Kaneka Corporation TSE:4118
Kaneka : Integrated Report 2024
Source: MarketScreener
Kaneka Integrated Report 2024
1-12-32, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6028, Japan
Tel: +81-3-5574-8000 Fax: +81-3-5574-8121
2-3-18, Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8288, Japan
Tel: +81-6-6226-5050 Fax: +81-6-6226-5037
This product is made of FSCTM-certified and other controlled material. Environment-friendly vegetable oil ink is used for printing.
Contents
The Dreamology Company
—Make your dreams come true—
Trial & Error experiment driven company
KANEKA thinks “Wellness First.”
Kaneka contributes to the sustainability of the earth, develops its business in a “wellness-first” direction,
energizes people, adds vibrancy to business, and helps build a happier society.
To make the world more wellness-first.
Kaneka takes an innovative approach to science,
and seeks to fulfill people’s dreams by offering a wide variety of solutions.
Top Message
Management Philosophy
Management Philosophy Structure / “Declaration of Kaneka United”
Management System / Purpose Management and Three Value Drivers Value Creation Process
Management Strategy
Management Strategy System
The Path of Hybrid Management / Promoting Portfolio Transformation
R2B Strategy / Trial & Error Experiment Driven Company Portfolio Transformation Engine
Research to Business Innovate from a Market Perspective Not Technology
Empowerment of Idea Craftsperson
Human Resource Strategy / Human Driven Company
A lean, high-quality team and merit-based appraisal
Development of Human Resources Centered on the 1-on-1 Program Making dreams a reality by “lighting a fire in people’s hearts”
Promotion of Diversity
Diverse individuality delivers unique Kaneka value
Promotion of Wellness
Coworkers with the same aspiration engage in work with vitality
Global Strategy / Think Global, Act Local
Our global network enabling business development deeply rooted in communities
The Best Glocal Kaneka Way
Manufacturing Strategy / From hands-on manufacturing experience,
We build our business to last 100 years into the future
Digital Transformation (DX)
We will transform our production plants into cutting-edge facilities to excel in global competition
Carbon Neutral (CN)
Creating manufacturing sites that embody sustainability to promote global health
Business Foundation
List of Directors ● Corporate Governance ● ESG Promotion
Business Risks and Uncertainties ● Compliance ● Intellectual Property
Environment ● Safety ● Quality ● Supply Chain Management
Communication with Stakeholders
Appendices
Consolidated Financial Statements ● Financial and Nonfinancial Highlights
Corporate Profile ● Investor Information ● Editorial Policy
The World Is Eagerly Awaiting You More Than Ever Before
Introduction
Ideas are determined by one’s point of focus.
In business, where should you focus your attention? How should you approach the point you’re focusing on?
I am writing to convey the insights into how we try to spark ideas in a way that is unique to Kaneka.
The Kaneka brand is a sign of trust.
Relationships based solely on the buying and selling of products cannot be sustained. “I want to be of help to you!”
We will convey this expression of our intention through our products and services. This desire to be of help will lead to building bonds with those around us by moving people, material and products as part of our business activities.
Our goal is to become a trusted brand that is based on relationships of trust, where people say, “I can’t do it without you!”
We want to build long-lasting, sustainable relationships based on trust.
Words are living things.
If we can convey Kaneka’s way of life, including how we see, think, and move, that would be great.
Change
Who are we, and where are we headed?
“A company that makes wishes come true through science and technology”?
Kaneka is thinking 24 hours.
Of all the things I thought I should convey here today,
I decided on “The world is eagerly awaiting you more than ever before.”
Kimikazu Sugawara
Chairman and Representative Director
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Top MessageManagement is about recognizing the changing times.
The keyword for the 21st century is probably “change”.
On a related note, the British magazine “The Economist” has listed “Donald Trump, technology and radical uncertainty,” and “Broader disorder” as its keywords for 2025. They have discerned the anxiety and instability of our times, and have unearthed the substance of the century of change.
What a fitting description.
We work to “change” every day.
Let’s raise the resolution and take a look at the workplace. There are two types of people in the world.
There are those who can deal with a choke point immediately and those who cannot. The latter cannot take action until all the details have been further investigated.
In other words, this is the type of person who can’t progress unless they clear each step one by one.
These people have no tolerance for uncertainty.
This may be a national trait common to many Japanese people.
What is important is to be a “Change Creator,” not a “Change Thinker”.
We are “Change Creators”.
We work to “change” every day.
Tradition Is a Series of Changes
Traditions become traditions through repeated change.
We live in an age of change and where individual values are respected.
Only companies that have both a long tradition and history as well as modern values of innovation will manage to survive.
How do you maintain balance between those things that will never change and those that change with the times?
At Kaneka, we are thinking 24 hours about how we can change.
You can find different methods by looking at things from the opposite side.
For example, how about thinking like this?
Even in situations you have no experience of or situations you didn’t expect, don’t stop thinking.
Change your perspective. Constantly ask yourself, “Is there another way?” Look at it from the opposite perspective. Question all preconceived notions. Choose an approach that differs from social norms.
Think of failure as a path to success. Take on challenges with a burning sense of curiosity. I think that “things that other people don’t do” are wonderful.
Here’s how such people behave.
Let’s play it by ear!
Act like you’re in a jam session and don’t look at the sheet music. Emphasize flexibility and improvisation.
Go with the flow!
Act flexibly while keeping an eye on the situation. Tolerate ambiguity!
Be positive, even if things are unclear.
Everything starts with curiosity and courage.
Curiosity and courage are like muscles. They can be trained. However, if you don’t continue to use them, you won’t be able to maintain them.
You can’t become a curious person unless you make it a habit. Without courage, it is impossible to step into the unknown future.
Brave for change!
We strive to create a workplace with a culture like this.
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Top MessageKaneka Way / Kaneka Spirit
The ability to continue learning.
A requirement for being a Change Creator is to possess a “strong desire to continue learning”.
While firmly committed to a big goal, vision, or change, we will change direction as needed to achieve it.
The ability to move in such a resilient way.
True success and change are often accompanied by setbacks, course corrections, and periods of stagnation.
By clarifying the “why” and being flexible about the “how,” we can pivot with confidence.
Here is a famous quote from Mahatma Gandhi.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Dynamic change between before and after
As a Change Creator, Kaneka is currently working on several Moonshot Projects that will dynamically change the “before” and “after” in the field of life sciences (*1).
Never give up! Never stop!
We call this the “Kaneka Way” or the “Kaneka Spirit”.
*1 See “This is the new frontier created by chemistry” on page 16.
Human-Driven Management to Create One’s Own Story
“I Wake Up Every Morning to Dream” (*2)
In the previous integrated report, we cited an excerpt from an interview with Haruki Murakami in the opening caption.
I decided to choose it because I was inspired by his ideas, which are full of paradoxes and metaphors that make his writing so appealing.
There are no limits to life unless you create them.
So...
For this report, I have decided to include a poem by Shuntaro Tanikawa called “Hitori, Hitori” (One by One) with some special thoughts of my own.
Like the previous integrated report, this one is also rooted in praising humanity, with the theme “work and life are about creating your own story”.
There are no limits to life unless you create them.
This so-called “human-driven management” is the substance (theme) of the integrated report in 2024.
The irony contained in Mr. Tanikawa’s poem, “Hitori, Hitori” is actually an ode to humanity.
In a world where we are forced to be alone and the meaning of being with others is deeply complicated, I wish to look at the whole picture with a wide-angle lens (like Mr. Tanikawa) and express “human-driven management”.
*2 Haruki Murakami, “I Wake Up Every Morning to Dream: Haruki Murakami Interview Collection 1997-2011,” Bungeishunju (Bunshu Bunko), 2012
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Top MessagePoem “Hitori, Hitori”
Last year, Shuntaro Tanikawa passed away. He will be missed.
Each person
has different eyes, nose and mouth.
Each person
looks up at the same blue sky.
Each person
has a different face and name.
Each person
sighs in a similar way.
Each person
lives a different little story.
Each person
is swallowed up by a big story.
This is an excerpt from the picture book “Hitori, Hitori” (*3). (Poem by Shuntaro Tanikawa; Illustrations by Chihiro Iwasaki)
Mr. Tanikawa was a philosopher who conveyed profound things in simple words Shuntaro Tanikawa’s poetry, which is so evocative of our age of loneliness and anxiety, is synchronized with the gentle illustrations of Chihiro Iwasaki, and it gives us a sense of quiet courage.
He acts as a guide to a wonderland where he delivers the sparks of surprise and emotion
to us, letting his words soar freely like a bird.
*3 Shuntaro Tanikawa (Poem) and Chihiro Iwasaki (Illustrations), “Hitori, Hitori,” (Kodansha), 2020
His words will surprise you, impress you, make you giggle, and even move you to tears.
Mr. Tanikawa was a philosopher who conveyed profound things in simple words.
I Want to Drill a Hole.
Making a living out of things you can't see.
I was wondering why I chose Shuntaro Tanikawa,
and then I realized that he works with things you can’t see.
If I am too focused on “what I can see” in management, I will create my own internal limitations.
I want to make a living out of the things I can’t see, and progress in my own unique direction,
with sensibilities like Mr. Tanikawa.
And I want to place importance on appreciating the “overall landscape”.
What lies beyond the horizon.
Make your next move smoothly and flexibly, in any direction. This is how I want to move forward and help Kaneka grow. Chasing after what lies beyond the horizon.
Do things immediately, do things without fail,
do things until I can do them,
and take action when others don’t.
Because management is about getting things done. What I want is not a drill, but to drill a hole.
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Top MessageThe World Is Eagerly Awaiting You More Than Ever Before
Discover the future!
Dynamically transform Kaneka’s portfolio.
“Change” is what Kaneka is striving for.
We are managing our portfolio with an emphasis on the following three points.
・Purpose (soulful commitment)
・Practice (serious engagement)
・Publish (outward communication)
Here’s how the story goes.
Above all, the “areas where no one else dares to tread” are the hidden gems that will create Kaneka’s future.
First, we must explore new possibilities in a way that is unique to Kaneka. We must take the first step as if we were casting a fishing rod.
Only by thinking while acting will you be able to truly see the world.
By planting seedlings and watering them, we are building the architecture of the future. It’s not a question of, “What will the future be like?” but rather,
“What will we do with the future?”
If I wasn’t hard, I wouldn’t be alive.
If I couldn’t ever be gentle, I wouldn’t deserve to be alive.
As I was quietly reciting Mr. Tanikawa’s poetry, I suddenly thought of the words muttered by Philip Marlowe, a detective who appears in Raymond Chandler’s novels.
You don’t do something because it’s easy. You do it because it’s difficult.
Imagination Is the Power to Dream
Creativity Is the Power to Make Dreams a Reality
We must never stay in the same place, even for a moment.
One thing I am always asked to do is to create new business models that will differentiate us from others.
From small routine tasks to management and marketing issues, we can’t afford to stay in the same place, even for a moment.
However, it is important to be aware of the pitfalls of information.
No matter how much information you gather from the Internet, such as from social media or Google, if that information is available to everyone,
there is no way to differentiate yourself.
Strengthen your ability to dream. Stop trying to be a perfectionist.
As such, perhaps the most important thing to be conscious of is the “ability to imagine things that cannot be seen”.
To do this, you need to exercise your “ability to dream” in the same way as you would work out your muscles.
Here are the best practices.
Rather than paying attention after the sprouts appear, it is important to find the seeds before they sprout.
By the time you notice the sprouts, many people would have already known about them. Even if you focus on the flowers as they bloom, there will already be many people gathered there. This is an example of the red ocean strategy.
We must act based on our predictions of what kind of flowers will bloom from the seeds. That way, we can get ahead of everyone else.
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Top MessageThe most capable researchers are experimenting the most through trial and error. They are desperate to find various possibilities and new relations.
They try many ideas and obtain the very best.
Because they overcome their struggles, they are able to experience the pleasure of making their own discoveries.
The point is not to find the right answer, but to “discover something through your own experiences and struggles”.
Stop trying to be a perfectionist.
I wonder what this is, it’s interesting, it’s strange. Everything that stimulates the five senses is information. Ideas can be found all around us.
For example, when walking around town, there might be times when you see something and ask yourself, “I wonder what that is?”
You might have a conversation with someone and think, “That’s interesting.”
This kind of analog awakening that you pick up intuitively is an antenna that allows you to discover new things before anyone else.
The important thing is to be sensitive to the encounters you have in your everyday life. That’s strange. I wonder why. I can feel it.
Chasing your dreams.
However, this can be a challenge.
In a sense, it is a matter of constantly keeping a close eye on the changes of the times and continuing to follow them.
This is because we are constantly updating our understanding of the changing times.
I wake up every morning so that I can dream while shaving my beard.
The ordinary discoveries of the world’s mysteries can be the remarkable gateway to serendipity.
Creativity is the power to make dreams a reality
Let’s start from the beginning.
Those who are referred to as “artists” are people whose job it is to conceive of what things should be like and to view the current situation critically.
And artists value inspiration.
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In other words, art is stimulated by “something beyond the five senses” and grasps its true form through backcasting, then analytically dissects the present.
This is essentially the ability to set out challenges in business.
Art has become an indispensable way of thinking about business planning and future creation.
The power of creativity in art is the ability to make dreams a reality. That’s why the entire world is taking notice.
A desire to discover things through your own senses and creativity.
By the way, I would like to say something despite the risk of being misunderstood. There is no right answer in creation.
The same is true for business.
It is said that humans live their lives with 20% rationality and with 80% irrationality. It is emotion, not logic, that moves people.
Art is always flexible and open to change.
I am proud that Kaneka is a place where people who ask questions like artists (rather than those who provide answers) come together.
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Top MessageShow Your True Colors
Kaneka Is a Human Driven Company
I repeat, the ultimate goal of our work is to differentiate ourselves. It’s about creating a difference from others.
You should always be asking yourself how you can show your true colors and express your individuality.
It has no shape.
It comes from having a deep, passionate inner feeling that makes others feel, “You may say strict things, but you are always warm and empathetic. You truly care about me.” Your individuality becomes your unique color and style.
It’s all about people.
We drive growth by enhancing corporate value through personal growth.
The captain of the ship unites the feelings of the crew to create a winning momentum.
Diversity and Human-Driven Management
Unique ideas are determined by how differently you can see things compared to other people.
You can make new discoveries depending on where you are looking, the angle you are looking from, and your point of view.
People who make it a habit to see things from a wide, deep and distant perspective are those whose point of view is constantly shifting.
The same goes for an organization.
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We want to create new value through the hands of our diverse employees, who are not bound by attributes such as gender, age, nationality, or educational background.
Unique work schemes are created from groups with diverse personalities. Diversity of ideas.
I want to amaze the world with their creativity. I work with this in mind.
My job is to be a stage director that brings out their improvised performances.
We are actively promoting the hiring and promotion of women.
The aim of diversity of ideas is to expand opportunities for women to play an active role.
“Gender equality? Why should us women, who are superior, have to lower ourselves to men and be equal with them?”
Perhaps these words from Yoko Ono epitomize this era. The achievements of women are truly remarkable.
Life Focus Management & Chemistry of Life
Before we are no longer able to live on the Earth
Life on Earth, our lives, and all life phenomena can be described in a common language called chemical reactions.
This is why Kaneka’s management policy is to research the “mysteries of life” and support a society that nurtures life.
“Life focus management” is the purpose that is at the root of Kaneka, the "Dreamology Company —Make your dreams come true.”
This is because our understanding of the universal truth that “life is a chemical reaction” is at the root of it all.
This is why animals, plants, and the Earth are the main characters in this integrated report.
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Top MessageChemistry of life
Life and the Earth are connected as one.
If the “critical point” is exceeded, the situation could lead to dangerous climate change and mass extinctions.
In order for humans to survive as a “species,” we require a “chemistry of life” that changes our thinking patterns, zooms out, and reexamines the entire “Earth and all life on it” from the perspective of life on Earth.
The various research conducted by Kaneka may appear different, but they are all connected to the big “life,” that is, life on Earth.
The new frontier created by chemistry
We are shifting our management resources to life sciences.
We want to make the big “life” of “life on Earth” healthier through chemistry!
Kaneka’s “biomanufacturing,” such as the biodegradable polymer Green PlanetTM, genome editing technology, biopharmaceuticals, regenerative and cell medicine, organic dairy products business, supplements,
and fermentation culture process technology,
PV technology, and medical devices
are all connected to the big “life,” that is, life on Earth.
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Trust People & Mutual Respect
“Trusting colleagues and respecting differences” has been a Kaneka tradition spanning 70 years.
We will revitalize a culture in which customers and colleagues work together as one team with a sense of trust and respect.
I can’t do it, it’s impossible for me. Say goodbye to such negativity.
Let’s go on a limitless adventure using positive thinking.
Glocal: Connecting Global and Local
The world is our main field of action.
The domain in which our diverse employees play an active role is the global stage. Adventures on a global scale can be like stepping into someone else’s shoes.
There are countless different shapes and sizes of shoes in the world.
By stepping into those shoes, it will allow you to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
Only when you walk in those shoes will your business start to make progress.
We refer to this as “glocal”.
Carbon Neutral/DX Initiatives
We made the decision to stop using coal boilers.
We aim to reduce GHG emissions by 30% by 2030, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We will continue to work on reducing energy consumption through fuel conversion and process innovation for our own power generation facilities.
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Top MessageWe are also working on a company-wide digital platform concept using the latest digital technology to promote operational innovation in research and development, sales, SCM, and back-office operations.
Through these efforts, we will create new values such as “creation of new businesses” and “transformation of work culture.”
Gratitude and Prayers
The god of management is in the details. Each and every thing that happens in the field,
each and every change in each and every person in the field is management itself.
Management is about shining a light on the details and moving the whole thing forward.
I believe that it means to go back and forth between the entirety and the parts, and to adapt to change.
Nothing would make me happier than for you to read this report and understand the relationship between the entirety and the parts of management.
Over the past year,
we have also been engaged in “Human-Driven Management.” I am reporting this with gratitude and prayers for all of you.
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Top MessagePlan: “Initiative 25”
This is what is known as a mid-term plan.
We at Kaneka have started planning by backcasting from the future to ask ourselves what we should be doing now.
The duration of the plan is three years (2025-2027), but we will cut into the “now” of the plan and narrow down the issues.
We have summarized the ideas we came up with for “Initiative 25” and the messages we sent internally.
“Life Is Either a Daring Adventure or Nothing at All.” (Helen Keller)
Leap toward tomorrow. Go big.
There is a goal that you can see. But do you have future dreams?
Helen Keller’s words directly strike each and every one of our challenges that we must face in “Initiative 25”.
If you choose “to do nothing”,
you are undoubtedly on your way to a “sickness unto death”. Let’s take our thinking to another level.
Discover Future
Discover Future
Stay Positive, Stay Hungry Change & Create New
Leap Toward Tomorrow Change Is the Only Option
Discard Courageously, Choose a New Era
- Go 100 years -
Opening Statement
Before We Are No Longer Able to Live on the Earth
Ambitions to Be Cherished
・Life Focus Management : Chemistry of Life
・Wellness First : Ode to Humanity Health Management
・Human Driven Company : Diversity
Who Are We and Where Are We Going?
The World Is Waiting for You More Than Ever Before
Change. Let’s pivot to change. Die or Change
Planning is about deciding “how you live.”
Look at those who are always fixated on adjusting to change.
They are caught in a whirlpool of change, unable to see where they are. The 21st century is truly an era of “Die or Change”.
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Top MessageLet’s have faith in who we are tomorrow. It’s time to decide how you want to live. The future is your story that you create. Let’s call the future our plan.
Stand firm on your pivot foot and let’s pivot to change. Ambitions.
Ambitions create change.
Backcast the epic vision
In order to survive in a time of uncertainty, “Initiative 25” will backcast to determine how we should live.
Draw a big picture. Renew our vision.
Decide on a goal based on the new vision.
Structure issues by backcasting from the goal.
Edit the structured issues and the gap between the goal into bold mechanism, fill in the gap. This is the plan.
Complete the action plans without fear of failure. The “initiative” is the actions that fill in the gaps.
*Why don’t you try drawing using a sketch?
Is there a vision? Is there a goal?
An initiative without a vision or a goal is a fake initiative. A passionate vision for the future.
Let’s take a closer look at “your narrative,” a story filled with epic vision.
Plan for coincidences. Make your own guess
A plan is about finding the fabulous “what ifs.” It’s about planning coincidences.
Coincidences can be planned.
The process is called “serendipity”.
Let’s “make your own guess” like a fisher or a hunter.
Good planning is a way of “hunting” for favorable outcomes from favorable coincidences.
To tomorrow, to tomorrow.
We encounter coincidences by being immersed in it.
Your passionate dreams and ambitions will turn today’s bad luck into tomorrow’s serendipity. It’s you who moves mountains.
Who are you? You are an idea craftsperson making guesses
How do you know if it is a good fishing spot?
When fishing, fishers gradually identify the area where fish are likely to be found based on their experience, such as “there seems to be fish around here,”
“in the morning there usually aren’t many fish in this area,” or “if this spot doesn’t work, it’s better to move over there.”
This approach is based on hypothetical thinking, using hypotheses based on one’s own experiences and investigations.
A hypothesis is used to identify focus points from among many possible points.
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Top Message“Initiative 25” is a process of narrowing down the issues and predict good fishing spot by zooming in and out highly, broadly and deeply.
Planners are the fishers and hunters who come up with the ideas. They’re idea craftsperson making guesses.
Where will “Initiative 25” lead us?
“Initiative 25” is a process of creation.
It is a “limitless treasure box” filled with curiosity and dreams. It is a base for birds to fly freely.
There is an abundance of good things out there.
Backcast and change the present from tomorrow’s goal. Never give up, never give up, never stop!
Fortune comes wearing the mask of hardship.
Let’s stick to our promise
A plan is a promise.
We must set out to fulfill what we promised. Let’s stick to our promise.
Let’s execute our promise. Let’s realize our promise.
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Are You Answering the Right Questions?
Choose the real issues
Those who are good at setting up focus points solve problems with overwhelming speed. Their results are so outstanding. Why is that?
That’s because they are selecting the right questions to answer. The right questions here are the focus points.
Those who select the wrong focus points at the beginning will tackle the wrong questions. Naturally, the boat drifts.
Work has deadlines
No matter how much effort you put in to find the answer, you’ll never find the answer if you are solving the wrong question.
You’ll never get to the island you’re aiming for.
You have to set up the focus point again. And start all over again.
What is the point?
It is that work has deadlines.
Which means that setting the focus point at the beginning is an extremely important key to getting the answer within the deadline.
All the “this and that” are not a plan. Find a way out of all the “this and that.”
Let’s identify the real issue hidden behind all the “this and that.” It’s about zeroing in on the underlying issues.
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Top MessageIf you set up the focus point correctly, you can discard a lot of irrelevant distractions that you don’t have to think about.
This is the benefit of issue-centered thinking.
Enter through the correct entrance
Solving the real issue.
That’s the biggest focus point in “Initiative 25”. Are you answering the right questions?
Choose the correct story over the correct-looking answer.
The story you chose, is this the real issue? Let’s humbly ask ourselves “Why?” five times. Then you’ll see the root cause.
Transforming “Craftspersonship” into a “Mechanism”
Connecting the dots to conceptualize and structure the entirety
Kaneka is a forest that continues to change and grow.
Winning in technology, winning in business.
That is what making a “Craftspersonship” into a “mechanism” is about. Create a blueprint for the entire business with big concepts.
Connect the dots of individual tasks and tie them together by big pictures. One entirety, one system.
Let’s factor strategy into tactics.
The integrated total system is the “mechanism”.
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I don’t want a drill, I want to drill a hole.
