Column

No.

01

Japanese banknotes will be getting a redesign in 2024. The new 10,000yen banknote will feature the image of Eiichi Shibusawa, also known as“the Father of Capitalism in Japan.” As it happens, Eiichi Shibusawa wasdeeply involved in the establishment of Denka.
Our company’s predecessor was Hokkai Carbide plant, a businessfounded by Tsuneichi Fujiyama in Tomakomai. This plant used carbide
to manufacture lime nitrogen, a fertilizer. The Mitsui Zaibatsu provided
the original funding to establish this company, so later directors included
Takuma Dan and other capable members of the Mitsui Group.
However, in July 1914, World War I broke out. Trade was cut off, and theJapanese economy stagnated. After assessing the situation, Takuma Dan
and the other directors decided to establish a new company in the hopesthat the Hokkai Carbide plant could contribute to the domestic chemicalindustry instead of fertilizer production. On March 18, 1915, Takuma Dan
visited a prominent businessman to discuss this idea. That businessman
was Eiichi Shibusawa. On April 1, twenty-one venture capitalists, including
prominent members of Mitsui, founded Denki Kagaku Kogyo (former nameof Denka). Eiichi Shibusawa’s name is recorded in the founder’s list.
Eiichi Shibusawa advocated the theory of a moral economy, stating thateven if the purpose of a company is to pursue profits, it should maintaina basis in morality and take responsibility for the prosperity of the nationand humanity as a whole. This is in line with The Denka Mission, namely,“Taking on the challenge of expanding the possibilities of chemistry tocreate new value and contribute to sound social development.” Now, after
100 years of business, we will reexamine our origins and take on new
challenges to make further contributions.

Published: Oct 1, 2019 / Publisher: CSR & Corporate Communications Dept., Denka Co., Ltd. / Editor-in-chief: Satoshi Fukuoka /Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022 / Email: csr-koho@denka.co.jp

Eiichi Shibusawa
and Denka

Autumn
2019

Vol.

01

Inaugural
Issue

Vol.01

Continuous social contributions, now and forever

The DenkaWay

2019

Eiichi Shibusawa
Born in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, in 1840. He visited Europe at
the age of 27, and after returning to Japan, established a commercial
law office in Shizuoka. Later, as a member of the Ministry of Finance,
he was involved in nation-building after the Meiji Restoration. Afterleaving the Ministry of Finance, he became General Supervisor of theDai-ichi National Bank. He focused on the creation and developmentof companies and was involved with about 500 companies during his
lifetime.

The DenkaWay Autumn

Gunbai Amazing the World
Contents

2 Challengers for Denka Value-Up
A New Path for Denka

8 Think INNOVATIONOn Creating “Individualistic” Teamsby Toshiyuki Kamio, Music Director of the New Japan Philharmonic

9 Amazing the World with Innovation
17 DENKA TOPICS
18 LINK GLOBALLY, LINK FUTURE
20 Gunbai Column

Challengers forManagement Plan

Denka Value-Up (FY2018 – FY2022)

A New Pathfor Denka

A Few Words on the Launch of The Denka Way
Manabu Yamamoto, President
Thank you for picking up a copy of our new

our usual internal communication to the outside

another 100 years of growth. In this issue, we will

corporate magazine, The Denka Way. We launched

as well, or in other words, to remove the barriers

cover our two strategies, “Introduction of Innovative

the magazine under this name with the intention

between inside and out and communicate without

Processes” and “Business Portfolio Shift,” withof conveying to all of our stakeholders the genuine

discrimination.

a focus on accelerating growth of specialty

value of a company pursuing specialization.

2

This magazine will be published in two

businesses. We will also introduce six employees

The background to this is the major changes

languages, Japanese and English, and it will

who are taking on challenges to carry out thesetaking place in the business environment. We arecommunicate our corporate ideals and visions

strategies.

expanding all over the world, and our businesses

through our business activities to everyone aroundcontinue to diversify. And the more diverse ourthe world.

Finally, the launch of this corporate magazine isin itself a new challenge to realize Denka Value-Up.
Moving forward, we will continue our efforts tobusinesses, the more diverse our stakeholders.

In this first commemorative issue, we will

Under these circumstances, how are we to convey

provide an outline of our 5-year (FY2018 –make The Denka Way a bridge between us and ourDenka’s direction and the vision behind it with any

FY2022) management plan “Denka Value-Up.”stakeholders. Most of all, we ask for your support

persuasiveness? After careful deliberation, we have

We are currently working toward the fulfillment

as Denka embarks on a new path.

concluded that the best approach is to broadcastof our threefold growth vision, our ideal to realize

The Denka Way | 2019 Autumn

Our Threefold
Growth Vision

1

Specialty-Fusion
Company
Become aSpecialty-Fusion Company
with a Strong Global Presence

2

GrowthVisionSustained
GrowthMaintain Sustained Growthby Significantly Enhancing
Productivity throughInnovative Processes

3

Sound
GrowthSecure Sound Growth throughWork Style Reforms

Two Growth Strategies

1 Business Portfolio ShiftAccelerate growth of specialty businesses
Healthcare

Environment andEnergyHigh-value-added
Infrastructure

P.6

P.5

P.7

» Specialize our key operations» Redefine the positioning of the commodity businesses

