High-Value-Added Products and New Market Development Through Technology Integration

「Innovation means “a new combination that advances matters in a different way.” Combining dissimilar things in different business fields in new ways is what Kaneka calls “hybrid management.” Numerous new combinations have emerged and are growing steadily, including Green Planet, a biodegradable biopolymer combining biotechnology and polymer technology, and Watashi no Chikara Q10 Yogurt, a product combining supplements and foods.」

「The Group is focusing on developing new products unique to Kaneka ahead of markets such as 5G, flexible displays and image sensor components.」

「New large-scale projects involving antiviral drugs among low-molecular-weight pharmaceuticals and sales of Protein A carriers for antibody-drug purification contributed to earnings.」

「This SV is advancing joint development with end-device digital manufacturers of materials that other companies cannot replicate, such as CMOS sensor materials for supporting autonomous driving systems in automobiles. The Group will strengthen R&D activities for unique new products that support digital transformation, including OLED displays and 5G smartphones, markets expected to expand in the future.」

「Sales of unique new products are expanding in new markets where technological innovation continues, including polyimide varnish, transparent polyimide film and the new Pixio for OLED displays and 5G smartphones.」

「For Kaneka biodegradable polymer PHBH®, as regulations on single-use plastics have tightened worldwide, the product was certified by the FDA and, in January this year, by the European Commission as a packaging material for applications such as fruit and vegetable bags. In addition, the European Commission has now completed its review for all food applications, and use throughout Europe is expected to become possible this autumn.」

「Sales of epoxy masterbatch have expanded as adoption progresses in structural adhesives for automobiles and other applications, and the Group has now decided to expand capacity. In addition, to accelerate business development in composite materials for the aircraft and space industries, the Group has installed new prepreg production facilities as next-generation advanced technology materials.」

「The unique solution material epoxy masterbatch is seeing increased adoption in structural adhesives for automobiles and has entered a period of expanding demand. The Group is preparing to decide on capacity expansion at an early date.」

「Applications for epoxy masterbatch for automotive and electronic components are progressing. The Group will also focus on rapidly developing its business in composite materials for the aircraft and space industries as next-generation advanced technology materials, including through the construction of new prepreg production facilities.」

「The number of adopted models for new products using polyimide resin technology, including products for displays, increased and contributed to earnings.」

「The Group applies fermentation, synthesis and polymer technologies to the healthcare field, including the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), functional foods, medical catheters, and regenerative and cellular medicine.」

「Based on polymer and fermentation technologies, the Group combines and integrates these technologies to develop and commercialize high-value-added products across a wide range of fields, while continuously developing new markets to secure a competitive advantage.」