Product and technology development for global warming mitigation

Securing a stable and inexpensive energy supply is essential to operate the electric furnaces and chemical plants that manufacture chemical products. Over our more than 100-year history, we have experienced many challenges that threatened the survival of our business.
To this end, Denka is working to increase renewable energy generation and conserve energy at its plants, while also contributing to the prevention of global warming through the provision of products and services.
Around the world, research is underway into the use of _CO2 to synthesize organic compounds, as well as the active use of CO2 for photosynthesis in microalgae and for promoting photosynthesis in crops. By drawing on this research, we aim to establish Denka's unique CCU (Carbon Capture & Utilization) technology, which will enable us to utilize _CO2 in products without emitting it into the atmosphere.

["[Thermal conductive materials]"]

Used in various devices such as automotive electrical components, digital home appliances, power modules, switched-mode power supplies, LED lights, flat panel displays and solar cells, our products help achieve energy savings and longer product life by providing effective heat control.

["Food packaging materials"]

Pursuing thin-walled and reduced food containers to promote the reduction of plastic usage.
Expanding the use of bioplastics

["[Phosphor]"]

Contributing to the spread of LED and helping promote energy conservation

Resource recycling system for cement plants

At the Denka Omi Plant, we accept waste emitted by society for use as cement raw materials and fuels. Sludge from water supply and sewage systems, debris generated by disasters, construction soil, waste oil, waste plastics, waste tires, and shredder dust, which is the last remaining product of automobile recycling, as well as coal ash, gypsum, and slag, which are by-products of thermal power generation and steelmaking, are all waste products that would otherwise have to be disposed of by landfill. Each of these resources has a different shape and composition, and is not stable, so we pay the utmost attention to safety and quality management, and use advanced management techniques to manufacture cement. Our cement business, which supports environmental conservation and resource recycling in local communities, is an excellent example of a Creating Shared Value (CSV) business, as it improves business profitability while contributing to society.

Company-owned hydroelectric power plants

Denka has been constructing and operating hydroelectric power plants since its establishment in 1915. There are 17 hydroelectric power plants in total around the Omi Plant, including those co-owned by Denka, with a maximum output of approximately 140,000 kW, making it one of the largest private enterprises in Japan. All of these power plants are "inflow-type" hydroelectric power plants, which guide river water to the turbine runner and return it to the river after power generation, making it a power generation method with less burden on the natural environment.
Hydroelectric power not only does not emit greenhouse gases, but is also one of the excellent renewable energy sources with high energy efficiency, making it possible to coexist with nature and generate electricity sustainably.
While cherishing the historical facilities with nearly 100 years of history, such as the Kotakigawa Power Plant, which was established in 1921, we are also renewing facilities to improve power generation efficiency and constructing new hydroelectric power plants. The construction of new hydroelectric power plants is accompanied by great difficulties due to the long construction period and large costs.
With the understanding and cooperation of local communities, we believe that it is our social responsibility to utilize the know-how we have cultivated over many years to expand the use of renewable energy and contribute to social development, taking advantage of national support systems.

Introduction of R&D Examples

① "SNECTON", a low dielectric organic insulating material for electronic substrates compatible with high frequency waves/Polymer Research Department/ICT & Energy

Next-generation communications, characterized by ultra-high speed, multiple simultaneous connections, and low latency, use high-frequency electromagnetic waves. To suppress signal transmission loss associated with the increase in frequency, substrate materials must have a low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss tangent. SNECTON is a thermosetting low dielectric organic insulating material designed using our polymerization technology, and is suitable as a resin material for next-generation communications. We are working on market development focusing on next-generation communication infrastructure applications to contribute to the realization of 5G and 6G.

② Development of SN powder for bearing balls/Ceramics Research Department/ICT & Energy

There is a growing trend overseas to replace conventional iron bearing balls with ceramic ones for rotary systems that generate electricity and power, such as power generation systems using natural energy, including wind power generation and EV motors. Among these, SN, which is more durable, has attracted attention, and we have already developed an SN powder for bearing balls, which has already been proven in heat dissipation substrates.

③ TBM Temporary adhesive for heat resistance/Electronic Materials Research Department/ICT & Energy

Using our long-standing "acrylic material blending technology" and "UV curing agent blending technology" developed for our adhesive business, we have newly developed a liquid UV temporary fixing adhesive, "TBM." We are currently in the process of establishing specifications that support SiC, which will be gradually applied to next-generation power devices.

④ Development of rapid detection kit for Ebola antigen/POCT Development Department/Healthcare

In a joint research with the Hokkaido University Institute for International Collaboration on Zoonosis Control, we have developed a kit for the rapid detection of antigens from Ebola patient blood. The kit has already been approved for use in vitro diagnostics in the Republic of the Congo, where its clinical usefulness has been confirmed in endemic areas. We are also working with the WHO and other relevant organizations to further develop the kit for use with similar viruses, including the Marburg virus.

⑤ Development of rapid antigen test kits for COVID-19/POCT Development Department/Healthcare

In preparation for the simultaneous spread of COVID-19 and influenza viruses, we obtained marketing approval in Japan in June 2021 for a rapid antigen test kit (POCT) that can simultaneously diagnose both viruses using a single device, and have commenced marketing activities. As the leading manufacturer of POCT in Japan, Denka aims to contribute to medical care through the supply of such kits, etc.

⑥ Carbonization mixing agent "LEAF"/Omi Sustainability Promotion Department/Sustainable Living

The carbonization admixture "LEAF" is a special admixture that densifies the structure while absorbing and fixing CO ₂ in the air, and has the effect of reducing total CO ₂ emissions during mortar and concrete production.
Denka has formed a consortium "CUCO (CARBON UTILIZED CONCRETE)" led by Kajima Corporation, Takenaka Corporation, and Denka, and is promoting the spread of carbon-negative concrete by integrating several CO ₂ emission reduction technologies, including "LEAF."

⑦ "Enepis," a new environmental response sheet for the realization of a decarbonized society/Polymer Research Department/Sustainable Living

In collaboration with Denka Polymer, we have developed a new environment-friendly sheet that reduces environmental impact by blending biomass plastics with our proprietary technology. The biomass content of the developed products has been certified by the Japan Organics Recycling Association (biomass components of 10% or more). As a food container, it can be heated up to 130°C in microwave ovens and is lighter than conventional PP with filler (PP-F), which contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

⑧ Sustainable plastic “PLATIECO”/New Materials Research Department/Sustainable Living

A new environmentally friendly material has been developed containing natural eggshells and polystyrene (PS) resin, a type of plastic. This newly developed product uses a proprietary technology that can create a blend consisting of 50% or more of eggshells, and can be further improved by combining ABS resin and effectively utilizing other natural materials such as cellulose. It has the same durability and moldability as existing PS resins, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste.