Research & Development

R & D Systems

R&D Policies

The technology platform of the C. I. Kasei group of companies' manufacturing is a polymer processing technology.

We manufacture products on the basis of research on raw materials and compounding, and application of molding process technologies such as extrusion, calendering, and blown film molding, as well as related technologies (converting technologies) like stretching, coating and lamination. Therefore, the scope of our R&D ranges from searching for raw materials, compounding research, molding process technology for efficient and stable production of raw materials, and enhancement of added value through combining related technology. Ongoing continual improvement of our processes and formulations is also included in the scope because our products require a wide range of high precision. The R&D processes we set are based on market needs, and are designed to respond to demands for new products and improve customer satisfaction for existing products. At the same time, we are promoting the development of new products in future growth areas.

C. I. Kasei, in its pursuit of the possibilities of materials, has developed various proprietary high performance, high quality films, sheets and panel products. The development of these products has begun with the shared vision and challenges of our customers. What do we aim for? What do we create? How do we create it? With the answers to these questions and more, the C. I. Kasei Group acts as one during product development, providing product solutions in an efficient and timely manner. This represents our key strength as well as the C. I. Kasei advantage.

Research & Development Systems

In pursuing the development of innovative technologies and products for tomorrow, C. I. Kasei seeks out development themes covering the next 5 to 10 years both internally and externally. These key themes are determined by the R&D Planning Division.

Division meetings are attended not only by C. I. Kasei's technical divisions but also by marketing teams and representatives from Itochu group companies that have unique insight into global market trends. The President of C. I. Kasei also attends Division meetings as an observer. The Division works hard to select a mix of technological themes from wide-ranging perspectives. Actual research projects are conducted jointly by the R&D Center located on the Shiga Factory site along with various operating departments and the development section. Optimal personnel assignment and facility selection are determined on a project-by-project basis to achieve greater efficiency for each R&D project.

R&D Planning Division

The R&D Planning Division searches for: R&D-related projects that fall under categories outside the jurisdiction of existing divisions; cross-divisional subjects; medium- to long-term subjects, regardless of their attachment to certain divisions; and M&A-related subjects. It also formulates FS (feasibility study) and commercialization plans; selects subjects proposed by other divisions; narrows down priority subjects; and decides on continuance or discontinuance of subjects which were already implemented. The Division makes recommendations regarding the aforementioned matters to the Management Conference.

R&D Center / Factories

The R&D Center carries out the subjects selected by the R&D Planning Division and invests management resources, such as personnel and equipment, according to subject's needs. Since the commercialization stage of the subjects requires the planning of production equipment, we introduce a project system, including the securing of production engineers, at each factory on a case-by-case basis.

Operating Divisions / Itochu Group

In terms of sales strategy, we aim to expand our sales of new products by taking advantage of Itochu Group, which is engaged in a wide range of business areas. The strategy plays a major role in developing overseas business, particularly because of the sluggish domestic market.

External Research Agencies

We believe it is very important to find out the marketability of products under development, in order to proceed with development subjects. We are striving to explore such marketability at an early development stage by using external research institutions, etc., so that we can avoid wasting management resources investment.

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