Exciting: Does the image of the future make your heart dance? Unique : Is Kaneka’s character tightly woven in?
Can do : Do you and those around you want to do it and believe it is possible after hearing about it?
Let’s make “Shu-Ha-Ri” a part of our daily lives
“Shu-Ha-Ri” has been the basic form of the Kaneka Way, the Kaneka Spirit. Shu: Learn the basics (kata) of traditional Craftspersonship
Ha : Apply the kata
Ri : Add originality and ingenuity to the kata and pursue your own unique style Learn the forms in “Shu”, break them in “Ha”, and transcend to new heights in “Ri”.
Let’s reconfirm. Practicing “Shu-Ha-Ri” is the essence of “Initiative 25”.
Are you not only learning the “kata” in your workplace but also making it a routine to take on new challenges beyond the boundaries of the “kata”? It is the encouragement of breaking the kata (out of box). Innovation ignites.
Next, are you putting the innovations created in the workplace into a new “kata”? Are you scaling it up?
And are you replacing old “kata” and wisdom with new ones?
Define “Shu-Ha-Ri” as an ambition. Let’s promote rebirth from old to new.
Let’s expand “Craftspersonship” to “mechanisms”.
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Top Message
Place Culture Front and Center in Management
Kaneka Way, Kaneka Spirit
Imagination is the power to dream.
Creativity is the power to give shape to dreams. We are “Change Creators,”
not “Change Thinkers”.
Always do what others are not doing and challenge something new. That is the Kaneka Way and Kaneka Spirit.
We will pass this power on to the next generation and the generation after that.
Also, foster a culture in which management and employees share an awareness of the status quo and a common vision.
All employees must become one team, communicate, and get outside of the box.
We will evolve the Kaneka Way and Kaneka Spirit in this way.
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Discovery Driven Planning
Let’s think while running
Technological innovation is remarkable.
New innovations are appearing one after another all the time. What we were so sure to be stable undergoes radical change.
The given business premise is being broken down in a blink of an eye. We can’t make a plan with the conventional idea that we know what the future holds.
But that doesn’t mean we should just take off running with anything and everything.
Let’s rethink the plan as we run through the process of trial and error. Leap before you think.
This is discovery driven planning
Write a script that is extreme and flexible
When it’s time for a change of strategy, it is better to start the story with an “extreme”. Plan A is an alternative scenario where 100% of the targeted goals were achieved.
Plans B and C are realistic scenarios with considerations of risks. “Initiative 25” is Plan B or C.
For Plan A, let’s leap extremely.
Like the pendulum on a clock, if you swing the pendulum to the extreme, you can broaden the scope of your plan and see the realistic scenario.
Innovation comes from “the edge of chaos”.
Chaos is caused by a combination of unpredictable things.
Chaos created in an indecipherable paradigm shift is an opportunity.
Let’s refine our sensibility and create a plan that is not an extension of the conventional one. Only companies that can shift strategies from the scene of chaos will survive.
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Top Message
Show Your True Colors. The One Who Persistently Thinks Wins!
A few closing remarks.
First, ask yourself this question.
Believe in your true colors and make work more interesting.
Let’s believe.
Always try to express yourself. There may be many ups and downs. They may be small things.
By doing so, you can naturally create the life you want and the work that excites you.
Begin small, create big!
Creativity never runs dry. The more you use it, the more it overflows. Repeat again.
“Initiative 25” is a process to accomplish the promises we’ve made. Those who don’t give up and are persistent will win.
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Philosophy Structure
Management Philosophy ManagementAs good citizens, we look towards the same future as all stakeholders from the same viewpoint.
Based on the “Declaration of Kaneka United,”
we provide valuable solutions through our mission of Kaneka thinks “Wellness First.”
“Declaration of Kaneka United”
With people and technology growing together into
1
Corporate Philosophy
2
Corporate Ideals
3
creative fusion, we will break fresh ground for the future and tie in to explore New Values. We are also committed to challenge the environmental issues of our planet and contribute to upgrading the quality of life.
Society
We conduct business activities rooted in the local community, promoting social contributions and community engagement. We contribute to creating a healthy community and society through ensuring the safety of plant operations and disclosing information.
Customers
We provide quality products and service value to customers to contribute to the health of society as a whole. We ensure product safety and make thoroughgoing disclosures.
The Environment
We strive to reduce environmental impact in raw material procurement, manufacturing, transport and other processes. In addition, though the development of cutting-edge materials and unique technologies, we contribute to the health of the global environment and fulfill our social responsibilities.
Shareholders and Investors
Recognizing the importance of our corporate stance and brand value, we provide appropriate returns and timely disclosure to shareholders. Aiming for a healthy company and healthy society, we will increase the level of trust in the Group overall.
Kaneka Group
Employees
Bearing in mind Kaneka Group employees and their family members, we maintain healthy work environments by providing job satisfaction, appropriate treatment and remuneration, and safe working conditions. We also give consideration to diversity.
Vendors
We conduct fair transactions with suppliers and contractors focusing on compliance and build relationships that aim to be mutually beneficial while offering equal opportunities to do business.
Toward an Even More Impressive and Productive Future
Hold in your hands the future you have always dreamed of.
We are a highly perceptive and collaborative value-creating group or, as we like to say, a “Dreamology Company.*” We want to look at the future from the same perspective as our customers. The future that Kaneka visualizes is one that connects us with our customers.
* “Dreamology” is an expression coined from ‘dream’ and ‘ology’ (science). Our “Dreamology Company” is a “highly perceptive and collaborative value-creating group.”
1. Tie to the future | As a research and development company brimming with creative energy and passion, we will create future-oriented businesses that leap beyond current market needs and back them up with new product development, thus protecting the global environment and contributing to the quality of life. |
2. Tie to the world | We are determined to become a truly global enterprise with diverse human resources working together on a global scale. Our presence will be felt in markets around the world, including newly emerging ones. |
3. Tie with value | We are proud of our unity and identity as the Kaneka Group and will take on the challenges of value creation and business innovation through close collaboration. |
4. Tie for innovation | We will never cease to pursue innovation, fusing wisdom from both internal and external sources without getting caught up in organizational compartmentalization and conventional ways of doing things. |
5. Tie with people | We in the Kaneka Group believe that the wellspring of corporate growth resides in human resources and will continue to seek innovation as we cultivate and nurture our valued employees. |
Five “ties”
In 2018, Kaneka Group established the ESG Charter, aiming to evolve its ESG management.
Putting the Corporate Philosophy Into Practice
ESG Charter
We offer solutions characterized by value to global markets and contribute to the evolution of lifestyles and the environment through innovative chemistry.
① We bring innovation to lifestyles and the environment by harnessing the unlimited potential of chemical materials to help communities achieve sustainability. (Earthology Chemical Solution)
② By adopting a unified approach to food and medicine that is defined by a focus on chemistry, we provide innovative solutions that empower people to live healthier lives. (Active Human Life Solution)
We fulfill our social responsibility by empowering individual employees to put our corporate philosophy into practice through serious, forward-looking effort.
① We actively contribute to our communities by cultivating understanding of the cultures and customs of the countries and regions where we do business and by pursuing corporate activities that are deeply rooted in those communities.
② We operate our businesses in a fair and impartial manner based on the principles of free competition and legal compliance.
③ We’re committed to communicating with shareholders and other stakeholders and to making information about our operations available in a timely and appropriate manner.
④ We strive to foster an organizational culture that respects the personalities and uniqueness of all employees so that they can enjoy good health, feel motivated, and make the most of their abilities.
⑤ Reflecting a commitment to make safety the top priority in our operations, we work to create safe and healthy workplaces, ensure product safety, and protect and preserve the environment.
Support for the United Nations Global Compact
In March 2015, Kaneka Group became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact.
The UN Global Compact is a voluntary code of conduct through which the top management of signatory companies commit themselves to take action aimed at achieving ten principles in the four areas of Human Rights, Labour, Environment, and Anti-Corruption. As Kaneka Group with a global network, we actively share information about our commitment to global sustainable growth as a responsible corporate citizen with our stakeholders and the international community.