2 Introduction of Innovative Processes
Production Process
Reforms

R&D Process
Reforms

Operational
Process Reforms

P.6

P.7

P.4

2019 Autumn | The Denka Way

3

Challengers forEnvironment and Energy

Food Packaging Materials

Creating High-Value-Added Products as a GroupOperational Process Reforms

Ayame Ogawa
Administrative / HR Section,
Administrative Dept. Omi Plant

each other with an awareness that we needn’t be

departments. Currently, they’re reviewing routine

increase production. The Omi Innovation Hub projectbound by tradition.” Ayame thoroughly investigatedprocedures and data sharing. “We’d like to makewas established with that ideal in mind,” explains

records of past meetings, and a communication area

this an office that anyone can use comfortably andAyame Ogawa, a member of the project team.

was set up between two departments that often

improve the overall atmosphere of Omi Plant.”

interacted. “They changed from a closed relationshipwhere most meetings took place in a conference

convenience stores and supermarkets. Denka’sHousehold Packaging Materials Dept., the Polymer

four parties met repeatedly to discuss and solve

food packaging business manufactures sheets that

& Processing Research Lab, Chiba Plant, which iseach issue.” Then, at the end of 2018, Eco-Clear

serve as raw materials for containers and finishedresponsible for sheet manufacturing, and Denka

was finally adopted for certain products at majorcontainers and supplies them countrywide.

Polymer, which is responsible for molding. Masahiro

convenience store chains. “Most people probably“Let’s make more eco-friendly containers.” This

Inoue, who transferred to the Household Packaging

don’t notice that the lids are thinner now. But for

topic came up in the Household Packaging Materials

Materials Dept. in July 2017, also joined this project.

us, this is an important step forward. Food retail isDept. at the end of 2016. Up to that point, the food

The proposed new product was "Eco-Clear."a huge market. So, if our product is widely adopted,

packaging industry was primarily concerned with

In addition to maintaining the transparency andit will result in considerable reductions in CO2. And

heat resistance. However, in the face of increasingly

durability of its predecessors, it is also lighter,

this is just the beginning. As a group, we can makesevere environmental issues such as global warming,

which results in reduced CO2 emissions during

even more forward-thinking specialty products andit was thought that “eco-friendliness” was boundthe manufacturing and recycling processes. “Whatspread them worldwide.”room to an open relationship where it was easy to

The hub also has an open space that local

ask for advice. Now, Omi Plant has an atmosphereresidents and children can use. “It’s the community

our goal for Denka Value-Up. During this project, wethat encourages teamwork.”that’s made Omi Plant what it is today. We’re going

Additionally, Ayame reports an improvement

Masahiro Inoue
HouseholdPackaging Materials Dept.
Living & Environment Products

An eco-friendly BOPS (Biaxially
Oriented Polystyrene Sheet)that allows for thinner, lighter
containers with increased
durability. This contributes toreducing CO2 emissions andwaste.

Omi Plant will celebrate the 100th anniversary ofHowever, internal collaboration was an issue, so

to facilitate communication. “We bounced ideas off

make it thinner while maintaining durability? The

its establishment in 2021.

we made “fostering cross-functional collaboration”
continuously discussed the best way to set up offices

elongating and molding processes can we use to

immediately began working on this development: The

Eco-Clear“If we all work together, we can innovate andOriginally, each department’s offices were spreadto receive more attention in the future. Four parties

find a wide range of products in the food aisles of

Omi Innovation HubCreating the Next 100 Years
with Coworkers and Community

out around Omi Plant.

Bentos, sushi, noodles, donburi, salads… You can

to face the next 100 years as Team Omi!”

in incorporating the perspectives of different

Omi Innovation Hub
Message from Our TEAM member

A place to gather in the light
I was conscious of creating a place where employees and local residents could gather
under a gentle, natural light. The exterior is made of milky white glass that lets sunlightinto the office. In addition, an employee communication area is set up in the center
Shinya Takemotoof the office. A soft light shines in from the high windows. I was delighted that we
Architect
Architectural Design Division could produce new scenery with Mt. Kurohime and the Omi River in the background to
Kajima Corporation
create a calm and dignified appearance that suits Denka.

4

The Denka Way | 2019 Autumn

A general office in Omi Plant. It functions
as a hub of innovation and houses areas for
employee exchanges and an open space formembers of the community.

2019 Autumn | The Denka Way

5

Production Process Reforms

IoT

High-value-added Infrastructure

Specialty Cement Additives

Challengers forContinuously Taking on Challenges to
Explore New Possibilities

I Want to Contribute to the People Who
Are Creating Our Future

Seraya Plant is one of the largest styrene resin

identified challenges in sharing analytical data. “The“Amazing! It’s already set!” remarks a worker inthe market spreading to Europe, North America,

production bases in the world. During standard

introduction of a system to centrally manage dataa certain mine in Mongolia in the spring of 2017.

