Endeavor to create a circular economy

Climate change
Mitigation Measures: Realizing a low-carbon society by reducing GHG emissions

The Mitsui Chemicals Group focuses on reducing GHG emissions as one means of mitigating climate change. We are vigorously reducing GHG emissions throughout the value chain by improving production processes, products, and recycling technologies, with the aim of building a low-carbon society. GHG emissions reduction is incorporated in our Carbon Neutral Strategy, which was established in FY2020, and we are now moving forward with concrete measures.

Low-carbon manufacturing

Chemical products use fossil-derived raw materials. They also convert fossil-derived fuels into steam and electricity in their manufacturing process. For these reasons, the chemical industry emits far more GHGs than other industries. We believe that we contribute greatly to reducing GHG emissions in the manufacturing of our chemical products by implementing various measures, including saving energy in the manufacturing process by mainly using high-performance catalysts and installing energy-efficient equipment, actively utilizing renewable energy, and switching to low-carbon raw materials and fuels.

Product-driven GHG reduction

Chemical products are used in a broad range of end products and can help reduce GHG emissions at each stage of the product lifecycle. The Group certifies products with environmental contribution value as Blue Value™ products. One of the contribution criteria used in our certification assessment is CO₂ reduction, so we evaluate how much GHG emissions were reduced at each stage of the product lifecycle. By expanding Blue Value™ products, we will contribute to reducing GHG emissions in the society as a whole.

Improving recycling technologies

Resource recycling not only helps reduce the use of fossil materials and fuels by efficiently utilizing such resources, but it also decreases waste plastic and GHG emissions throughout the value chain. Under its recycling strategy, the Mitsui Chemicals Group is refining its technologies for plastic waste chemical and mechanical recycling, as well as mono-material production of packaging, with the aim of commercializing such technologies.

Climate change
Adaptation Measures: Realizing a society resistant to climate change risks that ensures health and well-being

As a measure to adapt to environmental changes caused by climate change, the Mitsui Chemicals Group is working to build resilient businesses and society by strengthening the resilience of the entire value chain, including by properly assessing risks and expanding lineup of adaptable products.

Improving water security

Damage from wind, floods, and drought are expected to increase as unrelenting global warming causes major changes in climate phenomena. Population increase and economic development are also expected to trigger large-scale water shortages. Owing to the fact that a lot of water is required in the manufacturing of chemical products—for example, for heating/cooling and product purification—changes in the available water supply or its quality could have a negative impact on our business activities. Given that the Mitsui Chemicals Group maintains production sites in multiple regions around the world, we evaluate risks according to the region and take measures to minimize physical and human risks.

Expanding lineup of adaptable products

Global warming is having a profound impact on people’s health and lives, as well as on agriculture and the ecosystem. The Mitsui Chemicals Group certifies products that help improve QOL, such as those that “enrich life and society,” “extend healthy life-span,” and “protect food,” as Rose Value™ products. By expanding Rose Value™ products that can help prevent and address infectious diseases, and prevent and mitigate disasters, we aim to realize a healthy and safe society that is resilient to climate change risks and can adapt to environmental changes.