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Trial & Error experiment driven company
We try new things without fear of failure.
We enjoy answers produced from accumulated experiments.
We continue to be a “Trial & Error experiment driven company,” creating unique solutions.
Purpose Management and Three Value Drivers
The backbone of our innovation consists of
two management systems: “Kaneka Tower” and
“Triple package as management system transformation.”
Kaneka Tower
Key basic structure of our management model – Its viewpoint and perspective (what is valued) –
Management System
Triple package as management system transformation
Further accelerate transformation to a solution provider based on a new management system
【Purpose】
Ability to grow tall
Kaneka as a “Trial & Error experiment driven company”
ESG management
“Wellness First” health management
[Value①]
Inner strengths
Diversity
Broad business domains / Diverse range of technologies / Global corporate activities / Diverse workforce
Shift from materials to solutions
Serve as an interface between markets and technology
From small to big
Start small and grow big
Management Innovation
[Value②]
Large Domain [Problem]
Management Hardware
Future Perspective Where we are
Our
Ambition
The 4 SUs
The 10 SVs
Action
Ambition
Strategy
Goal
Large Action
Large Goal
Technological Innovation & Driving Force
What to do
Speed & Scale
What, When, How to complete
SU Vision
Management System
Transformation
Plan:
“Initiative 25”
Kaneka 1-on-1
Change and Growth Triangle
Design of the Housing
Outward strengths
Advance transculturation from a global perspective
Bring out uniqueness
Scope
Ask “Are we playing a useful role?” Solution provider that provides solutions by structuring customer needs
A leader who will face challenges (a person with an edge)
A leader who will influence people
A team that will unite to tackle issues
Open innovation
Driver
Performance
[Value③]
Speed・Scale・Sharp（3Ss）
Frontline execution
Cell division through clustering Born small, Grow Big!!
“Kaneka 1-on-1”
Facilitate personal growth through employees’ job performance
Business Creation
Market Development
Every value is created on the frontline
Think by seeing, hearing, and touching on the frontline to make decisions
Emphasize Value Communication to link the frontlines together
Leadership that lights a fire in people’s hearts
《Management Software》 Implementation of the new personnel system (Kaneka 1-on-1) Growth of people and work
Plan: “Initiative 25”
Growth strategy from the viewpoint of the Change
and Growth Triangle
Operational Excellence
Work Culture Innovation
Effective use of time, information, and people Maximization of organizational productivity
- Renaissance (Recovering Our Humanity) -
Don’t Forecast the Future, Plan It
Demonstrate Adaptability
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Management Philosophy Value Creation Process
Advancement of Kaneka’s value creation process (based on creative fusion of people and technology)
Challenge on a global scale
Kaneka’s Meaning of Existence Purpose
Providing solutions through innovative material development across our global network through the repeated creative fusion of people and our breakthrough technology
Resolution of Social Issues KANEKA thinks “Wellness First.”
Consider with the B to C & S concept
Feel, perceive, and find
Brainstorm various ideas
Strength of our people and organization
21 countries across the world
Approximately 11,500 employees
Source of Competitiveness
Solid foundation of people and technology
Strength in production
Environment / Energy
We realize a society where everyone can enjoy nature’s bounty, using clean and sustainable resources and energy.
Food
We realize a society where safe, secure and highly nutritious food is available to everyone and where food producers are also satisfied.
Wellness
We realize a society where everyone has access to leading-edge medical services and can continue to live a healthy and vibrant life.
Value Communication
21 countries across the world
Strength in connecting with nature
Using resources efficiently
Strength of collecting, storing, and using
Shareholders’ equity ratio Cash creation capability
Strength of our technology
Only One and Global No.1 diverse technology base
Approximately 800 research technicians
Strength in connecting with society
Partnerships for a healthy world
Trust from customers and communities
Human Driven Company
Declaration of Kaneka United
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M&A
Global system
Open innovation
Source-in/ Source-out
Value Driver
Creative fusion of people and technology
Trial & Error experiment driven company
– Active learning to promote dissimilar connection –
Combine technologies from different industries
37
Priority Strategies
P. 40
The Path of Hybrid Management Promoting Portfolio Transformation
P. 46
R2B Strategy Trial & Error Experiment Driven Company Portfolio Transformation Engine
Research to Business
Innovate from a Market Perspective Not Technology
Empowerment of Idea Craftsperson
P. 54
Human Resource Strategy Human Driven Company
A lean, high-quality team and merit-based appraisal
Development of Human Resources Centered on the 1-on-1 Program Making dreams a reality by “lighting a fire in people’s hearts”
Promotion of Diversity
Diverse individuality delivers unique Kaneka value
Promotion of Wellness
Coworkers with the same aspiration engage in work with vitality
P. 62
Global Strategy Think Global, Act Local
The Best Glocal Kaneka Way
P. 64
Manufacturing Strategy From hands-on manufacturing experience,
we build our business to last 100 years into the future
Digital Transformation (DX)
We will transform our production plants into cutting-edge facilities to excel in global competition
Carbon Neutral (CN)
Creating manufacturing sites that embody sustainability to promote global health
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Management StrategyManagement Strategy System
Basic Management Policy
Strengthening the Management Platform
Innovate and upgrade operations through digital transformation (DX)
A new personnel system for increasing employee motivation and productivity
Selection and Concentration
Tackling the three crises with a focus on Life Science Active investment in research and development Targeting rapid growth by investing resources
in leading-edge businesses
Integrating Management Strategy
Manufacturing Means Applying R2B＋P
* Enhancement of four planning functions and capabilities
Marketing & Planning (Planning (A))
Marketing & Technology (Planning (C))
D≧A＋B＋C
A dynamic network organization that goes beyond individual plans and abilities
Marketing & Technical Service (Planning (B))
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Kaneka Integrated Report 2024
Trial & Error Experiment Driven Company
The limitless adventure of repeated renewals for a new portfolio
Trust & Respect
Trust People & Mutual Respect is a tradition that has continued since Kaneka’s founding
“Wellness First” (Human-Driven Management)
Aiming for the goal of making the world healthy—
Productions
Sales
Business Growth Plans (Planning (D) Center)
– Sales and profit expansion –
Customers
The Path of
Hybrid Management
Promoting Portfolio Transformation
We will accelerate the transformation of our business portfolio through hybrid management. We aim to create unique and valuable new solutions, combining a wide variety of different technologies and solutions to help solve social issues.
Operating Income Ratio by Solutions Unit (SU)
Fiscal 2023
Leading-edge
Nutrition
15%
Health Care
26%
Material
Fiscal 2025 + X
30%
Operating income
100
Leading-edge Businesses
60%
Nutrition
18%
Businesses
45%
billion yen
Health Care
19%
Operating income
32.6 billion yen
Foundation Businesses
40%
Quality of Life
29%
Foundation Businesses
55%
Quality of Life
23%
Capital Return Indicators
Material
41%
Investment Plan
We will accelerate the process of selection and concentration in our investments, expanding the domain of “life science for a healthier planet.” We will strategically invest resources (people,
goods, and money) to develop unique and differentiated technologies that cannot be copied. We will
expand the business of our leading-edge business groups. Our foundation businesses will also work to bolster their business foundations by thoroughly strengthening differentiation capabilities and making capital investments to enhance supply capabilities.
We aim to enhance corporate value by steadily strengthening earning capabilities, decreasing the cost of capital, and reducing strategic shareholdings.
Nutrition SU
Construct new dairy product plant
Construct new probiotics product
Material SU
Increase biodegradable polymer capacity
ROE
(%)
10
Aim for over 10% in Fiscal 2026
10.0
ROIC
(%)
10
Aim for over 8% in Fiscal 2026
8.3
plant
Increase coenzyme Q10 capacity
Fiscal 2024-2026
Increase modified silicone polymer capacity
Increase PVC capacity
8 7.1
6
4
2
5.7
5.3
5.4
7.4
CAPM
7.7
8
6
4
2
5.5
4.4
5.0
6.5
WACC
Health Care SU
Construct new catheter plant
Increase blood purification device capacity
Increase biopharmaceutical capacity
Increase small molecule pharmaceutical capacity
Total amount of Investment planned
300 billion yen
Quality of Life SU
Increase high-performance polyimide film capacity
Construct new building integrated photovoltaics production facility
0 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
(Plan)
2026 (Fiscal year)
0 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
(Plan)
2026 (Fiscal year)
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Management StrategyThe Path of
Hybrid Management
Earthology Chemical Solution
Material Solutions Unit
To support the advancement of life and the environment by drawing out the richness of materials
Material Value Creator
We bring innovation to lifestyles and the environment by harnessing the unlimited potential of chemical materials to help communities achieve sustainability.