China, Asia, and Australia, he is currently focused

operations, it is necessary to manage various data

for each process in the plant has greatly facilitated

They’re using Denka’s special cement additives.

on developing markets in Asian regions. “While

such as safety and quality. However, in the event

information sharing. It’s now much easier to find

Regular concrete takes a few hours to harden, but

we boast a high market share in Japan, people inof a malfunction, it often took a lot of time to findmalfunctions, and the productivity of the entire

this product takes mere minutes. Naturally, thisthe civil engineering and construction industries

the faulty parts and production was sometimes

factory is increasing.”

will dramatically increase work efficiency. Weize

overseas haven’t really heard of us,” Weize explains.

Wang, who is in charge of sales, says, “I am eager“That’s why I want to convey the excellence of thedelayed. “We could not achieve the goals of Denka“Our future goal is to make more use of analytical

Value-Up without improving operational efficiency,

data,” says Jeffrey. “I want to explore various

to contribute to safety and efficiency for on-site

Denka brand. Someday, I’d like to travel around theso we thoroughly investigated on-site issues.”

possibilities using IoT. I believe we have a lot moreworkers.”

world and see all the tunnels where Denka products

Jeffrey Tok interviewed staff in every department andgrowth potential.”

Weize has been engaged in overseas sales ofhave been used. That’s my dream at the moment.”

special cement additives for about two years. With

Remote monitoring system using IoT

Jeffrey Tok
Denka Singapore Pte. Ltd. Seraya Plant

Special cement additives

Weize Wang
Special Cement Additives Overseas Business,
Special Cement Additives Dept.
Infrastructure & Social Solutions

At Seraya Plant, inspections were often time-consuming andmachinery was prone to failure. However, digitalization ofmanagement methods has allowed for remote management,

With a lineup of 300 types for different applications, sprayable
quick-setting materials boast a 90% share of the domestic
tunnel market. This business, which is part of high-value-added
infrastructure, is expected to make up 10% of the profit target forand this has greatly reduced costs and CO2 emissions.

Denka Value-Up.

Healthcare

R&D Process Reforms

Development of Norovirus Vaccines

Creating a Future
Where We Can Live with Peace of Mind

Sharing Knowledge andPushing Each Other to New Heights

Norovirus can be found all over the world. Thisof biology, chemistry, and engineering. “Vaccine

How many people are capable of creating something

disease is highly contagious, and an effective

development is a series of unanticipated challenges.

completely new? Eri Sasaki is currently trying topicked up speed since the establishment of thetreatment or preventative measure has yet to

You need to combine existing technology with newdevelop a new heat dissipation material using

Denka Innovation Center in 2014,” explains Eri.

be discovered. Franziska is trying to change thisideas to create new solutions. Communication isthermosetting resin, and she’s teamed up with“Advances in video conferencing systems andsituation with the power of vaccines.

very important. I want to save all the people suffering

Denka’s Omuta and Shibukawa plants to do so. Their

office consolidations allow for collaborations withfrom the norovirus around the world by creating agoal is to contribute to energy savings in electric

departments and bases that we’ve never worked

for the Norovirus vaccine project. As the Norovirus

research system that allows for the integration ofvehicles by combining the Advanced Technologies

with before. Our company also has a vast amountmutates quickly, developing a vaccine is extremely

different fields. That is my mission,” Franziska says,

Research Institute’s knowledge of resin and theof data from its 100 years of history. By maximizing

difficult. However, Franziska’s project team aims

her sights set squarely on the future.

plants’ knowledge of substrates and heat dissipationthese elements, I believe we can create products thatsheets.

the world has never seen before.”Franziska Jarczowski is the development manager

to create a working vaccine using a combination

magnICONAn as yet unimplemented technology platform fordeveloping norovirus vaccines. Development of new

6

Internal Open Innovation“This kind of in-house open innovation has

Denka Hitt PlatesFranziska Jarczowski
Specialty Icon Genetics G.m.b.H

Denka Hitt Plates, which are similar to the product Eri isdeveloping, achieve high thermal conductivity using heat resistantproduction technologies and antibodies used for test

resin with a high inorganic content filler. This contributes to energy

reagents is currently underway.

saving in home appliances and automobiles.

The Denka Way | 2019 Autumn

Eri Sasaki
Specialty Ceramics Research Dept.
Advanced Technologies Research InstituteDenka Innovation Center2019 Autumn | The Denka Way

7

Special Edition

Think INNOVATION

AmazingtheIntroducing articles that provide hints for innovation

No.01

Creating “Individualistic” Teams
Music Director of
the New Japan Philharmonic

Toshiyuki Kamioka

PROFILEIn 1979, he entered Tokyo University of the Arts, where he studied conducting, composing, and piano under Martin Mälzer. Afterwards, he studied abroad at the University of Music and
Theatre in Hamburg. After several posts including music director of the Hessian State Theatre of Wiesbaden and music director of North West German Philharmonic, he became the fourthmusic director of the New Japan Philharmonic in September 2016. He is also chief conductor of the Copenhagen Philharmonic and full professor at the Saarbrücken University of Music.

Horizontal connections allow us to move people

bonds to take advantage of that individuality that we can really movepeople.

