

Group Photo at DIC Tokyo Plant – Building Global Connections for a Sustainable Future
A Place to Connect and Grow
In late June, 19 emerging and future technical leaders from across Asia came together at DIC’s Tokyo Plant for an intensive five-day training program. Participants represented DIC’s global ink and packaging business and came from India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, and Taiwan.
This program was more than just technical training. It offered an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of quality strategies, share practical insights, and enhance problem-solving skills. Moreover, it fostered trust, collaboration, and a sense of pride in being part of DIC—a connection that will help shape the future.
Beyond Technology: Building Human Connections

Sharing Insights Through Presentations and Interactive Discussions
Guided by the mission of the Packaging & Graphic Business Group—“Packaging materials for an environment-friendly circular economy that deliver safety, peace of mind, and convenience”—this training program is designed not only to deepen technical expertise but also to foster long-term trust with local teams and customers through global knowledge sharing. Every year, participants bring real-world challenges to the table, engage in interactive discussions, and learn from one another.
This year’s theme emphasized manufacturer-driven quality strategies and hands-on learning. The program began with a session led by the Packaging & Graphic Quality Assurance Group, sharing real case studies of past customer complaints. Instructors explained the root causes of these issues and outlined preventive measures and systems to avoid recurrence. This approach highlighted why learning from past mistakes is critical for strengthening DIC’s professionalism and reliability.
Dynamic Q&A sessions followed, where participants shared similar cases from their own markets and debated concrete solutions for preventing future problems.
“I realized how important it is to use accumulated knowledge to prevent issues before they occur,” one participant reflected. “The discussions with colleagues from different countries were truly inspiring.”
Participants also explored how differences in customer requirements—such as color and performance standards for food packaging materials—impact quality strategies. They recognized that understanding these variations and responding with integrity is key to preventing complaints and maintaining DIC’s reputation for excellence.
Hands-On Learning and Global Perspectives

Hands-On Training at Tokyo Plant – Strengthening Technical Skills and Collaboration
The training was organized into two product teams: liquid inks for flexible film packaging and paste inks for paper printing. Participants shared insights into market needs and technical challenges from their home countries, gaining a broader perspective on Asia’s packaging landscape.
A highlight of the Paste Ink Program was high-speed printing tests to evaluate. Each participant evaluated key properties, scored performance, and then joined expert-led discussions on printability challenges.
“Testing on high-speed printing machines—similar to those used by customers in real-world production environments—was a rare and invaluable experience,” said another participant.
Discussions went beyond technology to cover marketing trends and new product applications, including digital printing for flexible film packaging. These exchanges sparked fresh ideas and underscored the value of cross-border collaboration.
Experiencing DIC Headquarters: A Moment of Pride

Hands-On Training at DIC Headquarters – Strengthening Technical Skills and Collaboration
On day four, participants visited DIC’s headquarters in Nihonbashi, Tokyo—a meaningful experience that deepened their sense of belonging to DIC. Meeting senior leaders and reconnecting with former colleagues brought smiles and renewed motivation.
Masamichi Soda, President of the Packaging & Graphic Business Group, shared his message:
“Your perspectives from each region are essential to our shared challenge of creating a sustainable society. I hope this training serves as a steppingstone toward shaping DIC’s future together. Take what you’ve learned here back to your countries and put it into action.”

Masamichi Soda, President of the Packaging & Graphic Business Group
He emphasized the importance of respecting cultural diversity and advancing sustainable product development based on DIC’s sustainability strategy, notably, The Five Rs—Reuse, Reduce, Renew, Recycle, and Redesign.
For participants, the visit to DIC’s headquarters was a moment of pride and a chance to deepen their sense of belonging. By learning about forward-looking business strategies and exploring approaches to sustainable product development, they experienced firsthand what it means to contribute to DIC’s vision.
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Connections Beyond the Classroom
Yoko Nakata, who oversees the program at the Tokyo Plant, believes its true value lies in helping participants build networks and create lasting memories.

Cultural Exchange Beyond the Classroom – Weekend Trip to Lake Kawaguchi
The program was not solely focused on work. Welcome and farewell gatherings gave participants and instructors the chance to connect through conversations ranging from technical topics to everyday life. Weekend trips to places like Lake Kawaguchi and Nikko added unforgettable experiences.
“This became one of the most memorable experiences of my life,” said one participant.
DIC’s Commitment to a Circular Economy
DIC Group has identified “responding to a circular economy” as a key pillar of its sustainability strategy. Guided by what we call The Five Rs—Reuse, Reduce, Renew, Recycle, and Redesign—we are advancing a range of initiatives aimed at realizing a circular economy.

Shaping the Future Through Collaboration

Celebrating Collaboration – Farewell Gathering with Global Colleagues
Through the training, participants and instructors shared the following impressions:
“I felt a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to delivering excellence.”
“I gained a clear understanding of how DIC is committed to developing talent, building strong organizations, and strengthening its role in society.”

Group Photo at DIC Headquarters – Building Global Connections for a Sustainable Future
Since its launch in 2011, this program has welcomed 143 participants (excluding the pandemic years). Over time, the program has achieved significant progress in areas such as raw material selection, product development approaches, quality control, production processes, and evaluation during development stages. Today, many alumni hold key technical positions across the DIC Group. These connections—built through shared learning and mutual respect—form the foundation for DIC’s global growth and sustainability.
