DIC: A Five-Minute Introduction
A global leader
Initially established as a printing inks manufacturer, DIC expanded into organic pigments and synthetic resins, while cultivating related world-class core technologies. Leveraging these technologies into a diverse portfolio of materials and finished products, DIC expanded into packaging adhesives, multilayer films, display pigments, cosmetic pigments, high-performance resins for semiconductors and mobility, industrial tapes, hollow fiber membrane modules, healthcare, and food.
Having secured the top share of the global market for printing inks, as well as developed products and technologies that have made it as a prominent name in such areas as organic pigments and functional resins, DIC is pioneering a wide range of environment-friendly products that protect the global environment and promote sustainable prosperity, including packaging inks and adhesives that are food-safe and help conserve resources, power-saving color filter pigments for LCDs and smartphones, and super engineering plastics and high-performance PPS compounds, which are essential to reducing vehicle weight.
¥1,071.1 billion
The DIC Group’s three segments—Packaging & Graphic, Color & Display and Functional Products— currently boast consolidated net sales of ¥1,071.1 billion and consolidated operating income of ¥44.5 billion. (Results for 2024)
Note: Percentages are calculated by adding back others, corporate and eliminations.
Related information:DIC’s Businesses / DIC: Here, There and Everywhere
62countries and territories
171
in 62 countries
and territories
171
DIC expanded into Asia, notably China, well ahead of other Japanese printing ink makers. Focused globally since its inception, DIC now operates 171 Group companies in 62 countries and regions (as of December 31, 2024).DIC acquired US-based Sun Chemical Co., Ltd., in 1986, the Coates ink division of France-based Totalfina in 1999, and Germany-based BASF Colors & Effects pigments business in 2021.
Through M&A, DIC has expanded globally, notably in Europe and the United States, becoming one of the world's leading fine chemical manufacturers. Aggressively expanding in fast-growing Asia, DIC is also expanding into emerging markets, including Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Approx.71 %
The DIC Group's global business continues to fuel growth, with sales outside Japan accounting for approximately 71% of Group consolidated sales and approximately 59% of operating income in 2024.
consolidated net sales
Approx.
71
Related information:DIC Group
21,184
21,184
The consolidated DIC Group employs 21,184 individuals worldwide, 15,732 of whom are based overseas (as of December 31, 2024). In line with "The DIC Way," an articulation of the Group’s basic management approach, the Group has broadened its business portfolio and augmented its presence worldwide, as well as promoted the global expansion of both its network and human resources.
With the aim of being an organization that empowers all employees to reach their full potential in jobs suited to their abilities, the DIC Group is committed to respecting human rights and decisively eliminating all forms of discrimination from its operations and to embracing diversity. The Group also strives to support a healthy work life balance for each employee by creating a work environment conducive to job satisfaction and to foster local human resources, which it recognizes as essential to ensuring sustainable corporate growth.
Related information:Management Concept (The DIC Way) / With Employees
117 years
Established as a manufacturer of printing inks in 1908, Kawamura Ink Manufactory created a broad portfolio of materials and finished products, adding organic pigments in 1925, and synthetic resins in 1952. Kawamura Ink diversified into chemicals in 1962 under a new name, Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Incorporated (DIC).
DIC further expanded into including liquid crystals, packaging films, and recording materials, while pioneering environment-friendly products and adding venturing beyond Japan via key acquisitions—notably, Sun Chemical, the Coates Group, and BASF Colors & Effects—evolving into a leading global manufacturer of fine chemicals.
In 2008, DIC marked its 100th anniversary, rebranding as DIC Corporation. In 2022, DIC revised its Vision: We improve the human condition by safely delivering color and comfort for sustainable prosperity—Color & Comfort, evolving the Color & Comfort value proposition to secure a brighter future for the planet and humanity.
Related information: DIC Milestones