Quality of Life Solutions Unit
To produce the leading edge of the enhancement of the quality of life through the power of materials
Quality of Life Pathfinder
Social issues to be solved
Social issues to be solved
Achieving sustainable mobility
Improving convenience and comfort
Protecting the Earth’s Environment
Contributing to comfortable living
Contributing to a smarter society and smarter lifestyles
Contributing to the development of society through temperature control technology
Contributing to a rich life
Solutions provided by the Quality of Life Solutions Unit
Solutions provided by the Material Solutions Unit
Vinyls and Chlor-Alkali SV | Performance Polymers (MOD) SV | Processing aids/ Specialty additives Kane AceTMPA | |
Our integrated production system includes chloride monomers, polymers, and special vinyl chloride resin. The goal of these products is to continue contributing to society by supporting daily life and infrastructure. | These plastic materials that provide heat, weather, and flame resistance help to support daily lifestyles and infrastructure by being versatile and applicable to a variety of fields— including construction, automotive, Impact modifiers Kane AceTMB, industrial, appliances, and Kane AceTMM equipment. | ||
Performance Polymers (MS) SV Kaneka’s unique resin materials allow the creation of sealing, adhesive, and coating agents whose properties include superb weather resistance, elasticity, and adhesion. We provide a variety of solutions in construction, Silyl-terminated polyether KANEKA MS industry, information equipment, POLYMERTM, and other fields. KANEKA SILYLTM | Acrylic silicon polymer KANEKA GEMLACTM | ||
Chemicals Polyvinyl chloride Caustic soda, KANEVINYLTM Sodium hypochlorite, Hydrochloric acid | |||
Cross-linked PVC PVC-PVAc polymers Kaneka XELTM, KANEVINYL™ KANEVINYLTM |
Foam & Residential Techs SV Kaneka helps make lives better, whether it’s cushioned packaging, fish boxes, insulation to make homes comfortable, bumper core material that makes cars lighter and safer, or Polypropylene foam made with the bead constant-temperature method shipping packaging. Eperan-PPTM | Polystyrene foam made with the bead method KanepearlTM | PV & Energy management SV Solar cells are the leading renewable energy solution. Our photovoltaic power systems can be integrated into the roofs, windows, and walls so that the building materials Roof-integrated photovoltaics themselves generate VISOLATM, others electricity. | T-GreenTM Multi Solar “T-GreenTM” is a registered trademark of Taisei Corporation. | ||
E & I Technology SV Chemistry can make electronic equipment that is smaller, performs better, and is more beautiful. We create new value, value that pioneers cutting-edge fields and makes people’s Super heat-resistant polyimide film lives better. PixeoTM, ApicalTM | Optical acrylic resin Kaneka Optical Acrylic Resin | Performance Fibers SV Fiber products are integral to our lives. In developing KANEKALONTM/ KANE- CARONTM, unique fiber products unlike those of other companies, we have provided consumers around Materials for hair attachments the world with new value KANEKALONTM for a variety of situations. | Performance fibers eco fur KANECARONTM |
Segment Net Sales/Operating Income
(Billions of yen) (Billions of yen)
Segment Net Sales/Operating Income
(Billions of yen) (Billions of yen)
600
49.0 60
400 60
450 45
300
27.4
27.5
450.0 30
150
0
333.9 322.9
2022 2023 2025＋X
15
(Fiscal year) 0
47.0 360.0 | ||||
300 | 45 | |||
200 | 16.1 15.4 172.8 176.2 | 30 | ||
100 | 15 | |||
0 2022 2023
2025＋X
(Fiscal year) 0
Segment net sales Operating income (right scale) ■ Segment net sales
Operating income (right scale)
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Management StrategyThe Path of
Hybrid Management
Active Human Life Solution
Health Care Solutions Unit
To create a world where advanced medical means are available to as many people as possible
Medical Edge Explorer
By adopting a unified approach to food and medicine that is defined by a focus on chemistry, we provide innovative solutions that empower people to live healthier lives.
Nutrition Solutions Unit
To re-innovate food and health
Nutrition Value Chain Innovator
Social issues to be solved
Social issues to be solved
Early application and promotion of regenerative medicine and cell therapy
Contributing
to the fields of drug discovery and pharmaceuticals
Advancing medical care
Contributing to the reduction of healthcare costs
Improving QoL
Aiming for better food
Solving the problem of food shortages
Solutions provided by the Nutrition Solutions Unit
Solutions provided by the Health Care Solutions Unit
Medical SV Our range of solutions so far includes catheters for blood vessel treatment and blood purification systems. With an extensive product lineup that meets a wide range of medical needs, we help advance medical technology. Medical device Adsorption type blood purification device Balloon catheter for vessel RheocarnaTM stenosis dilatation Regenerative medicine and cell therapy Genetic diagnostic Cell washing concentration system products | Pharma & Supplemental Nutrition SV (Pharma) Using biotechnology and synthesis technology, we contribute to medicines in many fields, from synthetic pharmaceuticals to cutting-edge biopharmaceuticals. We continue to provide solutions to pharmaceutical companies around the world. APIs and intermediates for small Affinity chromatography resin for purifi-molecule pharmaceuticals cation of monoclonal antibody KANEKA KanCapTM series Products and services Transdermal medicine for biopharmaceuticals |
Pharma & Supplemental Nutrition SV (Supplemental Nutrition)
We have spent years utilizing our fermentation technology to develop dietary ingredients; for example, we successfully established industry-level production of ubiquinol, the reduced and active form of coenzyme Q10, which was difficult previously. It is our desire to contribute to people’s health the world over.
Foods & Agris SV
The foodstuff market continues to demand greater nutrition, wider variety, and new tastes. By fusing our array of technologies such as fermentation and oil and fat processing, we offer solutions that boost the value of food.
Dietary ingredients
Kaneka UbiquinolTM
Dietary ingredients FloradaptTM series (AB-Biotics probiotics)
Dietary supplements Watashi no ChikaraTM Supplement series
Dietary ingredients Kaneka GlavonoidTM (Licorice glabra polyphenol)
Milk/Milk beverages
“Milk for Bread” series
Margarine/Shortening NOVATM, EMPERORTM/ EVER LIGHTTM
Yogurt
Watashi no ChikaraTM Q10 yogurt series
Whipping cream/Cream for kneading and other uses LACHENTETM/FRANJETM
Segment Net Sales/Operating Income
(Billions of yen) (Billions of yen)
Segment Net Sales/Operating Income
280.0 24.0 | ||||
200 | 187.2 177.3 12.1 7.6 | 30 | ||
100 | 15 | |||
(Billions of yen) (Billions of yen)
250
43.0 50
300 45
200 40
150 30
15.7
100
50
12.9
70.8 74.9
160.0 20
10
0 2022 2023 2025＋X
(Fiscal year) 0
0 2022 2023 2025＋X
(Fiscal year) 0
Segment net sales Operating income (right scale)
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Management StrategyR2B Strategy
Trial & Error Experiment Driven Company
Portfolio Transformation Engine
Research and development at Kaneka, a research and development company, is the largest driving force behind portfolio transformation.
Research changes business, and research and development that is business-focused, speedy and of a certain scale promotes what we call Research to Business, R2B.
In our R2B strategy, to implement research in society, we have built an R2B system by which our diverse researchers collaborate and try to combine heterogenous things.
In addition, so that individual researchers, as “idea craftsperson,” can fully demonstrate their diverse abilities, we conduct training
for promotion of research DX and the creation of intellectual property.
