≥ BUSINESS ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING VALUE CREATION

R&D Activities andIntellectual Property
As a technology-centered company, we realize that strengthening R&D capabilities is one of ourmost important management strategies for achieving sustainable growth. Two approaches help us to create
both products that resolve our customers’ technological issues and products that are unprecedented,
innovative, and lead the market: the developing of functional materials and related processing technologies
that leverage our proprietary technological capabilities, and a market-dialogue style of research thatemphasizes user needs. Going forward, we will further strengthen our R&D systems to accelerate
the speed of product development and create new technologies.

R&D Achievements

In industrial machinery-related products, our development

In the ﬁscal year under review, R&D expenses incurred

activities are focused on labeling systems for the automatedby the Group amounted to ¥6.8 billion. The following is anapplication of the adhesive labels that are our core products.

overview of the principal R&D activities conducted by eachIn the ﬁscal year under review, we developed a semi-automatic

operational segment.

packaging and address labeling device, in addition to a labelingdevice equipped with a full-color printer, for the logistics andPrinting and Industrial Materials Products

mail-order industries.

Printing and Variable Information Materials
As part of its efforts in developing environmentally friendly

Electronic and Optical Products

products, LINTEC has newly developed a label material madeSemiconductor-Related Materials

from a PET ﬁlm comprising more than 80% recycled PET

LINTEC is pushing forward with its DBG+LE system, a fusion

resin. The material uses PET that has been re-formed throughof our dicing before grinding (DBG) system, which allows fora mechanical recycling process, and we are beginning tothe creation of thinner large-scale integration (LSI) chips, andpromote it as a new ﬁxture of our environmentally friendly

our LE tape, which functions as both dicing and die bondinglabel materials product lineup.

tape. This has resulted in the realization of multilayer LSI
chips and LINTEC is contributing to increased density of LSI
packaging through measures such as the integration of thistechnology in solid state drives (SDDs), which represent analternative to conventional hard disk drives (HDDs).
In the electronic equipment-related products, we arefocusing our efforts on the development of an application
device to improve the efﬁciency of tape use in the wafer backgrinding and wafer dicing back-end semiconductor fabrication

Mechanically recycled PET label materials

processes. In the year under review, we newly developed
a vacuum laminator that enables compatibility with both theIndustrial Materials

surface unevenness of the wafers of power devices and theLINTEC has developed a new automotive ﬁlm, which adds athrough-silicon via (TSV) process. Moreover, we also developed

touch of luxury to automobile window glass and also preventsand released a new multiwafer mounter, which is capable of

the glass from shattering into fragments if broken. The ﬁlm

processing ultra-thin wafers without using Back Grinding

ﬁlters out light close to visible light with a wavelength between(BG) tape.

900nm-1200nm, and maintains a high level of transparency
while demonstrating outstanding insulation properties.

16LINTEC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Optical Functional Materials

electronic device production, establishing an improved formula

We are continually engaged in the development of adhesives forthat offers excellent substrate adhesion and can be combined

use in mobile devices, such as optically clear adhesive sheetswith various release formulas.

for use in polarizing ﬁlms and touch screens, and anti-shatterﬁlms. Moreover, through a unique optical design we have createdIntellectual Property Activities

a specialized light diffusion ﬁlm that controls the scatter of light.

The LINTEC Group aims to increase corporate value by

By offering special customization to meet customer demand,developing original products that meet customer needs.

we have sharpened our competitive edge and anticipate theWe therefore rank intellectual property, such as patents,

technology to be adopted for display and signage applications.

trademarks, and design rights, which we have acquired throughWe aim to expand sales of these products while continuing tothese development activities, as important management

develop new functional adhesives and coatings.

resources. While placing the utmost emphasis on respecting
the rights of other companies, the Intellectual Property
Department, Research & Development Division promotes
strategic Companywide intellectual property activities. Theseactivities include seeking to uncover new invention candidates
at R&D sites for the purpose of expanding intellectual property
rights, which are the lifeline to a technology-centered company.