I joined the New Japan Philharmonic in 2016. Japan and Germany havevery different cultural and value systems. However, one thing remains

People can’t be themselves unless they’re at easewith Innovation

the same: Orchestras must play good music that moves people. My
mission is to lead the team known as the New Japan Philharmonic to
new heights by combining the strengths of Germany and Japan.

So, what should a conductor do to bring out the individuality ofhis performers? I make a point of trying to preserve people’s innate
strengths. An orchestra is a large group of 100 people. Everyone has a

The most important element for creating good music that moves peo-

different way of thinking, yet we must make music together. The fastest

ple is “individuality.” However, theway is to find common ground, yetother day, I heard a man in a very

that is very difficult with orches-senior position say the following:tras. Everyone has different in-“Japan still tends to work in ver-struments, parts, and experience.

tical hierarchies. Our horizontal

Given this situation, the conduc-bonds are weak.” Actually, I think

tor must not try to impose his or

this provides an excellent hint forher ego upon everyone. Certainly,

injecting more individuality into

the conductor reads the score andJapanese orchestras.

is familiar with the piece of music

Japanese orchestras excel

and its various parts. There may

in order, since many Japanese

be moments when he or she canmusicians strictly follow the con-provide valuable insight on how

ductor’s lead. Although this doesto bring out a song’s essence.

make for excellent harmony, if

At first, it may seem that every-

taken to the extreme, it results in©︎Rikimaru Hottamusicians simply waiting for the
conductor’s instructions and performances that lack personality.

one following the conductor’s

Our history began with a single piece of limestone.

instructions is a shortcut to suc-

In 1915, Denka, which was originally established as Denki Kagaku Kogyo,

cess. However, I prefer to take advantage of each individual musicians’

applied the technology used for making carbide from limestone to create various other products.

On the other hand, German musicians don’t try to match the con-strengths, even if it means a longer journey. It’s impossible to move

ductor. They play freely, listening to each other’s sounds. Taken to thepeople unless one’s own feelings are in the music. In order to bring out

For 100 years, we have defied conventional wisdom with the power of chemistry.

extreme, this results in a fractured orchestra. However, at times, it canthis individualism, it’s important to create a comfortable environment

also make for a very moving performance. Why is that? Because if we

where everyone can play at ease.

acknowledge and support each other, we can bring out our true selves.

Our destination is “playing good music to move people.” The con-

It’s the result of a strong connection between the musicians, or in otherductor’s role is to provide support so that everyone might arrive at thatwords, strong “horizontal bonds”.

destination together.

That core ideal will never change.
We will continue Amazing The World!

All people have individuality. It’s only when we exercise our horizontal
8

The Denka Way | 2019 Autumn

2019 Autumn | The Denka Way

9History

Starting from Limestone,
A History of Continuously Amazing the World

Denka was originally founded 104 years ago as Denki Kagaku Kogyo in 1915. After that, the technology
used to create carbides was applied to produce various new products, eventually leading to our five current
departments: Life Innovation, Electronics & Innovative Products, Infrastructure & Social Solutions,
Elastomers & Performance Plastics, and Living & Environment Products, which continue to amaze the world.

2000
Life Innovation

Improving QOL
for people around the world

Rapid diagnostic kits
for influenza
Denka develops testing reagents for influenza viruses
and various other bacteria. In 2000, we developed thefirst rapid diagnosis kit for influenza in Japan. We havesince continued to make improvements, and last year,
we added analysis equipment capable of automatically1980

Living & Environment Products

Enjoying fashion withpiece of mind

Toyokalon

Alonbright

Increasing efficiency and safetyof tunnel construction

Alonbright is a SiAlON phosphor used for LED

Denka Natmic

devices. Compared to conventional silicate

An accelerator for shotcrete used in tunnel construction. In additionchanges and contributes to increased lifespan andto adhesive properties that allow for quick setting of cement, it

brightness for LEDs.

modules for LCD backlighting and LED illuminating
phosphors, it is more resistant to temperaturesuch as those on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, and contributed to

produced at industrial scale. Afro-textured hair

Production of carbide
and lime nitrogencare in the medical field.

Electronics & Innovative Products

Making LEDs longer lasting and brighter

is also resistant to water. It has been adopted for many tunnels,

The world’s first PVC fiber for hair products

Greatly contributing to Japan’s
agricultural development

lineup, contributing to the efficiency of influenza medical

Infrastructure & Social Solutions

1970

Infrastructure & Social Solutions

reading from test devices using optical sensors to our2009increase efficiency and safety for tunnel construction.

is prone to breaking when straightened, andAfrican women have long struggled to create
various hairstyles. However, with Toyokalon,
they can create free and natural-looking
hairstyles.

1976

Electronics & Innovative Products

Denka’s unique high-performance industrial adhesive

HARDLOC

Using hydroelectricity as a power source,
we made calcium carbide from limestone

A high-performance industrial adhesive created with Denka’s proprietaryand coke, and began production of thetechnology. It combines strength and tenacity for excellent adhesive

derivative, lime nitrogen fertilizer. This

properties. It is extremely workable (normal temperature quick-hardening,

new fertilizer was highly praised for itsetc.) and is used for speakers, golf clubs, sheet metal adhesion, and otherexcellent effects and was eventually usedproducts.

across Japan. It greatly contributed toJapan’s agricultural development.