Actions to embody the concept of Kaneka as
Key Technologies and Key Drivers for the Future
Environment / Energy
Three Crises
Resolution of Social Issues
Social Implementation of New Materials and Systems
Food
“Trial & Error experiment driven company”
Open Innovation
Polyimide resin
Heat-resistant composite materials
Biodegradable polymer
Promoting innovation through three “I”s
Impactful
Innovative
Implementable
Self-developed Technologies with Introduced Technologies
Super heat-resistant polyimide film
Aerospace and aircraft materials
Biodegradable polymer
Clustering domains
Born small and grow big
A group of individuals who believe in serendipity and set the stage forhhaappppeennssttaannccee with “Scientific Mindset”
From R&D to R&B, and on to R2B
Global research network
Drug-coated balloon technology
Cell separation and culturing technology
Microbial biopharmaceutical production technology
Energy management
Roof-integrated photovoltaics
OLED Lighting devices
Organic LED lighting
Next-generation breeding technology
Genome edited crop
Wellness
Solution provider
Social implementation
Precision polymerization technology
Bioorganic synthesis technology
Food production support
Catheters
Regenerative medicine and cell therapy
Biotechnology
Adsorption separation technology
Macromolecular technology
Self-developed
Resin foaming technology Powder granulation technology
Functional film processing technology
Resin modification / blending technology
OLED device designing technology
High-performance fertilizer
Drug-coated balloon catheter
iPS cells / Stem cells
Technologies
Spinning technology
Metal microfabrication technology
Thermosetting resin compounding / processing technology
Fermentation technology
Thin-film formation technology
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R2B Strategy
Research to Business
Innovate from a Market Perspective Not Technology
The seeds of innovation emerge from unexpected combinations
R2B Conducted via a Hybrid System
Accelerating the Societal Implementation of Green PlanetTM
Kaneka biodegradable polymer Green PlanetTM is made from 100% biomass and has high biodegrad-ability, so there is strong market need for it as a product that contributes to solving environmental issues. A large coffee chain adopting it for their
of differing technologies and differing fields.
In Kaneka’s R2B, the R2B system is maintained while constantly making improvements from the standpoint of increasing opportunities for these differing people and things to meet.
R2B＋P System Generates Innovation
straws was major news.
In R2B, along with high-efficiency cultivation and production technologies, the development of advanced mold processing technologies is being conducted on a company-wide basis centering on Green Planet Technology Laboratories.
In fiscal 2024, application development is also expanding, including adoption of foam molding products. Going forward, business will expand through the development of new applications.
BRAVIATM packaging materials using Green PlanetTM and image of use
“BRAVIATM” is a registered trademark or trademark of Sony Group Corporation or its affiliates.
CO2 Innovation Laboratory
Engineering Research Laboratories
Green Planet Technology Laboratories
Plastics Molding and Polymer processing Process Development Research Laboratories
Material Solutions New Research Engine
Thin Film Process Development Research Laboratories
Foam & Residential Techs SV
Performance Fibers SV
Diagram of Related Organizations for Development of Green PlanetTM Processing Technologies
Since 2024, all 12 R2B laboratories form a system, and we firmly established an R2B system for business fields of the Solutions Unit. In particular, for
issues of importance requiring speed, we work to respond as appropriate by creating a project system.
R2B Laboratories Network
Electronics Research Laboratories
Photovoltaic & Thin Film
Device Research
Material Solutions New Research Engine
Green Planet Technology Laboratories
CO2 Innovation Laboratory
Driver of Life Science Shift
In the life science domain put forth by Kaneka, we launched three research laboratories to promote new challenges.
・CO2 Innovation Laboratory
・Food Production Support Strategic Unit
・Supplement & Probiotics Research Laboratories
R2B＋P (Production)
CO2 Usage Technologies for the Future
We are developing future technologies that directly use CO2 as a raw material as we strive to reduce environmental impact. Technology for producing Green PlanetTM using CO2 as a raw material is set to
Laboratories
Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Laboratories
Bio-Pharma Research
Supplement &
Food Production Support Strategic Unit
R2B＋P Linkage
The key to research at Kaneka that generates
be used in bench equipment, with operations slated for fiscal 2025.
Moreover, we are developing biomanufacturing technologies and are also conducting R2B to create new markets through hybrids with our health and food product technologies.
Laboratories
Probiotics Research Laboratories
unique ideas leading to business is production. Our research system quickly develops mass production technologies depending on the target and leads the target to implementation in society.
System for Developing Production Technologies for Polymers, etc., Using CO2 as a Raw Material
Engineering Research Laboratories/
Plastics Molding and Polymer processing Process Development Research Laboratories/
Thin Film Process Development Research Laboratories
・Engineering Research Laboratories
Engineering Research Laboratories
CO2 Innovation Laboratory
Supplement & Probiotics Research Laboratories
Healthy Foods Strategic Unit
Foods & Agris SV
・Plastics Molding and Polymer processing Process Development Research Laboratories
・Thin Film Process Development Research Laboratories
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Management StrategyR2B Strategy
Empowerment of Idea Craftsperson
Each and every Kaneka “idea craftsperson” in R2B is responsible for the process of creations. Researchers actively generating ideas and the mindset for making them tangible are robustly supported by our R2B strategy, which promotes innovation.
Strengthen R2B DX Leaders
In order to solve important company issues with DX, we are setting R2B DX themes and strengthening leader human resources.
Technology is being developed to shorten R2B times, including estimates of required levels from the tens of thousands of resin formulations, and
development of gene screening technology using AI. In addition, technology for automating and saving labor for manufacturing processes for Green PlanetTM and solar power modules is contributing to research and business.
DX Leaders | Fiscal 2023 | Fiscal 2024 | Fiscal 2026 (target) |
Material & Bio Informatics Field | 3 people | 4 people | 8 people |
Process Informatics Field | 5 people | 12 people | 14 people |
Accelerating Ideas via DX
To carry out more advanced, higher speed research and development to realize the R2B strategy, we are engaged in digital transformation both by
incorporating cutting-edge technologies and utilizing digital infrastructure.
Improving the DX Skills of Researchers
Through an external educational program, we provide the opportunity for researchers to improve their
Percentage of Researchers Participating in DX Meetings
Promotion of portfolio transformation
R2B strategy
Develop new products and materials that lead to business
skills. Good examples are emerging, including automation of image processing work and increased efficiency of genetic analysis, and through internal meetings, information is shared to spread it throughout the organization.
(%)
25
R2B DX
R2B time to around 1/3
The Trial & Error experiment driven company (try a large number of things and put in place the ones that work) is being transformed to more quickly identify things with a high chance of going well and doing trials on that basis.
20
15
10
5
10
12
20
0 2023
2024
2025
2026
(Target)
(Fiscal year)
R2B DX target: Cut R2B time to 1/3
80% of researchers achieve higher efficiency work of around 500 hours a year
Trial and error time to generate new value
Shorten R2B times to 1/3 or less for certain important themes
R2B Work Transformation
We introduced an electronic lab notebook system to digitize research records and make analysis work more advanced and efficient using the accumulated data.
In the field of resin development where the Company has accumulated a rich storehouse of knowledge in particular, data accumulation on the electronic lab notebook made progress and its searchability was improved. Going forward, we will focus on data utilization, drawing on past knowledge to create experiment plans and analyze experiment results, as we contribute to accelerating the R2B process.
Results of Using Electronic Lab Notebooks
FY2024
FY2023 1H
FY2024 2H
(Forecast)
FY2020FY2021
FY2022
(Times/month) FY2026 Target
Number oF times analysis program used
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
0 200 400 600 800
1,000
2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 (Fiscal year) |
(Estimate) (Target) nal work time Higher efficiency basic work Accelerate theme promotion | ||||||
Number oF registrations oF data using electronic lab notebooks (Items/month)
Conventio
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R2B Strategy
Empowerment of Idea Craftsperson
R2B Intellectual Property Strategy
Creations of Idea Craftsperson Go Beyond Fields
At Kaneka, innovation tends to be generated through hybrid R2B in which researchers go beyond their own fields.