Conventional reﬂective LCD (left) and reﬂective LCD
using LINTEC light diffusion ﬁlm

Accordingly, while planning the linkage of things suchas patent portfolio building for our foundation and growthPaper and Converted Products

business domains, and support for M&A activities, with ourIn specialty papers, we have developed four new colors ofbusiness strategy, we aim to improve proﬁtability based onJapanese-style fancy paper. The new colors are pale, pastel hues

intellectual property.

based on Japan’s four seasons. We also pushed forward with thedevelopment of a water-repellent paper for envelopes.
In release materials, we aim to enhance our existing range

Number of Patents Registered in Japan* Patents held at the end of the fiscal year (cumulative)
2,000of environmentally friendly products and have been pushingahead with the development of a solvent-free release paper
formula. Moreover, concerning release ﬁlm formulation, we1,527

1,600
1,200

have launched a new product that signiﬁcantly reduces thevolume of organic solvents used in the dilution process. We
have also reﬁned the anti-static formula of process ﬁlm for800
40002011

2012

2013 2014 2015
(Years ended March 31)

Japanese-style fancy paper

LINTEC ANNUAL REPORT 201517

≥ BUSINESS ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING VALUE CREATION

Human Resources

The LINTEC Group employs approximately 4,500 people (on a consolidated basis) in 16 countries andregions around the world. Diverse human resources are the Group’s asset, and its strength is characterized
by a corporate culture nurtured over an 80-year history, which values “harmony among people” and “standout of the crowd” individuality in its employees, in addition to a deeply rooted awareness of innovation
across the entire company. LINTEC strives to create a pleasant working environment for everyone and isengaged in the enhancement of its systems and the education of its employees.

Respecting Human Rights and Diversity

also working toward the enhancement of programs that allowThe LINTEC Group avoids discriminatory treatment of employees

employees to match their working style to their lifestyle. This

based on race, creed, gender, education, nationality, religion, orincludes expanding the ﬁeld of eligibility for and lengthening

age, thereby respecting the diversity of individuals. In the areas

the period of shorter work hours for childcare and family careof recruitment and employment, the Group complies thoroughly

programs, and the introduction of a paid social contribution

with labor laws and regulations, including the prohibition oftime-off program. Furthermore, in order to encourage

unfair discrimination, child labor, and harassment, and is

employees to take more paid leave from the ﬁscal year ending

pushing forward with the creation of workplace environments

March 31, 2016, we have introduced a system that requires

where all employees can happily and actively do their jobs.

employees to designate in advance three days that they willtake as paid leave over the year.

Employment of Disabled Persons
The Group’s disabled persons employment ratio for the year

Employee Education

ended March 31, 2015 was 1.78%, which was below the legally

LINTEC has introduced Companywide rank-based training

mandated rate of 2.0%. Going forward, we will strive to increaseprograms, which are human resource education programs

our disabled persons employment ratio through measures

tailored to individual employee’s years of continuous service

such as the improvement of on-site facilities as required.

and careers. Moreover, with objectives such as promoting
second-language acquisition and encouraging women to play

Rehiring Systema more active role in the workplace, we hold theme-speciﬁcTo expand working style options for its employees, the Group

group and correspondence training courses to promote thehas introduced a job return program to rehire ready-to-work

education of global human resources and the career progres-employees who had previously resigned for personal reasonssion of female employees. Furthermore, we are also engaged

such as childbirth, nursing care of a family member, or thein efforts to boost Companywide employee understanding oftransfer of a spouse to a different location. We have also

various themes, such as the environment, product quality, theintroduced a system to rehire employees who wish to continue

business continuity management system (BCMS), and CSR,

working past the mandatory retirement age of 60, on ﬁxed-term

through e-learning programs offered via the Company’s intranet.

one-year contracts up to a maximum age of 65.
Work-Life Balance
LINTEC is working to help employees to balance theirprofessional and personal lives, so that employees are able toperform their jobs with peace of mind and exercise their fullabilities. In addition to the establishment of no-overtime days,
which aims to deter employees from working excessively longhours, and the implementation of a ﬂextime system, LINTEC is18

LINTEC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Training session to promote
the active involvement offemale employees

Partnerships

The LINTEC Group boasts a very wide product lineup and conducts transactions with numerous customers
and suppliers. We build trusting relationships with suppliers as a partner that aspires toward mutual development, and convey peace of mind and reliability to our customers by developing products that meet theirneeds, maintaining a stable supply of these products, and endeavoring to improve product quality andservice. Moreover, we are also actively engaged in the development of products through collaboration withcustomers and cooperation with industry, government, and academia.

