SEKISUI CHEMICAL has earned the highest rank in the Development Bank of Japan’s (DBJ) Environmentally Rated Loan Program. This recognition highlights SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s exceptional commitment to environmentally sustainable initiatives, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable business practices.
The DBJ Environmentally Rated Loan Program is the world’s first financing scheme that evaluates companies based on their environmental management quality. Through a rigorous screening system, companies demonstrating superior environmental stewardship receive preferential financial treatment. SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s receipt of the highest rating in this program is a testament to its dedication to sustainability, innovation, and corporate responsibility.
Key Factors in SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s High Rating
SEKISUI CHEMICAL received high praise for three key areas in particular:
1. Integration of Environmental Management into Core Business Strategy
SEKISUI CHEMICAL has long championed the idea that environmental sustainability should be central to corporate management. This commitment is evident in its pioneering product evaluation system, launched in 2006. Over the years, this system has been continuously refined, with standards expanded to incorporate new sustainability criteria. As a result, the company has successfully increased the sales of its “Sustainability-Contributing Products,” which provide environmental and societal benefits.
Among these products are high-performance interlayer films for automobiles, which enhance vehicle safety while reducing environmental impact, and the “SPR Method” for pipe rehabilitation, a groundbreaking technology that extends the lifespan of aging infrastructure without the need for extensive excavation. By aligning its business model with sustainable solutions, SEKISUI CHEMICAL has not only contributed to environmental preservation but also secured a competitive advantage in the market.
2. Commitment to Environmental Impact Reduction Across the Supply Chain
SEKISUI CHEMICAL maintains a strong commitment to achieving a 100% or greater “SEKISUI Environmental Sustainability Index,” a proprietary metric designed to measure the company’s return on natural and social capital. This ambitious target is an integral part of its SEKISUI Environment Sustainability Vision 2050, which envisions a world with maintained biodiversity and minimal environmental degradation.
To realize this vision, the company has implemented several initiatives, including:
- Production Process Innovation: By adopting energy-efficient manufacturing processes and reducing waste generation, SEKISUI CHEMICAL has significantly minimized its environmental footprint.
- Raw Material Conversion: The company has been actively seeking alternatives to conventional raw materials, prioritizing renewable and recycled resources to lower its reliance on virgin materials.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Recognizing that environmental responsibility extends beyond direct operations, SEKISUI CHEMICAL collaborates with suppliers and partners to enforce sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.
Through these efforts, the company continues to make progress toward reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and fostering an environmentally responsible business ecosystem.
3. Advancing Innovation for a Sustainable Future
SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its corporate philosophy, reflected in its vision statement: “Innovation for the Earth.” This vision is supported by a robust system that fosters technological advancement, strategic innovation, and human resource development.
The company’s R&D Committee and Technology Platforms serve as catalysts for innovation by facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration and ensuring that emerging technologies align with its sustainability goals. A key driver of this approach is the establishment of specialty positions that focus on breakthrough research and development in high-impact areas. Notable examples include:
- Perovskite Solar Cells: By leveraging its expertise in sealing and coating technologies, SEKISUI CHEMICAL is at the forefront of developing next-generation perovskite solar cells, which promise higher efficiency and lower production costs than traditional photovoltaic cells.
- Bio-Refinery Innovations: The company is pioneering bio-refinery technologies capable of converting waste materials into ethanol, thereby contributing to the circular economy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Additionally, SEKISUI CHEMICAL places a strong emphasis on workforce development. Through specialized training programs and initiatives designed to enhance employees’ contributions to sustainability, the company ensures that its human capital remains a driving force behind its environmental goals.
Long-Term Vision: Vision 2030
SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group’s long-term sustainability strategy is encapsulated in its Vision 2030 framework. The overarching goal of this vision is to create a sustainable society by expanding contributions to social and environmental challenges through business growth, transformation, and innovation.
The key pillars of Vision 2030 include:
- Business Growth and Reform: SEKISUI CHEMICAL aims to accelerate the expansion of its existing businesses while continuously seeking new opportunities in sustainability-driven markets.
- ESG-Centric Management: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are embedded into corporate decision-making processes, ensuring that long-term value creation aligns with sustainability principles.
- Creation of Peace of Mind for the Future: By developing products and solutions that address global challenges, the company seeks to enhance quality of life and contribute to societal well-being.
Through Vision 2030, SEKISUI CHEMICAL is reinforcing its leadership in sustainable innovation, ensuring that its environmental contributions remain impactful for generations to come.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s attainment of the highest rank in the DBJ Environmentally Rated Loan Program reflects its unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices. By integrating environmental consciousness into its core operations, optimizing its supply chain, and fostering breakthrough innovations, the company continues to set industry benchmarks for sustainability excellence.
As SEKISUI CHEMICAL progresses toward its 2050 sustainability goals, its proactive approach serves as a model for how corporations can drive meaningful environmental change while maintaining business growth. The company’s recognition by DBJ not only validates its sustainability efforts but also strengthens its resolve to pioneer solutions that benefit society and the planet.