For this reason, researchers engage in R2B across fields by collaborating with one another and intro-
while drawing on their own background of strengths. This is the ideal Kaneka researcher. We execute a policy of promoting research with a wide field of view not limited to inside the Company but one that goes outside as well.
Intellectual property is important results generated by R2B idea craftsperson. We have built training and
support systems for creating intellectual property and utilizing it in business.
ducing technologies from outside the Company
How to view the diagram
Circles express individual researchers, colors, the area of specialty, and size, the number of applications.
Squares show the fields of technologies for which applications have been filed.
And, the lines connecting spaces show the field in which the researcher filed the application.
It is normal for the same colors to be connected (researcher applies in the field that is their background), but looking at Kaneka’s applications, there are many lines connecting different colors, so one of our characteristics is that our researchers contribute to the creation of intellectual property even in fields that differ from their own.
Breeding and
cultivation technology
Manufacturing
process flow
Material design
technology
Cross-process technology
development
Molding technology
(straws, cutlery, etc.)
Foam technology
Film-making technology
Fiber molding technology
Expansion of
application development
Diagram created based on the analysis results of Patent MapTM EXZ “Patent MapTM” is a registered trademark of INPATEC Co., Ltd.
Example: Expanded scope of technologies and researchers involved in Green PlanetTM
Kaneka biodegradable polymer Green PlanetTM expanded their range to R2B on resin formulation involved researchers with differing backgrounds, and resin cultivation, and researchers specialized in breeding and cultivation, material design, in breeding, cultivation and production technolo-and mold processing, which broadened the gies expanded their range to R2B in mold technology. processing, which contributed to broadening Researchers specialized in molding processes applications to foam, films, and fibers.
Filed Technologies and Applicant Map (covers applications from 2019 to 2023)
Training System for Personnel Involved in Intellectual Property
From new employees to the leader class, we create content based on the level and conduct training on intellectual property. This consists of training for
sales personnel on trademarks and copyrights and also programs for utilizing market information. We continue to expand the scope of this training.
Overview of IP Education Program
Search | Creation of rights | Strategy | Brands, contracts, copyrights | ||
Leadership level | Management Application Foundation | Analysis of data use Tool operation | Handling screening Invention discovery Understanding of system | Creation of themes Use of market information | Contract Trademarks and brands Copyright |
Mid-level | |||||
New hires and junior staff |
Development of Idea Craftsperson: Invention Discovery Program
An idea craftsperson from the standpoint of creating intellectual property can be thought of as being a lead inventor that centrally contributes to basic invention ideas and conceptual ideas, solving technical problems, and verifying the feasibility of the invention.
From this standpoint, in addition to the existing training program provided by the Intellectual Property
Department, we started a new program in fiscal 2020 to identify inventions in a discussion format. Since the start, the number of lead inventors has been increasing. Through the program, researchers are connected to one another, and by sharing diverse viewpoints, opportunities are created to form new ideas.
Number of Participants and Lead Inventors
(Persons) (Persons)
1,000
750
500
237
255
249
296
352
433
317 334
361
400
300
200
250
764 692
567
422
166
226
327
185
406
100
0 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 (Fiscal year) 0
Number of conventional training attendees Number of new training program attendees
Number of lead inventors (right scale)
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Human Resource Strategy
Human Driven Company
A lean, high-quality team and merit-based appraisal
We believe that people grow through their work, while companies grow through their people, and in our human resources strategy we promote worker growth by establishing an environment for taking on challenges so that each employee can fully demonstrate their abilities.
Dialogue through the Kaneka 1-on-1 program raises motivation and through synergies between job roles and conventional off-the-job training we develop our human resources.
In addition, to ensure that diverse human resources generate diverse ideas, we not only promote women’s participation and advancement,
we make mid-career hires of people with diverse specialties and have introduced a matching program to expand the range of activity of senior employees.
We work to maintain an environment for demonstrating abilities and to foster bonds between coworkers, and also maintain the physical and mental health of employees and encourage them to take on the challenge of daily work.
Diverse individuality delivers unique Kaneka value
Promotion of Diversity
Making dreams a reality by “lighting a fire in people’s hearts”
Development of Human Resources Centered on the
Trust & Respect1-on-1 Program
Coworkers with the same aspiration engage in work with vitality
Promotion of Wellness
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Human Resource Strategy
Development of Human Resources Centered on the 1-on-1 Program
Making dreams a reality by “lighting a fire in people’s hearts”
Through the Kaneka 1-on-1 program,
we develop human resources who learn and choose on their own, and take on challenges. Kaneka supports each employee in realizing their dreams and their vision of how they wish to be. Beyond the career paths grown employees will tale and beyond the challenges they will enthusiastically engage in, there awaits new value not present before
and the transformation of the Kaneka Group.
Daily Management Itself Is 1-on-1
Challenges for the Next Generation of Human Resources
Development of the Next Generation of Leaders
Hitotsubo-no-Tane Momi Juku, our training program led by top management, has trained 121 people since it started in fiscal 2015, of which 31 are division heads.
The chairman, president, and executive vice president take part in all sessions, spending a total of 12 days (about 100 hours) over eight months and directly giving advice to raise the viewpoints of the participants.
DX Human Resources Development
Raising the Quality of the 1-on-1 Program
The 1-on-1 program was introduced in fiscal 2018. Superiors constantly maintain a medium- to longterm development vision for their staff members (subordinates) and provide specific feedback, while staff members gain an understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement, which can raise the quality of actions for growth. To promote
Kaneka 1-on-1 and Career Design Training Expenditures
(Millions of yen)
Areas that will be deepened | |
Division heads | Based on the idea of spending 80% of one’s energy on subordinate development, be aware of one’s impact as a leader |
Executives | As superiors, connect member growth and job results, and through dialogue achieve both |
Regular employees | As company members, visualize your own plan for growth and raise the quality of dialogue |
30
Almost
dialogue focused on growth and improve the quality of the 1-on-1 program, we have conventionally held workshops for executives, and in fiscal 2023 we started workshops for division heads and staff members. In fiscal 2024, we plan to further expand the workshops and approximately double the amount spent on training.
We are focused on training core human resources for DX and are also expanding the scope to the business planning field.
At workplaces for business, production, research and development, DX is autonomously promoted centering on core human resources to generate new value.
In addition, for all employees, we have started IT and DX literacy training and also have
introduced training on utilizing
DX Curriculum System Diagram
20.9
20 double
11.9
10
0 2023 2024
(Forecast)
(Fiscal year)
generative AI along with a large-scale practice test.
DX Business Design Workshop
Advanced data utilization training
Data science training
Training for core DX human resources
Low-code app development training
IT developer training
AI utilization training for researchers and developers
Advanced data utilization training
Data science training
Basic training for all employees
IT and DX literacy training Generative AI utilization training
Business Production Research and development
・Demand prediction using AI
・Improved productivity from optimal production planning using optimized calculation technology
・Control automation by embedding AI in plant processes
・Succession of know-how, knowledge and past data using generative AI
・Ideas for new businesses at the Business Design Workshop
Expansion of Human Resources Utilizing AI and Date
1,050 core DX human resources
1,200
900
600
530
320
300
200
120
(Persons)
All employees will effectively utilize dialogue opportunities and accelerate lifetime growth as people and on the job, aiming to develop organizational capacities for producing results as an organization.
To respond to the motivation of employees seeking to improve their skills, we will expand off-the-job training programs and plan to invest 300 million yen in human resources development in fiscal 2027 (1.5 times more than fiscal 2022).
In addition, in line with Kaneka’s global strategy, we provide language training to employees seeking career development overseas, and both selective and voluntary English training
Total Amount Spent on Training
(Millions of yen)
300
Approx. 1.5 times
200
300
100
200
210
220
400
0 2021
2022
2023
2025
(Plan)
2030
(Target)
(Fiscal year)
receive more applications than the number being recruited.
0 2022
2023
2024
(Forecast)
2025
2026
2027 (Fiscal year) (Plan)
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