Logistics

Mitsui Chemicals conducts various initiatives to strengthen safety and quality in logistics. Particularly in recent years, the chronic shortage of logistics personnel on a global scale, together with the impact of the 2024 issues in Japan^*, has caused serious problems in maintaining the safety and quality that are the foundation of logistics, such as the lack of experience and stagnation in skill transfer. In light of these circumstances, we focus on joint education with our logistics providers to improve logistics safety and quality. As part of these specific initiatives, we are enhancing on-site capabilities centered around Logistics Responsible Care (RC) promoters appointed from logistics departments at the Head Office and each Works. These activities include hands-on training at the Plant Operation Technology Training Center, experiential training organized by truck companies, and visits to logistics facilities such as ports, airports, JR freight terminals, and truck terminals, thereby helping participants acquire practical knowledge and skills directly applicable to their daily operations. Furthermore, we conduct logistics RC education and training jointly with our logistics providers. In addition to conventional training based on Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and Yellow Cards regarding the characteristics of products handled, we have expanded our programs by using photographs and other visual materials to illustrate the potential effects of chemical leaks on the human body, with the aim of enhancing risk awareness. In addition, we believe that the penetration of Logistics Responsible Care (RC) into logistics operations is essential to achieving logistics that ensures safety, environmental protection, and quality. Based on this belief, we conduct Logistics RC education and training jointly with our logistics providers. In addition, we provide guidance and conduct verification to ensure that the same management practices are applied when our logistics providers further subcontract operations to their partners.

As a shipper, the Mitsui Chemicals Group is taking steps to respond promptly and flexibly in the event of an accident during product transportation.

For greater efficiency in inventory control and shipment management, we have introduced the use of portable terminals. Inventory and shipping management is performed by reading QR codes attached to packages when receiving and shipping using a handy terminal; reducing the amount of work compared to conventional manual entry or input into spreadsheet software; and achieving a paperless operation. In addition, the introduction of the handy terminal has been effective in preventing erroneous shipments, whereas the previous method of visually checking brand names and lot numbers posed the risk of erroneous shipments due to misreading. Full-scale operation began at the Nagoya Works in fiscal 2019, with installation completed at the Ichihara Works in fiscal 2022.

In fiscal 2021, we also developed and installed a function that automatically outputs the information needed for a Yellow Card from our proprietary SDS system (Yellow Card semi-automatic output system). Actual operation began in fiscal 2022. The addition of this functionality has standardized and greatly reduced the workload of yellow card creation. This allows for speedier and more accurate communication of safety-related information throughout the logistics supply chain, leading to enhanced safety management.

We are working to optimize the supply chain by promoting the visualization of actual logistics conditions using business intelligence (BI) tools. In order to solve the problems of data sharing, frequency of data collection, data granularity, and infrastructure for analyzing logistics data, we have established a common data infrastructure within the Company, and are developing an environment that enables regular analysis in the business and logistics divisions to visualize logistics costs and identify logistics issues. In the future, due to the logistics 2024 issues, it will be more difficult to transport goods over longer distances than before, so it is necessary to improve transportation efficiency by reviewing commercial warehouses and other measures. To improve the working environment for drivers, we will promote the reorganization of our logistics network.

Since fiscal 2024, we have been visualizing energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with product transportation using BI tools. Previously, multiple personnel were involved in manual data entry. However, with the introduction of this BI tool, we have established a system that calculates energy usage and GHG emissions directly from shipping records, achieving a 90% reduction in workload compared to conventional methods. Going forward, we will continue to accelerate business process reforms by leveraging digital transformation (DX), striving to realize a sustainable society.

Mitsui Chemicals is promoting logistics-related digital transformation (DX) initiatives to ensure the safe transportation of products, aiming both to prevent major accidents through vehicle activity monitoring and to avert secondary disasters in the event of an accident. As part of our dynamic monitoring initiatives, we have introduced a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on vehicles transporting high-risk products. This system detects abnormalities in tire pressure and temperature, helping to prevent tire bursts and vehicles fires before they occur. In addition, we have completed the evaluation of a system that applies the plant monitoring system used at Mitsui Chemicals to monitor the temperature and pressure inside tank lorries, and have transitioned it into full operation. Previously, analog gauges mounted on the top of tanker tanks had to be checked visually on each occasion. By equipping these gauges with sensors and digitizing the data, crew members can now monitor temperature and pressure values in real time from within the cabin. In addition, the data are transmitted to the office via a communication network, and an alarm function based on predefined threshold values enables monitoring not only by drivers but also by supervisory personnel. This system allows the early detection of signs of abnormalities and the prompt implementation of preventive measures.

We have also launched an initiative to convert the information on Yellow Cards, which are required when transporting hazardous materials, into QR codes affixed to transport vehicles, enabling faster communication and emergency response in the event of an incident. The system has now been fully deployed to tank lorries transporting high-pressure gases and remains in operation. This initiative was also featured in the latest Guidelines for Logistics Safety Management published by the Japan Chemical Industry Association as an example of measures to facilitate a faster emergency response. In FY2026, we plan to further expand this initiative by deploying it to tank lorries transporting poisonous and deleterious substances, thereby contributing to enhanced safety and disaster mitigation across a broader range of hazardous materials transportation.

Mitsui Chemicals will continue to advance the development of sophisticated safety monitoring systems through the utilization of digital transformation (DX) technologies in hazardous materials transportation, with the aim of further enhancing the safety and stability of transportation operations.