Column

No.

03

The DenkaWay Spring

Gunbai

The DenkaWay
Spring
2020

Vol.

03

2020
Vol.03

Sweet potato harvesting event held at Denka Farm in October 2017. The local people receive us more andmore warmly every year, telling us that they look forward to seeing us again the next year, and it is hugely
rewarding for those who take part.

For as Long as There Are Things We Can Do

On March 11, 2011, Tohoku’s coast was laid waste to by a colossal
tsunami. This was just one effect of the Great East Japan Earthquake thatcaused unprecedented damage. At the time, the state of the stricken area
was broadcast on the news every day, and volunteers from all over thecountry came rushing to provide help. However, as time passes, reports
become less frequent, and the memory of the disaster fade away. Various
problems that are difficult to resolve, such as restoring the livelihoods andindustries of those who were affected, have been neglected.
However, since summer 2011, Denka has continued to conduct volunteer
activities focusing on the restoration of disaster-hit areas, centering around
Minamisanriku-cho, Miyagi Prefecture. In addition, we have also started a
project to resuscitate fields damaged by high salt levels, making use of ourown company’s underground pipes and fertilizer. We have been discussing
various possibilities with the local associations and farmers, and in 2017,
we planted 600 sweet potatoes. This plot of land is called the “Denka Pilot
Farm,” and while attempting to generally improve the quality of the soil, wePublished: Apr. 1, 2020/ 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

Denka andThe Great East Japan
Earthquake

are also currently engaging in test cultivations of onions and rice.
easily erased. However, if we continue to do what we can and make useof Denka’s technology, we should be able to soothe the wounds at least alittle. With that thought in our hearts, Denka will continue our activities, all
the while listening to what the people need.

Unauthorized
reproduction prohibited

The scars left behind by disasters are not the sort of things that can be

How We Can Serve People's Lives
Contents

2 Challengers of Denka Value-Up
Reorganization of healthcare-related businesses and trading companies
Transformation and Collaboration of The Denka Group

8 Think INNOVATION
Diving into the Unknownby Kenji Ogiwara, “King of Skiing”
Skiing Instructor Nordic Combined Gold Medalist

9 Amazing the World with Innovation
How We Can Serve People's Lives

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

Challengers for
Reorganization of Healthcare Businessand Group Trading Companies

Transformation
and Collaborationof The Denka GroupThe Group has been reorganized to combine humanresources, knowledge, and technologies independently cultivated in the same business fields. The resulting synergy
will open up new possibilities for the Denka Group.
Denka Seiken specializes in the development andmanufacturing of vaccines and reagents for clinical testing,while Denka conducts cutting-edge R&D, including researchon oncogene panel testing and development of norovirus
vaccine using plant-based genetic modification technology(owned by Icon Genetics GmbH). This merger will expand
the scale of these companies and realize an R&D and sales
system capable of quickly capturing changing medical
needs.
Then, there’s Akros Trading, which specializes inoverseas business, and YK Inoas, which boasts an elaborate
network across Japan. Their human resources and sales
networks will be combined into a single trading company
with vast management resources.
There are business opportunities waiting for the Denka
Group in numerous fields all over the world. The synergies
created through this merger will be the key to unlocking
these opportunities.

On April 1, 2020, the Group was reorganized for the purpose of achieving themanagement plan Denka Value-Up. In the field of healthcare, which is positioned
as a growth area in the management plan, Denka Seiken was merged with Denka.
In addition, two trading companies were also merged to make a fresh start as YK Akros.

Merged!

Reborn!

2

The Denka Way | 2020 Spring

Combining knowledge and technologies
for further growth in the healthcare business!

Denka

Denka Seiken

A single trading company capable of drawing out
the potential of the Denka Group!

Akros Trading

YK Inoas2020 Spring | The Denka Way

3

avorsednEater
re of d
e
u
r
t
u
G
F
r
Eve
d the care Fiel
l
i
u
B
l
alth
Wil
the HeCreating the future of healthcare by taking on ever larger challenges
enka Seiken is the core of the Denka

gen-antibody reaction technologies. However, we

the output. By combining these two, Denka’s

knowledge. We can also take advantage of pro-Group’s healthcare business. Some of you

have yet to embark into the field of genetic testing.

healthcare business can reach new heights.

duction engineering know-how, overseas businessmay be wondering, “Sales and profits are growing,

It is also not uncommon for technological innova-

We also hope that the merger will facilitate

so why do a merger?” The reason is that to further

tions to render existing technologies useless or forinteraction between employees and create new

Hideki Takahashi

expand the business, we need to take on evernew infectious diseases to change medical needs.

value. For example, we may be able to help other

After the integration, Denka Seiken will follow

larger challenges.

By merging with Denka, which uses its expertise indivisions to specialize. It is often difficult to enter

the corporate philosophies of “respecting the digni-

At our Niigata Plant, we have invested 16

semiconductors to develop cutting-edge technolo-

medical and healthcare fields due to numerous

ty of life” and “protecting people's health.” We will

Executive Office,Life Innovation Divisionbillion yen in the construction of a new building forgies in fields such as genetic testing, Denka Seiken

hurdles such as pharmaceutical approval, clinicalprovide products that contribute to the health of allprocessing undiluted solutions of influenza vac-

can expand its range of business fields.

trials, and safety and quality assurance. However,people by detecting diseases early and preventing

by leveraging the know-how cultivated by Denka

epidemics. We are confident that this added valueD

cines. An investment of this scale would not haveOn the other hand, the latest technologies

general affairs/HR.

been possible with Denka Seiken alone. However, itcreated through R&D* and open innovation at

Seiken, other divisions may be able to launch

will also lead to profits. I encourage everyone in

was realized through the support of Denka.

Denka’s four research bases would not have been

businesses in these areas.

the Denka Group to collaborate across divisional

For over 70 years since its founding, Denka

commercialized without our know-how, production

We will also be able to achieve further growth

Seiken has been developing and manufacturing

facilities, and sales channels. You might say thatby drawing on the knowledge of other divisions.

vaccines and diagnostic drugs using its anti-

R&D provides the input, and Denka Seiken provides

This need not be limited to technical and medical

Life Innovation Di vision
Management Interview

experience, and operational improvements in

Denka and Denka Seiken. Akros Trading and YK Inoas. What lies in the future for these companies that made a fresh start in this April?

boundaries and take on new challenges with theLife Innovation Division.

*R&D bases: Life Innovation Center, Machida, Tokyo; Kagamida Plant, Gosen,
Niigata Prefecture; Icon, Germany; Denka Life Innovation Research, Singapore

Challengers for

We posed this question to Hideki Takahashi, Executive Officer, Life Innovation, and Kenji Nakano, President, YK Akros.

YK Akros
Leading the Denka Group on the offensive in Asia
his merger will create YK Akros, a tradingon Southeast Asia and overseas countries, whileand governance enhancement. In particular,

become a trading company capable of leading thecompany with sales of about 90 bil-

YK Inoas has been developing its network in Japan.

overseas business and construction are two areas

Denka Group by creating new strategies. And whilelion yen. This is a relatively large for a

However, now that the barrier between these twothat entail many risks. If one intends to step on

it may take some time, I would also like us to startchemical trading company. We intend to leveragecompanies has come down, we can draw on eventhe accelerator, it is prudent to also invest in good

handling products from the Life Innovation Division.

this scale to go on the offensive, aiming for sales ofgreater management resources. For example, YK

brakes.

100 billion yen. Our growth strategy’s key phrase

Inoas boasts a housing construction department, a

Of course, strengthening collaboration withestimate your potential! Take on new challenges!”

is “Earning in Asia.” We are planning to grow thesolution not available to Akros Trading. By combin-

Denka is also an important theme. We stand toTo everyone else in the Denka Group, I would likebusiness in Asian countries and regions such as

ing the specialties of these two companies, we willlearn much about development, manufacturing,to say, “Please use YK Akros!” Moving forward, we

China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia

be able to do business in a wide range of fields. I

and sales strategies, and this knowledge can thenmust work together for the further growth of theand Vietnam.

hope that together, we can become an engine thatbe incorporated into our proposals for customers.

Group, so please to not hesitate to rely on us. Let’s

allows the Denka Group to earn in Asia.

Meanwhile, we can provide feedback to Denka fromtrust each other, exchange honest opinions, andbuild a synergistic relationship.

T

What customers want from a trading company

4

is “information.” Or in other words, new proposals.

We are also planning on enhancing oura trading company perspective, which may lead

Up until now, we have been accumulating infor-“defense.” Given the new scale of the company, it

to new businesses. In order to contribute to themation, human resources, and merchandise under

is now possible to set up systems to control risks.

growth goals of the Denka Group, YK Akros must

different roles—Akros Trading has been focusing

This includes credit management, internal auditing,

go beyond simply moving goods around—we must

The Denka Way | 2020 Spring

To YK Akros employees, I say, “Do not under-

ith thwais
to A
Leap in pirit
S
Denka

e

Kenji Nakano
Executive Officer
President & Representative Director

1

1

2

Life Innovation Division

r
D
e
W

New encounters, new ideas, new innovations. With the merger, barriers will come down, and there
will be new opportunities to connect with domestic and foreign colleagues in Tokyo, Niigata, Germany, and Singapore. We will continue to deliver products that protect people’s health.

a
k
n
e
ive D

Two Fresh

Sta rts!

YK AkrosWith the establishment of YK Akros, former Akros Trading and YK Inoas employees are now working
in the same offices. This means new opportunities to meet people and exchange opinions. It is alsoa chance to connect with each other. Let’s passionately lead the Denka Group as YK Akros!

Everyone is ready to face new challenges.
We have captured so me images of the two

1

Life Innovation Division, Head Office, Tokyo

ever-changing field of medicine

3

2

nostics are developed to protect people’s health4Life Innovation Division staff working at Kagamida Factory

!
d
r
a
orw

new companies making fresh starts.

Employees are constantly on the lookout for new trends in the

Office in Kagamida Plant, Gosen, Niigata Prefecture. Here, vaccines and diag-

Challengers forF

1

With the establishment of YK Akros, we have begun reviewing our meeting systems to create bigger, fasterstrategies.

2

YK Akros offices.

ness-changing ideas.

3

A communication space. A small change of pace can lead to new busi-

4 A meeting space.

3
3

4

2

4

L i f eSpecial Feature

How We Can Serve People's Lives

innov
From vaccines and diagnostic reagents, to cancer treatment and genetic testing̶Denkaʼs Life Innovation is constantly creating new value in the areas of prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment, helping enrich peopleʼs lives.

a t i o n
Amazingthewith Innovation
2020 Spring | The Denka Way

9The enriched lives

that Denka crea tes.
Societal problems include the ageing population and the increasing risk of infectious diseases.

Denka provides solutions to these problems.

“We want to provide
active lives to anageing society.”In this super-ageing society, the numberof cancer sufferers and people with knee
pain owing to ailments such as osteoarthritis of the knee is growing.
Denka is contributing to peopleʼs QOL
improvements in the fields of cancer
treatment and arthralgia recovery.

Relieving arthralgia.

“We want toprotect people from
infectious diseases.”
Due to the growth of developing countries
and the evolution of transportation
systems, the risk of infectious diseases
spreading has greatly increased.
Denka aims to protect the lives of people
from infectious diseases in the fields ofprevention and diagnosis.

Supporting people’s lives
in the field of prevention.
Featured technology

Denka (formerly Denka Seiken) has continued toprovide influenza vaccines with pursuit of safety
and effectiveness for over 70 years.

Influenza HA Vaccine

We produce a joint function improver using themacromolecular sodium hyaluronate createdthrough our unique fermentation process.

A challenge to analyze
oncogenes.

A challenge totreat sepsis.

We are developing a new technology todetect pathogenic bacteria in the blood, using
the unique "πCode™ Technology," whichenables simultaneous multiplex assays.

More effective infectious
disease diagnosis throughrapid testing.

We contribute to hospitals and any other medical
settings with our rapid influenza diagnostic kit,
which can make diagnoses possible in just fiveminutes.

Rapid influenza diagnostic kit

A challenge to treat
malignant brain tumors.
We are developing a panel testing systemthat analyzes gene mutations in solid tumors,focusing on more than 400 oncogenes. Throughthis, we are creating environments that allow the
optimum treatment service for each individual
patient to be provided.

Amazingthe

We are developing a new production technology
for the implementation of a new cancer treatment. This treatment uses a genetically modified
herpes simplex virus 1, which is a speciallydesigned virus that multiplies only in cancer cells
and not in normal cells.

“We want to makedaily skincare
more refreshing.”
In this diversifying and rapidly changing
social environment, the time available tospend on selfcare is limited.
By offering basic cosmetics, Denka makes
daily skincare feel better.

Making dry skinmoist and supple.
We offer basic cosmetics under thename “uruoi” making use of Denka
high purity hyaluronic acid (D.P.H.A.),a substance cultivated through ourunique fermentation process. It is
scentless, has no color added, andis only slightly acidic and can help
people achieve smooth, moist skin.
uruoi

with Innovation
10

The Denka Way | 2020 Spring2020 Spring | The Denka Way

11

Featured technology

A New Gene Detection System
For Saving Sepsis Patients
Currently, Denka is carrying out R&D with Taiwanese company PlexBio on the gene detection system which helps increase the speed of sepsis diagnoses,

in order to resolve the problems in sepsis diagnosis and protect the lives of patients.

Deaths caused by sepsis
every year around the world

Sepsis is a syndrome where pathogens enter the
bloodstream and cause serious symptoms to appear

1,100

throughout the body. As the likelihood of death

Inflammation

What issepsis?

increases over time, rapid diagnosis and treatment
is essential. However, there are a number of different
pathogens that can cause the problem, so ascertaining the correct bactericide can be difficult. Not

1millionthe risk ofdeath rises by

May lead to the occurrence ofDrug-resistant pathogens*only does early identification of the particular typeof pathogen save the patient’s life, but also helps towhen not treated with proper bactericidecounteract the evolution of drug-resistant pathogens.

There
are

With every hour that treatment isdelayed,7.6 %*Drug-resistant pathogens arepathogens that have become immune
to bactericides that should be lethal forthem. Some possess the ability naturally, some receive it from other bacteria,
and sometimes it is introduced throughthe administering of medicines.

many possible
pathogens,so identifying
an effective
bactericide isdifficult

References:「Global, regional, and national sepsis incidence and mortality, 1990-2017: analysis for
the Global Burden of Disease Study」「Kumar A, Roberts D, Wood KE, et al. Duration of hypotension before initiation ofeffective antimicrobial therapy is the critical determinant of survival in human septic
shock. Crit Care Med 2006; 34:1589-96.」「Brun-Buisson C. The epidemiology of the systemic inflammatory response. Intensive
Care Med 2000; 26 Suppl.1: 64-74.」

Pathogens

Process of sepsis diagnosis

Inflammation
Inflammation

Current method

血管
PathogenBlood drawn

The most timeconsuming
process, as it isdone
by handRequires time
to detectpathogensand identify
the type ofbacteria

Simultaneous diagnosis

Blood cultivat ed

Requires timeto verify theeffectiveness ofeach bactericide

Medicine sensitivity test

White blood cellTakes two days
minimum

Inflammatory substance

Inflammation

White blood cells attach
themselves to the bloodvessels, stopping blood flow

Problem

A blood sample is drawn from patients who
may have contracted sepsis. Whether or notbacteria are present is confirmed.

The bacteria in the blood isa culture medium using thenutrients.

cultivated innecessar y

The colonies in the media are inspected
and the type of bacteria is identified.

Using automatic analysis machines, themedicine that will have the best effect isinvestigated.

to get the results of
the analysis.

Inflammations occur all overthe body causing multiple
organs to failNew gene detection system

Inflammation

Inflammation

AmazingtheAnalyzes the type of bacteria and its drug
resistance simultaneously.

Aim forshorter analysistime.

with Innovation
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The Denka Way | 2020 Spring2020 Spring | The Denka Way

13

Experiment for the Future

A New Gene Detection
System that Creates
the Future of QOL

Our new gene detection system is expected
to refine the current sepsis diagnoses.
We spoke to the project members from the
Vaccine & Bio Research Department at theLife Innovation Research Institute, Denka Innovation Center
Vaccine & Bio Research Department

Yoichi Ide

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Director, Vaccine & Bio
Research Department
Coordinates the Vaccine & Bio
Research Department who
develop next-generation vaccinesand diagnostic reagents.

Noriyuki Izumiya

Kentaro Sakai

Mizuho Higuchi

Coordinates the project.
He ensures that there is anenvironment allowing research
to smoothly progress.

Gathers expertise from
PlexBio, and brings
together the nine
members as the leaderof the project team.

Member of the project
team. She develops
diagnostic reagents with
DNA probes affixed tothe π code.

Group Leader

Denka Innovation Center who are helping topush forward R&D.

New gene detection system using the π code
For each π code, a DNA probe for the target pathogen is created through nucleic acid fixation, and the relevant
test subject is acquired. Scanning the identification code identifies the pathogen. Furthermore, a fluorescent tag
is also attached to the subject, and by combining it with the highly sensitive fluorometric method which identifies
the subject by measuring the fluorescence, simultaneous multiplex assays was enabled.
Check !
tt h is o u’s

Denka
lo g yte c h n oUsing the processor, theDNA probe affixed to theπ code is paired with thetarget gene.

PCR magnified chainof target genes
A magnified fragmentof the target.
It is paired with the
DNA probe.

Diagnostic
reagent

Code ADNA probe

Code B

Acts like a “needle” to catchthe target.

Code C

processor

SA-PE(Fluorescent tag)

Pairing!

The intensity of the fluorescence is measured withan analyzer

DNA probe
DNA probe

Type selected

Concentration measured

Pathogen type specified using
identification code

Reaction concentration determined fromlight intensity
High

Identificationcode
scanned

Identified
simultaneously!

Bright-field
image

Sparking innovation in sepsis
diagnosis through simultaneous
multiplex assays
Life Innovation Research Institute's development
team of the new gene detection system from the
Denka Innovation Center is working to see justhow quickly they can determine the pathogens
responsible for individual cases of sepsis anddeliver the appropriate treatment.
In current tests to find the pathogens responsible
for sepsis, specimens of patients’ urine, sputum,
or feces are cultivated, the existence of pathogens confirmed and type simultaneously deter14

The Denka Way | 2020 Spring

mined, and, whether or not bactericide will beeffective is verified. While this testing process isboth accurate and effective, it can take over twodays to receive the results.
The main benefit of the new system is bringing
together the identification code, known as π code,and fluorometric detection methods to achieve
highly sensitive, simultaneous multiplex assays. As
a result, in addition to being able to determine therelevant pathogens and their immunity to medicine
at the same time, the high level of sensitivity is expected to bring test times down to less than a day.
Dr. Ide, the Director of the Vaccine & Bio Re-

search Department tells us a little more about thesignificance of the new system. “As the likelihoodof death increases over time, early diagnosis
and rapid treatment is essential. An accurate
medicine choice also helps prevent pathogens
from developing immunities. If we can create
a medical equipment (in vitro diagnostics) thatutilizes this technology, we will be able to greatly improve sepsis patients’ QOL.” As well assaving sepsis patients’ lives, this new system
is a fantastic innovation that also acts as acountermeasure to the evolution of drug resistant pathogens.