1962

Elastomers & Performance Plastics

Supporting manufacturing in various applicationsFirst chloroprene rubber produced in Japan

1915

10

The Denka Way | 2019 Autumn

Chloroprene rubber boasts many excellent properties such as oil resistanceand heat resistance. Denka was the first manufacturer in Japan to successfullycommercialize this product using its proprietary technology. Chloroprene rubber is

Amazing
theused in the manufacturing of various parts and products including adhesives, wetsuits, and constant velocity joint boots for automobiles.

with Innovation
2019 Autumn | The Denka Way

11

Close Up ProjectWire harness binding

Clean Energy

The wire harness transmits signals and electrical power inside the automobile. Denka’s
Vini-Tape® is used as an adhesive tape to separate these wires into groups. Both thin andGoing Beyond Conventional EV Wisdomwith the Power of Chemistry

light, this product contributes to reducing the weight of automobiles.
Vini-Tape®

Lithium ion
secondary battery

Based on the keyword “global warming countermeasures,” the automobile industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century revolution.
In particular, the field of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has been growing rapidly in recent years. Using its unique technologies,
Denka is contributing to global warming countermeasures through chemical materials.

Lithium ion secondary batteries, which are indispensable for EVs, are batteries that can be repeatedly recharged by moving lithium ions from the positive

Eco-friendly Cars

Power Control Unit (PCU)

electrode to the negative electrode. Ultra-high purity
acetylene black is used as a conductive material,

A PCU is a device that appropriately adjusts the electricity of an EV or hybrid EV with a motorand spherical alumina, which makes use of ourwhen the car starts, accelerates, or decelerates. Denka’s aluminum nitride and silicon nitride

unique ultra-high-frequency melting technology, areplates, which are highly conductive ceramic substrates, are used for the inverter that powers

used as heat-dissipating materials.

the motor. Denka is one of the few manufacturers that supplies both AN and SN places.

Aluminum nitride plates (left)
Silicon nitride plates (right)

Breakdown for 2025

LED lights and indicators

EV 5%
PHV 4%

Replacing conventional HID lamps with LED lights allows for the creation of lighter vehicles.

120

Hitt Plates, which combine high thermal conductivity and durability, are used for the headlights’

100
Vehicles soldmetal substrates, and Alonbright, which has excellent weather resistance and doesn’t drop in
fluorescent intensity at high temperatures, is used for the indicators and tail lamps.

8060

Global forecast of new car sales

40
0

3%

’17 ’18

A once-in-a-century revolution
taking place in the automobile industry

12

The Denka Way | 2019 Autumn

4%

’19

6%

10% 13%8%’20

16% 20%’21 ’22 ’23

’24

23%

Mild-HEV

HEV

PHV

EV

FCV

Internal combustion
locomotives’25

the Industrial Revolution, we’ve been burning

use AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ICT (Information

For example, our products are used inbundles, lights, and other places, and with the risefossil fuels such as oil and gas to create energy

and Communication Technology) are coming intolithium-ion secondary batteries (LIB), whichof vehicle electrification, we expect demand forand grow the economy. As a result, the amount ofpractical use, and progress is being made toward

are indispensable for EVs. One such productthese products to increase. In order to realize a

Global warming has been an issue for a long time.

carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is said to havesolving the problem of short driving ranges byis acetylene black, a conductive aid*2. With its

clean and safe society, we will continue to take on

The average global temperature over land and sea

increased by 40% compared to pre-industrial

manufacturing lighter vehicles.

high purity and excellent electrical conductivity,

challenges in the EV field.

rose 0.85°C between 1880 and 2012. And if welevels. Global warming countermeasures are now a

don’t put effective measures in place to prevent

common issue around the world.

global warming, the average global temperature

with Innovation

HEV
3%
M-HEV 11%

(10,000 vehicles)

20

Alonbright

AmazingtheAcetylene black (left),spherical alumina fillers (right)

Against this backdrop, the automobile industry

Denka’s unique products contribute to
the proliferation of EVs

it contributes to a longer battery life. Heat
countermeasures are also essential for LIBs,
which generate heat while in operation. To thatis expected to be 2.6 – 4.8°C higher at the end

is undergoing a once-in-a-century revolution.

As a chemical manufacturing company, Denka

purpose, our spherical alumina fillers are used asof the 21st century (2081 – 2100) than it was

The trend of vehicle electrification is picking up

is contributing to global warming countermeasuresheat dissipation materials to prevent degradation

around the end of the 20th century (1986 – 2005).

speed as the demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs)by providing materials and parts for EVs.

and ignition of LIBs. Spherical alumina have

In Japan, about one third of the year will feel like athat do not emit carbon dioxide increases. EVs

The Automotive Materials & Solution (AMS)

high thermal conductivity, allowing for effective

mid-summer’s day.

accounted for 6% of new car sales in 2019,

Development Division was established in 2016,

cooling. This contributes to improving both electric

There are various greenhouse gases that cause

but this number is expected to grow to 23% by

and we’ve used our many years of technologicalmileage*3 and safety.

global warming, but carbon dioxide is the gas that

2025. In addition, new technologies such as

expertise to develop unique products that are now

has the greatest impact on our planet. Ever since“automated driving” and “connected cars”*1 thatthe de facto standard for EVs.

