Preventing Global Warming
Support for the TCFD
In May 2019, the DIC Group declared its support for the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Recognizing climate change as a critical factor affecting its businesses, the Group is enhancing its efforts to respond appropriately to risks and capitalize on opportunities associated with climate change with the objective of earning the trust of stakeholders through improved resilience and the proactive dissemination of information.
A New Target for the Reduction of CO₂ Emissions
In June 2021, the DIC Group revised its target for the reduction of CO₂ emissions. The Group now aims to achieve carbon neutrality—net zero CO₂ emissions—by fiscal year 2050 and will seek to reduce CO₂ emissions 50% from the fiscal year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030. (The range of this target is Scope 1 and 2 emissions.)
The DIC Group will also continue working to expand its portfolio of products and services that contribute to decarbonization with the goal of playing an active role in
lowering CO₂ emissions in markets and across society.
Disclosures in Line with TCFD Recommendations
With the aim of helping institutional investors grasp climate-related risks and opportunities and make investment decisions, the TCFD has structured its recommendations
around four thematic areas that represent core elements of how organizations operate—governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets.
Having acknowledged the disclosure of information on efforts to address climate change as an imperative for companies today, the DIC Group has resolved to do
so in line with TCFD recommendations. Accordingly, the Group is enhancing its efforts to respond appropriately to risks and capitalize on opportunities associated
with climate change with the objective of earning the trust of stakeholders through improved resilience and the proactive dissemination of information.
TCFD Recommendations for Financial Disclosures
Governance | Governance around climate-related risks and opportunities |
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Strategy | Actual and potential impacts of climaterelated risks and opportunities on businesses, strategy and financial planning |
Risk management | Processes used to identify, assess and manage climate-related risks |
Metrics and targets | Metrics and targets used to assess and manage relevant climate-related risks and opportunities |
01Governance
The DIC Group recognizes climate change as a key management challenge. Important matters, including the setting of medium- and long-term targets for the
reduction of CO₂ emissions, are deliberated and determined by the Sustainability Committee, which meets four times annually and answers directly to the president
and CEO, and the details are reported to the Board of Directors, in line with the rules governing the Board of Directors. (In principle, the Sustainability Committee
reports to the Board of Directors on all of its deliberations.) A system is thus in place that ensures appropriate supervision of the Sustainability Committee is provided
by the Board of Directors.
To appropriately assess and manage climate change–
related risks and opportunities, thereby ensuring the effective
management of its operations, the Sustainability Committee
consists of the president and CEO, the general managers of the
Production Management Unit and Technical Management Unit,
and the heads of the Corporate Strategy Unit, General Affairs and
Legal Unit, Finance and Accounting Unit and ESG Unit, as well as
the presidents of the business groups and the general managers
of the product divisions.


- After deliberation by the Sustainability Committee, medium-term sustainability policies are discussed and determined by the Board of Directors.
- “Response to climate change” was newly identified as a priority materiality theme in fiscal year 2019. Deliberations continued in fiscal year 2020.
02Strategy
DIC is promoting sustainable business strategies, recognizing the importance of risks and opportunities associated with climate change. Because the
impacts of climate change are likely to surface over the medium to long term, the Company is working to enhance its understanding of the principal climaterelated
risks and opportunities (transition as well as physical) that are likely to have a financial impact over the medium to long term.
Based on scenario analysis conducted in fiscal year 2020, the Company will work to raise its awareness of foreseeable opportunities and risks from a
medium- to long-term perspective and at the same time to formulate and execute effective strategies on an appropriate time line. In fiscal year 2020, DIC
also established the Climate Change Working Group, which is tasked with helping facilitate the achievement of net zero CO₂ emissions by fiscal year 2050.
The activities of the working group are reported to and debated by the Sustainability Committee.
Type | Description |
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Emerging regulations (Transition) | There is a risk that emerging regulations (e.g., the introduction of carbon pricing) will increase direct costs and impact on the operating environment/profitability (e.g., facility costs and raw materials prices). |
Technology (Transition) | With technological innovations, there is a risk of products and services becoming obsolete and demand declining. |
Market (Transition) | There is a risk that an insufficient grasp of evolving customer/consumer preferences will mean the loss of market opportunities. |
Reputation (Transition) | If DIC’s attitude toward and ability to respond to climate change are seen by external observers as insufficient for a manufacturer of fine chemicals, there is a risk that its reputation will suffer. |
Acute (Physical) | Should extreme weather events become more frequent, there is a risk that the operations of production sites will be affected. |
Chronic (Physical) | If temperatures remain persistently high, there are risks of increased production site maintenance and operating costs and of damage to health. |
Upstream (Physical) | In addition to a risk of uncertainty regarding the supply of raw materials monopolized by certain suppliers, there are BCP risks. |
Principal Climate-Related Opportunities
Type | Description |
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Emerging regulations (Transition) | With emerging regulations, there is an opportunity to establish new business models that demonstrate the superiority of DIC’s businesses. |
Technology (Transition) | Technological innovation provides opportunities to create new low-carbon/decarbonized businesses that respond to climate change and to increase product cost competitiveness through the use of revolutionary technologies to improve processes. |
Market (Transition/physical) | Accurately grasping evolving customer/consumer preferences—e.g., shift to low-carbon business models, chance that certain existing businesses will be avoided—provides the opportunity to develop new products and services that anticipate lifestyle changes. |
Upstream/downstream (Transition/physical) | Addressing climate change (adaptation and mitigation) over products’ entire life cycles through organic collaboration with customers and suppliers provides the opportunity to create new businesses and systems. |
Scenario Analysis
In fiscal year 2020, the DIC Group conducted scenario analysis using both the 2°C scenario and the 4°C scenario for core businesses, as shown in the following table:
Scenario information | 2ºC scenario | 4ºC scenario |
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Scenario details | Based on the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s World Energy Outlook (WEO) Sustainable Development Scenario and Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP) 2017 2ºC Scenario | Based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 |
Time frame | 2030 | 2030 |
Carbon price assumption | ¥8,000/tonne | — |
Results of Scenario Analysis
Implications for society and the business environment | Risk and opportunity assessment | DIC Group countermeasures | ||
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2ºC scenario: Strengthening of policies and regulations | Introduction of carbon pricing (direct implications for manufacturing and the procurement of raw materials) | