs. Furthermore,as part of our efforts tostrengthen our businessproviding heat dissipationmaterials for xEVs, we
increased the capacity of silicon nitride by approximately 30%. We will continue
contributing to making our society cleaner and safer as stated in the SDGs byfurther strengthening our operations in the environment and energy sectors.

Nov.

Denka Athletics Challenge Cup 2020

On November 3, the Denka Athletics
Challenge Cup 2020, the JapaneseGrand Prix series for track and field
events sponsored by Denka, was held at
the Denka Big Swan Stadium in Niigata.
In order to prevent COVID-19 infections,the number of sporting events waslimited this year, but we decided to provide opportunities for college and highschool students, who had fewer opportunities to compete this season. Many
student athletes across the country participated in the event alongside top
athletes, resulting in a number of good records.

Dec.

Denka Report (Integrated Report) 2020 published

On December 21, we published the Denka
Report (Integrated Report) 2020. In this report,
we provide our shareholders, investors, andother stakeholders with comprehensive
corporate information from the perspective of
ESG management, focusing on medium- tolong-term value creation. This year’s reporthighlights the changes in social structure andlifestyles due to COVID-19, our contribution,and the role we should play going forward.

Our editorial team regrets that the following error was made in “The Denka Way” Vol. 5. We sincerely apologize.
Page 16: First paragraph(Error) LCP is a material with a unique molecular structure that is insoluble in solvents.
(Correct) LCPs, which have excellent dielectric properties and exhibit a thermotropic liquid crystalline phase, have a unique molecular structure and are difficult to dissolve in solvents.

2020 Autumn | The Denka Way

17

Health-conscious
Zero accident

I can’t stand hot weather, but am also sensitive
to cold.
I like playing the game of Go!

Joined the company in October 2014. As a construction site
agent, he is involved in construction management related to
repairing PC bridges that have been damaged by salt.

In 2021, I will attempt to make the worksite healthier. In
2020, the COVID-19 pandemic made it much moredifficult to go outside, and all year, I felt like I wasn’t

Joined the company at the end of 2013. As Production Dept.
Manager, he focuses on work related to safety and theenvironment.

How are thingsin China, Dong?

We produce special cement additive extracts at our plant,
and have been meeting customers’ needs for seven years.

getting enough exercise. For people like us who work on

Currently, daily production is running smoothly, and weChinasites, we can’t turn a blind eye to the physical fitness

Japan
Kotaro Honda

required. By always aiming for a well-balanced diet,enough exercise, and a regular lifestyle, I would like tohave been able to ensure zero accident. In addition, we areenvironmentally friendly, safer, and more efficient

Cui Dong

lead by example and realize a healthy and lively working

Production Dept.
Denka Inorganic Materials (Tianjin)
Co., Ltd.

environment with everyone.

Construction Dept.
Denka Renotec

Joined the company in January 2008. As an assistantmanager for accounting, logistics, and general affairs,
she oversees work related to accounting and supports
logistics and office tasks.

production, for which expectations are
growing.

How are thingsin the USA,Yuki?

LINK GL OBALLY,
LINK F UTURE

How are things
in Japan,
Kotaro?

I like visiting new places with my family.

considering the introduction of air transport facilities forI will make 2021 a bright year, be moreUSA

positive, and carve out a highly specialized

Yuki Wang

pandemic, I will consider how to improve

Back Office Operations
Denka Corporation USA

productivity, how to make working from homeconditions resulting from the COVID-19

easier, and how to improve work processes. I
will also stay on the lookout for new ideas,
both at work and in my private life, and would

How are thingsin Singapore,
Ho?

Group members around the world, working toward the future of Denka
The Denka Group has 6,000 employees around the world.
We posed the following question to members from different countries.

Theme

career for myself. In light of the new working

like to gain new skills.

Aspira tions for 2021

I’m a big fan of Marvel movies!

Anna TamHong Kong

Accounting
Denka Chemicals Hong Kong Co., Ltd.

With the aim of improving my skills, I will start studying new things
like business English. For the most part, people born and raised in18

I love manga!
Joined the company in September 2019. In cooperation with related departments,
she works towards the introduction of ERP and the establishment of various rules
and regulations with the goal of strengthening internal control systems andrationalizing business management.

I always put my all into my work and childcare.
Joined the company in April 2013. She is involved in monthly accounting tasks
and annual settlement processing. Last year, the company began consolidating
financial statements with the head office, and she is learning about it every day.

Joined the company in October 2019. As a team leader in
the Financial Dept., he oversees the management andprocessing of annual financial information, and endeavors to
improve the team’s efficiency.

How are thingsin Hong Kong,
Anna?

will start studying big data analysis and theautomation of financial tasks. Secondly, I will

How are thingsin Vietnam,
Tran?

With my work, I plan to study the flow of each type of management task
so that I can more deeply understand the internal control systems ofthe company. I am also aiming to pass the highest-level JapaneseLanguage Proficiency Test with

Hong Kong can speak English and Chinese, but since I started

the goal of improving myworking, I haven’t had many opportunities to use my English and I

Japanese overall. If I succeed, I

have forgotten a large amount. When I see news of major

would like to try anothermanufacturing companies relocating their production bases fromlanguage too. Travelling is

China to Southeast Asia, I feel how important business English ismore fun when you can speak

going to become. I am going to start preparing for the future!

a lot of languages!

The Denka Way | 2021 WinterThere are three things I want to try in 2021. First, I

VietnamTran Van Anh
Planning Dept.
Denka Advanced Materials Vietnam
Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (DCHA)

Singaporecreate a new slogan and work hard with everyone
to achieve it with the goal of further increasing theteam’s efficiency.

Ho Rui Rong

Thirdly, I will aim to

Financial Dept.
Denka Chemicals Holdings
Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (DCHA)

incorporate the team’s
new ideas to improve
our work-life balance.
I’ll do my best!

2021 Winter | The Denka Way

19