In addition, Denka’s chemical materials areused in the power control units, wireless harness*1	Cars capable of connecting to the Internet toacquire and analyze various data such as roadconditions to improve safety.
*2	Materials used to reduce electrode resistancewhen forming electrodes for lithium ion
batteries.
*3	The distance that you can travel for each unitof electric power. LIBs suffer from an issue
where performance decreases due to the heatgenerated while in operation, thus reducing
electric mileage.

2019 Autumn | The Denka Way

13

Future Perspective

A comparison between Evolmer® and other rubbers
Tensile strength

Open Innovation

Heat resistance(130℃)The new high-performance elastomer “Evolmer®” was launched by Denka in January 2019.
What role did open innovation play in this development project? And what does the future hold for polymers?
Here, we will publish a roundtable discussion between Prof. Mori from Yamagata University,a key member of the development team, and researchers from the Denka Innovation Center.

Ruriko Sekiya
Advanced Polymer Research Dept.
Advanced Technologies Research InstituteDenka Innovation Center

Yuhei Ishigaki

Over 10 years of joint researchCompression set(-10℃)

Bending
fatigue
resistanceCompression set(130℃)

Abrasion
resistance
Dynamic exothermicity(low exothermicity)

Heat resistance (℃)

The future of polymers, as told by a key member ofthe Evolmer® development team

From left in the photo

Oil and heat resistance of different types of elastomer

Oil resistance(130℃)
Cold resistance(Gehman test)

Denka ER®
Chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene

Denka
Chloroprene®

Hydrogenatednitrile rubber

Evolmer®
Nitrile rubber

Evolmer®
HNBR(peroxide crosslinking)Nitrile rubber

Oil resistance (volume change %)Denka Innovation Center to actively promote open

polychloroprene. It’s not an easy material to get

Mori: That’s correct. Mr. Ishigaki joined myMori: Once we knew what to make, the next phaseinnovation. However, we’ve been acquainted withhold of due to the difficulties inherent in extracting

laboratory, and we began developing new

was figuring out how to do it. After looking into

When did you start developing Evolmer®?

Prof. Mori long before that, since 2008.

and transporting it, but it’s a wonderful monomer

functional elastomers.

several possibilities, we arrived at an approach of

Ishigaki: This project was a direct result of theMori: How nostalgic. I was busy researching theto research, so that made the offer very attractive.

Ishigaki: The first thing we did was to researchcopolymerizing certain monomers to increase oil

Denka Value-Up management plan in 2018.

creation of high-function polymers by controlling

We began our joint research with a win-win

market needs. After collecting customer feedback,resistance. However, due to the special nature of

One aspect of this plan is to “specialize ourmolecular weights and their distributions throughrelationship and have continued to explore thewe realized that “oil resistance” was an important

the reactivity, they were not easy to polymerize.

(Ph.D. in Engineering)
Advanced Polymer Research Dept.
Advanced Technologies Research InstituteDenka Innovation Center

key operations,” so we decided to develop new

RAFT polymerization*, and you called on me topossibilities of polymers ever since.

keyword. At the time, the two most widely used

Ishigaki: The answer lay in the polymerizationmaterials using Denka’s unique strengths. To do so,create new value using Denka’s assets.

rubbers were the cheap nitrile rubber and the hightechnology cultivated through the development

we asked for Prof. Mori’s help.

Sekiya: How did you benefit from the collaboration,

performing, yet expensive hydrogenated nitrileof high-performance styrene resins. Members ofProf. Hideharu Mori

Watanabe: We signed a comprehensive joint

professor?

rubber. We discovered a need for an oil-resistant

the Chiba Factory Polymer Research Department

research agreement with Yamagata University in

Mori: I was particularly keen to work withSo those 10 years of collection led to therubber that was somewhere in the middle of those

provided this hint. Based on their knowledge,

2013, and the following year, we established thechloroprene, a material used to makedevelopment of Evolmer®?

two in terms of price and performance.

we conducted multiple experiments with theProfessor
Department of Organic Materials Science,
Graduate School of Organic Materials Science,
Yamagata University

The keyword is “oil resistance”
Horizontal collaboration led to a hint

*Polymerization using sulfur compounds as RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer) agents.

Jun Watanabe
General Manager
Advanced Polymer Research Dept.
Advanced Technologies Research InstituteDenka Innovation Center

What is Evolmer®?
Evolmer® is Denka’s third functional elastomer
following Denka Chloroprene® and Denka ER®. It
boasts excellent mechanical strength, oil resistance,
and wear resistance. It also features a balanceof physical properties not found in conventionalelastomers, such as a low compression set at low
temperatures and excellent resistance to fatigue
from flexing in dynamic environments.