Creating new possibilities for
Denka through open innovation
Denka Group’s Vaccine & Bio Department thatengages in development of next-generation
vaccines and diagnostic reagents kicked off thisproject in 2016. They decided to collaborate with
Taiwan-based PlexBio, which works on medical
equipment development and provides biotechnology services. They also acquired exclusive rights
for sales of the new gene detection system inareas such as the infectious disease field in both
Japan and the ASEAN region, as well as develop-

Acts as a marker to connect
the fluorescent tag

ment and marketing rights for test reagents.
In March 2016, Mr. Sakai was sent to Taiwan tolearn more about the new system. “The areasthat our company was responsible for were thereagent diagnostics using the PCR method where
genes are magnified, and the detection reagentswith π code affixed to DNA probes. This was thefirst time Denka had engaged in the developmentof reagents for genetic testing. While thinking
about how much we could make use of PlexBio’s
expertise as our own, I learnt about the company’s
technology from their reagent production methods
to their machine-based measurement methods.”

intensity

Dark-fieldimage
The greater the fluorescent intensity, the stronger itreacts, thereby indicating the sepsis pathogen.

Simultaneousand multiplex
detection of thetarget!
Amazingthewith Innovation
2020 Spring | The Denka Way

15

In October the same year, the Life Innovation
Research Institute’s research theme was officiallydecided. With Ms. Higuchi also joining as a researcher, the team members have been growing,
and reagent development has been progressing.
Ms. Higuchi tells us that “What makes sepsis so
unique is that the pathogens considered to be thecause come in a huge number of forms; they canbe either bacteria, viruses, or fungi. My job is todetect the genetic arrangements of the various
differing pathogens and organize them. The same
type of pathogens can also have different genetic
makeups, and I am slowly building up a databasethrough countless trial and error processes.” Theexpertise gained from open innovation with PlexBio is now finally starting to take root.

Making use of Denka’s strengths,
and continuing to improve to people’s QOL
Denka’s goal for the near future is to obtain regulatory approval for a product using the new genedetection system. Following this, while paying
close attention to the market, they will develop
it into a diagnosis platform to accurately meetdemands. “The key to success is to show Denka’s
strengths as a general chemical manufacturer,”says Mr. Izumitani, Group Leader. He goes on totell us how making use of Denka’s unique expertise is also important in the commercialization
process. “Of course, this system is not madeonly with healthcare technology, but also involves
semi-conductor technology. If and when we enter
the quality control phase in the future, I imagine
that problems will appear that cannot be solved
simply through expertise in bio. At Denka, wehave an environment where we can collaborate
with people from other fields of expertise, suchas those in Electronics & Innovative Products. Bybringing together the expertise from all of our divisions, I would like us to make the best products
possible for patients.”
To finish things up, Mr. Ide talks about the Vaccine and Bio Research Division’s vision for the
future. “The main feature of simultaneous multiplex assays are that they can be used not only
for sepsis, but repurposed to provide testing forother infectious diseases, or illnesses affecting,for example, the respiratory or digestive systems.
Through this research, we would like to create
a new future for QOL. We will continue to work
hard to achieve this.”
The high-aiming and enthusiastic employees at
Denka will enrich ever more enrich more people’s
lives in the future.

Clement Huang
Sales & Marketing
International Sales &Marketing Director (APAC/ME)
PlexBio Co., Ltd.
Worked closely with Mr. Sakai to coordinate thedevelopment of the new gene detection system.