Conducting Thorough Quality Managementbusiness operations, we can ensure the safety of our employees

The LINTEC Group has acquired ISO 9001 certiﬁcation, thebefore promptly recommencing the supply of products, ininternational standard for quality management systems, for its

addition to minimizing any effect on our stakeholders, including

major sites in Japan and overseas. In addition, we are working

our customers.

to further reinforce our quality assurance system by expanding

LINTEC is continuously evaluating its suppliers’ ability toISO 9001 to other departments and acquiring integrated certi-continue their businesses, as raw materials are critical inﬁcation for related sites. We also strive to prevent quality problems

securing a stable supply of products for our customers. At theby conducting design reviews, a method for checking materials

same time, we request that our suppliers introduce a businessunder development at each stage of the production processcontinuity plan (BCP) and establish a management system tofrom the perspective of different divisions. As a result of such

implement it.

initiatives, when comparing major quality problems by year, ifyear ended March 31, 2004 is set as a base of 100, problems

Fair Transactions

declined to 14 by the ﬁscal year ended March 31, 2015.

The LINTEC Group has a basic policy for fair and transparent

Major Quality Problem Rates by Fiscal Yeartransactions based on the principle of free competition between(2004 set as a base of 100)all suppliers, and we are engaged in procurement activities thatRate
100comply with all relevant laws and regulations and social norms.

80

stability of supply, technology, and service, but also the envi-

60

ronmental preservation and CSR efforts of these suppliers.

We select suppliers by evaluating not only quality, price, punctuality,

40

Green Procurement

20〜〜0142004

The LINTEC Group is committed to procurement that aims
to reduce environmental impact, through thorough chemical

2012

2013 2014 2015
(Years ended March 31)

substance management for raw materials, parts, and secondarymaterials. On procuring a new material or implementing a newEfforts toward Business Continuation

regulation, we ask for suppliers’ understanding in conducting

The Company is engaged in building a system capable of either

ingredient examinations to monitor for the presence of regulated

continuing or soon restarting business operations even if struck

substances. For the year ended March 31, 2015, we imple-by a disaster. In March 2014, all the Company’s bases in Japanmented ingredient examinations to monitor for the presence

and one of its subsidiaries, TOKYO LINTEC KAKO, INC., obtainedof substances regulated by REACH* in the procurement ofcertiﬁcation under ISO 22301:2012, the international standard

approximately 12,000 items.

for business continuity management systems (BCMS). LINTEC* REACH Regulation: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals.
This is a European Union regulation to address the production and use of chemicals.

holds BCMS study meetings and drills at each site so that, inthe event of a natural disaster or accident that disrupts

LINTEC ANNUAL REPORT 201519

≥ BUSINESS ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING VALUE CREATION

Social Contribution Activities

The LINTEC Group is supported by society and local communities. Recognizing that it is a part of this, andthrough various social contribution activities, the Group returns some of the proﬁts it has made through its
corporate activities to society. Going forward, we will endeavor to maintain harmony with society by actively
engaging in social contribution activities as a good corporate citizen.

Support for Disabled Persons

for many years at work sites nationwide, which have become

LINTEC holds various support activities on an annual basis

established among our employees as a social contributionfor disabled persons living in Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, where ouractivity that they can easily participate in.

head ofﬁce is located. The baseball-viewing event in April 2015
marked the ninth time the event has been held, and a total of
118 disabled persons, including their helpers, were invited toTokyo Dome to watch a professional baseball game. On thisoccasion, we also invited 385 elementary school students
belonging to local youth baseball teams and their leaders.
Before the game began, the children engaged in ﬁelding
practice, base running on the playing surface, which will be

Participation in local festivals(Awaodori)remembered by many. In September 2014, we hosted a jazzconcert with the aim of deepening interactions among attendees

Support for Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction

through music, regardless of whether they had or did not have

LINTEC is engaged in activities to support reconstruction efforts

a disability. This was the fourth time that we hosted this concert

after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011. For theand, on this occasion, it was enjoyed by approximately 650

year ended March 31, 2015, we donated monetary support suchpeople, comprising disabled persons living in Itabashi-ku, in

as from our employees and the Company to disaster-stricken

addition to other local area residents.

Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture. These funds are being used
to maintain the grounds at junior high schools within the city,which is ﬂanked by the temporary housing of victims, and havebeen useful in improving the environment where students
exercise. Moreover, we have been holding an event showcasing
products from Fukushima Prefecture at our head ofﬁce, thereby
supporting producers in the disaster-affected area who areworried about the ﬁnancial damage that could be caused totheir livelihoods by harmful rumors or misinformation about

Professional baseball-viewing eventthe safety of foods from Fukushima Prefecture.

Activities at Each Work Site
In addition to cleanup activities around each work site, LINTEC
is also engaged in various other social contribution activities
with their roots in the community, including participating in andsupporting local festivals, conducting plant tours, collecting andhandling donations of money and products for municipalities aswell as local groups and facilities, and holding tree-planting
activities. Moreover, we have been organizing blood donations
20

LINTEC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Fukushima produce
exhibition at head ofﬁce

Environmental Preservation

Under the slogan, “We have to broaden our scope when working to support the environment.
There is only one earth” the LINTEC Group has established environmental management systems.
We are committed to reducing environmental impact as an intermediary materials manufacturer anddeveloping environmentally friendly products.

Environmental Management

High-Peel and Removable Label Materials

The LINTEC Group has set up environmental management

High-peel and removable label materials can be attached ﬁrmly

systems that conform with the ISO 14001 international standard

to plastic containers without leaving a sticky residue when theat its major sites in Japan and overseas. We are now actively

label is peeled off, thereby contributing to the reuse and recycling

advancing plans to have our overseas bases certiﬁcated in anof these containers. The products are also environmentallyintegrated manner. During the year ended March 31, 2015, thefriendly from a design perspective, as the coating process uses

Florida factory of our U.S. subsidiary MADICO, INC., was newly

the adhesives of a water-based emulsion type and does notcertiﬁed and, to date, we have completed the integrated

use organic solvents.

certiﬁcation of a total of 23 sites in Japan and overseas. By
making progress in obtaining global integrated certiﬁcationfor overseas Group companies, we will strengthen efforts
toward Companywide environmental preservation.
Reducing Environmental Impact
The LINTEC Group is working toward the realization of asustainable society and the creation of products with low
environmental impact. For the year ended March 31, 2015,

High-peel and removable label materials

despite an increase in our production volume, we reduced ourtotal energy use by 1.2% from the previous ﬁscal year andSolar Insulation Film for Glass

surpassed our target for annual CO2 emissions of 205,000 tons,

Window ﬁlms can be applied to window glass in buildings

by achieving a reduction to 202,000 tons. Furthermore, weand automobiles for various effects. Of these ﬁlms, our high-are also engaged in efforts to reduce the amount of wastetransparency type solar insulation ﬁlm maintains the naturalgenerated in our production activities and the amount oflight inside the room and preserves the view through the window,

water used in the papermaking process, in addition to thewhile signiﬁcantly cutting the thermal energy from solar

implementation of measures to reduce the amount of volatile

radiation that causes internal temperatures to increase andorganic compounds (VOCs), including organic solvents, that

improving the efﬁciency of air conditioners in the summertime.

are released into the atmosphere.
Environmentally Friendly Products
The LINTEC Group has embraced the rise in environmental
awareness of recent years, and continues to develop products
to meet a wide range of environmental needs, including thosethat are conscious of reuse, recycling, and energy-saving
principles. In doing so, the LINTEC Group will continue tooffer a lineup of products that are environmentally friendly.

Window ﬁlms

LINTEC ANNUAL REPORT 201521