Amazingthewith Innovation

14

The Denka Way | 2019 Autumn

2019 Autumn | The Denka Way

15

DENKA TOPICS
Introducing Denka Group news tropics from June to September 2019

June

cooperation of Prof. Mori, and through a process ofterms of recent trends, I’d say that self-repairing

Sekiya: What do you mean?

trial and error, eventually succeeded in polymerizing

polymers are very interesting. These are materials

Mori: Well, my primary desire is to create aa polymer with a uniform composition.

that automatically repair damage without any

polymer with physical properties that have neverexternal stimulation or energy. Originally, thesebeen seen before. However, a company starts with

“Evolving polymers”?

materials were researched for space exploration

the needs of society in mind.

So, it was a product realized throughpurposes, since it’s difficult to do repairs in outer

Ishigaki: You can definitely feel that difference

a combination of internal and external

space, but once they were commercialized for car

once you’re in Prof. Mori’s laboratory. One’s visionknowledge?

coating materials, everyone became a lot more

really expands when you’re developing from a

Ishigaki: Yes. Had we lacked one or the other,familiar with them. Once they can be manufactured

flexible perspective not constrained by stereotypes.

it would have been very difficult to complete theat lower costs, I think we’ll see even moreThat attitude is essential for exploring new

project.

applications.

possibilities.

Mori: It also helped a great deal that management

Ishigaki: Biodegradable polymers are also

Mori: On the other hand, ascertaining needs is

was serious about this project. The people at theattracting a lot of attention. From an environmental

necessary to set a clear goal and contribute totop maintained an enthusiastic attitude through theperspective, this is likely to be considered ansociety. That’s precisely why we were able todevelopment. I’ve done joint research with several

important quality in the future.

launch Evolmer®.

companies, but it’s rare for a large-scale productWatanabe: Yes, reducing impacts on the

Watanabe: I imagine that both approaches aredevelopment to actually reach the market.

environment is a topic that regularly gets a lot

necessary, and that’s why there’s meaning in us

Ishigaki: Thanks to everyone’s cooperation, weof attention. Since this is something that needs

continuing open innovation with universities. It’s not

were able to achieve not only the desired oil

to constantly be pursued, many institutions are

simply about knowledge. It’s also about expanding

resistance and production costs, but also various

carrying out research in different forms, and with

our viewpoints based on interactions with people

other excellent physical properties. We’ve since

the adoption of the SDGs in 2015, I think thepossessing different mentalities and values. This

received many inquiries from interested companies.

number of interested companies will rise.

will definitely become an asset for Denka in the

Sekiya By the way, is there any meaning behind the

Sekiya: And there’s the healthcare field. I’m

future.

name “Evolmer”?

actually involved with a joint life sciences research

Mori: For me, I get a lot of stimulation from

Ishigaki It’s a portmanteau of “evolve” andproject with another university, and I think that asworking together with companies. I hope that we“polymer”. This name was chosen from the 30 ortechnology in this field advances, polymers arecan continue moving forward together to explore

40 suggestions that the project members camegoing to play a surprisingly large role. For example,

the possibilities of polymers and contribute toup with.

research is being conducted on bioabsorbablesociety.

Mori: I also made submitted two suggestions. I

polymer sheets to patch up damaged blood vessels

was rather confident, but alas, neither were chosen

and organs to aid in regeneration, and polymers(laughs).

that can expand and contract to function as

Collaborating to explore new
possibilities

16

We plan to increase spherical alumina production capacity to expand the heatdissipation materials for automobiles business. Production capacity will be
increased fivefold through the establishment of a new spherical alumina plant
at Denka Advantech Tuas Plant, a Singaporean subsidiary. On June 4, we held
a commencement ceremony, including a groundbreaking ceremony and prayers
for safety during the construction.

June

Certified for IATF 16949 (QMS standard for the
automotive industry)In June, were acquired IATF
16949 (QMS standard forthe automotive industry)for ceramic substrates
produced at the Omuta
Plant. Moving forward, we
will continue striving toprovide a stable supply ofhighly reliable products thatmake use of our unique technologies to contribute to the realization of a cleanand safe society.

Aug.

Elementary and junior high school students experience the wonders of chemistry!

Exhibited at Summer Vacation
Chemistry Experiment Show for Children 2019Technological innovations in different fields may
create new needs, and responding to those needs
may further expand the possibilities of polymers.

polymers holds?

Mori: That’s very interesting. I imagine there’s a big

Mori: I think polymers still hold a lot of possibilities.

difference in mindset between someone like me

New discoveries are constantly being made, andwho’s affiliated with a university and someone who

the “cutting edge” is constantly being updated. In

belongs to a company.

AmazingtheJune

Sponsorship of 103rd Japan National Athletics
Championships

Masaharu Suzuki, Managing Executive Officer,
makes a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony“muscles” for surgical robots and artificial limbs.

Prof. Mori, what do you think the future of

The Denka Way | 2019 Autumn

Increasing production of spherical alumina to expand
the heat dissipation materials for automobiles business

From August 3 to August 4, we exhibited at the Summer Vacation Chemistry
Experiment Show for Children 2019 in Tokyo. Young researchers from the Denka
Innovation Center led an experiment to separate substances into different
components using chromatography. There were 450 participants, including
parents.