I was very impressed by Denka’s analysis and market research capabilities
and the professionalism they displayedin flexibly and rapidly responding tovarious situations. Thanks to open innovation, the development of the newgene detection system is progressing
smoothly. Contributing to people’s lives
is key to standing out from our competitors in the biotechnology industry,and I am determined to make thisproject a success in order to serve ourcustomers and sepsis patients.

Future R&D Schedule
Our current R&D is aimed at applying for pharmaceutical approval for the gene detection system for use in the field of sepsis as
quickly as possible. Going forward, we intend to apply the simultaneous multiplex detection process to a variety of different fields.

ExamplesFungal infections
Viral infections

Immunology
General use in life sciences including research etc.

With the power of chemistry,
we want to create a world
where everyone can live peacefully.

Amazingthewith Innovation
16

The Denka Way | 2020 SpringDENKA TOPICS
Introducing Denka Group news topics from January to March 2020

Jan.

New development of high heat-resistanct acrylic
elastomer for automobiles

In January, we newly developed a special high heat-resistant acrylic elastomer.
While it was previously difficult to achieve with acrylic-based elastomers, we havefinally succeeded in making a product that can withstand temperatures of up to
about 190ºC. It can be used as turbo hose rubber for gasoline vehicles, helping
promote the downsizing of engines and generally contributing to a reduced
environmental impact.

Jan.

Denka ramps up sales of new functional resin,
the Denka IPX Series

In January, Denka ramped up
sales of the Denka IPX Series,
a new grade of the Denka IP®
ABS heat resistance modifier. In
addition to the characteristic highresistance to heat and low-level
VOC of Denka IP®, it also realizes
enhanced performance in allareas including improved chemical
resistance and coatability. It meets a lot of the demands in the automobile industry
that have appeared following the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Feb.

Construction of the new integrated office, “Omuta
Innovation Hub” completed

On February 27, theconstruction of our new
integrated office, the“Omuta Innovation Hub”
was completed inside
the premises of the
Omuta Plant (Fukuoka
Prefecture). This brings
together the previously
scattered divisions of production, research, production technology, and allows us
to realize unified and functional operation as a hub of the plant. We will also be
promoting process and work-style reforms, aiming for improved productivity.

Jan.

TEFKA® adopted for the CLT PARK HARUMI Pavilion
supervised by Kengo Kuma

Denka has been
extending the applicationsof TEFKA® highperformance fluoride
film to architectural
membrane structures,and it was recently
adopted for an event
facility in Tokyo’s Chuo
TEFKA ® is applied between panels of CLT
Ward, CLT PARK HARUMI
Pavilion, which was supervised by an acclaimed Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma.
TEFKA® has been well received for its high transparency and light transmissivity
equal to that of glass, and this is the first time it has been used for structures
made of CLT.

Jan.

Outstanding results in the CDP Water Security Report2019 and CDP Climate Change Report 2019

In surveys that Londonbased company CDP holds,
which rate corporations on
the transparency of theirenvironmental information
disclosure and management’s
participation, Denka received
a rating of B in the CDP Water Security Report 2019 and an A- in the CDP
Climate Change Report 2019. We will continue to enhance the disclosure of ourenvironmental information and continue with our management path which places
importance on ESG (Environment, Society, and Governance).

Mar.

Accelerating R&D for norovirus vaccine, genomic tumor
testing, and COVID-19 testing kit

In order to further accelerate the R&D in
the healthcare-related businesses, Denka
Group is currently focused on expanding
its research facilities and promoting open
Image of a general testing kit
innovation. One of the group companies,
Icon Genetics GmbH, is planning to launch a new R&D facility in Germany for thedevelopment of norovirus vaccine, while Denka plans to establish a joint research
institute in collaboration with Kyushu University, aiming to contribute to thedevelopment of genomic testing technology for tumor. In addition, Denka, formerly
Denka Seiken, has entered into a joint research contract with the National Instituteof Infectious Diseases in relation to the development of a simple testing kit for
COVID-19. We will continue to be committed to improving people’s QOL.

2020 Spring | The Denka Way

17