Initiatives for the Next Generation

Research and Development for the Next Generation

At Nippon Soda, we see climate change as one of the key challenges facing society. As such, in addition to the supply of low-carbon products, we are working to enhance and cultivate new technologies that can contribute to a low-carbon society. Aiming to launch new businesses in this field, on top of internal resources, we are also making use of external collaborations with partners such as those from industry and academia to drive research and development.

SDGs

Goal 13 CLIMATE ACTION

Goal 17 PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

Materiality

Achieving a low-carbon society

01
Contribution by supplying low-carbon products

KPI

① Current Initiatives

Introduction of continuous flow synthesis technologies

Continuous flow synthesis technologies are garnering attention for use in manufacturing methods that can contribute to the achievement of a highly energy efficient, low-carbon society. Aiming to implement these technologies, we are participating in the corporate sponsored Green Material Conversion research program led by the University of Tokyo, and are working with the university and Active Pharma to strengthen the relevant technologies.

Biomanufacturing

Biomanufacturing and other innovative technological developments will play an essential role in efforts to achieve a low-carbon society. As part of our commitment to advancing biomanufacturing through the integration of digital and biotechnologies, we have invested in Bacchus Bio innovation Co., Ltd., a company focused on introducing this technology into society. We are also working with startups and universities to enhance the efficiency of material production using microorganisms and create new useful substances in the agriculture and healthcare sectors.

We will use biomanufacturing as a means to take on challenges in areas where conventional chemical synthesis is not feasible. In doing so, we will contribute to the supply of low-carbon products by breaking away from dependence on fossil fuels and transitioning from high-temperature, high-pressure manufacturing processes.

Additionally, we will seek to strengthen and develop technologies for utilizing bioresources based on our research and technology strategy Brilliance through Chemistry 2030. We will also collaborate with universities and startups to promote cross-disciplinary exchanges among researchers, focusing our efforts on nurturing the next generation of researchers driven by curiosity and passion.

Through technological innovation, we will continue to achieve a balance between sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation, thereby contributing to the creation of a low-carbon society.

Materiality

Forming partnerships to achieve goals that cannot be accomplished by the Nippon Soda Group alone

01
Sharing philosophies for the goals and cooperating with other companies and organizations

KPI

① Current Initiatives

To strengthen and expand our existing businesses, and to create new businesses, it is essential that we engage in open innovation to make use of external research resources and technologies in addition to our own. As such, we are promoting R&D through collaboration with external institutions in industrial and academic circles.

In FY 2025/3, we worked with 27 external research institutes (including 23 universities) to promote a range of R&D themes.

Nippon Soda’s collaboration themes with external institutions

Materiality

Research and development for the next generation

01
Research and development that enables the continuing development of human society and the global environment, and that leads to business

KPI

① Status of Research and Development

To achieve our long-term vision Brilliance through Chemistry 2030, we are working on the development of new products and the creation of new businesses. We believe that owning high-quality intellectual property rights are essential for launching new products, increasing our market share, and entering new business domains. As such, we are actively filing patent applications for the new inventions that arise from our research and development, and building an intellectual property portfolio.

Data aggregation date: December 31 each year

1. Patent scores are numerical indicators of the level of attention a patent receives. The higher the patent score, the higher its market profile. Furthermore, the higher the average score of a patent portfolio, the higher the quality of said portfolio. Average patent scores have been calculated using Biz Cruncher, a program offered by Patent Result Co., Ltd.
2. Chemical industry averages have been calculated based on the 82 companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the Chemicals sector (one of the 33 sectors on the TSE).

Training programs centered on experiential learning
(NTTC: Nisso Technical Training Center)

Nippon Soda established the Nisso Takaoka Academy (NTA) within its Takaoka Plant in 2016. In 2020, we reorganized and expanded NTA into the Nisso Technical Training Center (NTTC) on land adjacent to the Takaoka Plant. This comprehensive safety training facility, which includes enhanced hazard simulation equipment, serves not only Nippon Soda employees but also employees from all group companies. In addition to all new employees working in manufacturing roles, NTTC also provides refresher training for manufacturing employees in their 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th years at the company.

Training at this facility gives participants the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of hazards in a safe environment. This distinctive approach focuses on instilling safety actions in a way that they become second nature—replacing knowledge with instinct—by having participants internalize safety protocols through direct physical experience. The training replicates dangerous operations encountered in actual workplaces within the facility, enabling participants to learn how to ensure safety through mutual communication. Furthermore, NTTC works together with all business sites to enhance safety awareness by disseminating a variety of safety-related education and evaluation methods. In this way, we are cultivating leaders who will spearhead efforts to eliminate accidents.

Materiality

Developing human resources for the next generation

01
Educational system to foster a culture of safety for the future

KPI

① Training Initiatives

Manufacturing training programs (April 1, 2024–March 31, 2025)

—: No eligible employees

		Nihongi Plant	Takaoka Plant	Mizushima Plant	Chiba Plant	Research & Innovation Center	Group companies
Training based on length of service
	First-year training	13	7	1	4	8	9
	Second-year training	3	4	2	－	－	1
	Third-year training	3	11	－	6	－	1
	Fifth-year training	11	22	－	5	－	－
	Tenth-year training	2	8	－	1	－	－
	Fifteenth-year training	－	6	－	－	－	－
Worksite training		－	－	－	－	－	7
Partner company training		－	118	－	－	－	－
Total		32	176	3	16	8	18

Main training programs for safety

Safety training: Special safety education for oxygen deficiency, concrete methods related to the four safety cycles, how to handle steam, operation of forklifts, how to handle organic solvents, experience with solvent combustion explosions due to static electricity, experience with exposure to liquid chemicals, and how to handle air breathing apparatus
Maintenance / instrumentation training: Machine maintenance, how to read engineering flow diagrams (EFD), electricity, instrumentation / measuring, and how to handle electric tools
Field work training: How to use tools / instruments correctly, installation / removal of flanges, testing airtightness of pipes, and plumbing assembly / removal
Practical safety education: Simulation of hazards associated with working at heights, slinging work and other hazards, rotating machines, and electricity, and education associated with working in tanks, VR experiences (working at heights and with stepladders, etc.), operating drones, and more

Objective of the session

To acquire basic knowledge and learn about basic machine structure to improve safety awareness.