From June 27 to June 30, the 103rd Japan National Athletics Championships
was hosted by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) in Fukuoka
City. As an official sponsor of JAAF, our logo was displayed inside the stadium,
and we set up an athlete photo panel at the stadium gate. More than 5,000
people took photos there over the 4-day period.

July

Investing in PlexBio (Taiwan) tostrengthen our business alliance
Measures against drug-resistant bacteria

πコードTM イメージ図

What is the IntelliPlex™ system?

This system uses a combination of semiconductor
manufacturing technology and biotechnology tosimultaneously measure multiple items quickly andeasily. It allows medical practitioners to identify thecause of symptoms with a single test.

On July 30, we applied to the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission toacquire shares of PlexBio by underwriting a capital increase through third-party
allocation. By using the IntelliPlex™ system developed by PlexBio, we will beable to accelerate the development of diagnostic products. In this way, we will
promote measures against drug-resistant bacteria and contribute to healthy
lifestyles.

Sept.

Preserving cultural assets through structuralinspection technology

Using the 3D digital measurement
technology developed forinspecting concrete structures,
Denka and Denka Renotec arecollaborating with KYOTO’S
3D STUDIO to preserve Daigoji
Temple, a world cultural heritagesite. Part of this initiative was
Daigoji Temple, Kyoto
introduced at the 25th ICOMGeneral Conference, which was held at the Kyoto International ConferenceCenter from September 1 to September 7.

with Innovation
2019 Autumn | The Denka Way

17

YES, I CAN!
Expensify & Timeout

Joined the company in 2018. Responsible for sales, market
development, and agency management of the high-performanceindustrial adhesive “HARDLOC.” He seeks to increase brandrecognition for HARDLOC in China.

Denka Chemicals Shanghai is always overflowing withgood cheer. The president, vice-president, departmental
managers, and drivers all work with smiles, so I canJoined the company in 1998. As General Manager, she
is involved with HR, accounting, general affairs, IT, andlogistics.

How are thingsin the USA,
Angie?

Denka’s strength is providing optimal solutions forboth internal and external issues in a timely manner.
We’re currently focusing on office digitalization.

sense the team unity and warmth of the workplace

We’re aiming to realize a more convenient working

every day. I’m grateful for this environment where I

China

can work smoothly and demonstrate my abilities. I willcontinue working hard and believing in my peers.

Lin YanUSAenvironment through apps such as Expensify, which

Angie Mei

and Timeout, a time-management system for

Joined the company in 2016. As a senior process engineer,
he aids in troubleshooting and optimizing plant operations.

allows one to scan in receipts with your smartphone,

Denka Singapore employs people from a variety

employees.

Corporate Department
Denka Corporation

Adhesives Department
Denka Chemicals ShanghaiStrength in Diversityof countries and cultural backgrounds, but
despite language and cultural differences, they

How are thingsin Singapore,
Kuo Jihao?

How are thingsin China, Lin?

LINK GL OBALLY,
LINK F UTURE

Singapore

all work toward the same goal: achieving Denka
Value-Up. I think working with people from varied
backgrounds is very appealing, and having a

Kuo Jihao
Process Technology Department
Denka Singapore Private Limited

diverse workplace will allow Denka Singapore tocontinue attracting talented individuals in future.

How are thingsin Vietnam, Tran
Anh Quan?

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.

Bengt Schwemann

Germany

Theme

Performance Plastic Department;
Special Conductive Materials Department
Denka Chemicals GmbH

What appeals to you about Denka?

Few in number, exceptional in talent
Joined the company in 2015. In cooperation with relevant
departments, he seeks to strength internal control systems
and create a better corporate culture.

Challenges make it possible!

Internationality, future leading technology
Joined the company in 2017. He is in charge of sales and marketing ofstyrene-based resins and acetylene black for the European and CIS regions.

Working on an international stage and contributing to the future

At Denka, you can do rewarding work with

How arethingsin Germany,
Bengt?

Joined the company in 2019. As a maintenance engineer in the Operation Department,
he plans for preventive maintenance and ensures that operations flow smoothly withminimal loos.

Denka has a lot of potential for contributing to infrastructure development

are the appealing points of working at Denka. We’re currently

in Malaysia. Thanks to the expertise acquired from the Denka network

working on improving sustainability and energy efficiency. Witharound the world, our products are high quality and reliable. We’re currently

the shift to recyclable plastic materials and electrification ofworking on “hitozukuri”

automobiles, I’d like to contribute to a sustainable future through(personnel development).

sales of Denka products.

By training up the next

The Denka Way | 2019 Autumn

How are thingsin Malaysia,
Kamarul?

Malaysia

generation of leaders,Kamarul Ezam

we can increase trust in

Operation Department
Denka Construction Solutions
M Sdn Bhd

Denka.

18

talented coworkers. Taking on a wide range ofVietnamTran Anh Quan
Planning and
Coordination Department
Denka Advanced Materials Vietnam

professional challenges leads to personal growth.
Personal growth leads to company growth, which
in turn leads to more rewarding work or us. At ourcompany, there’s a culture of enjoying work andsupporting each other.
I will continue striving
to acquire more
rewarding work.

2019 Autumn | The Denka Way

19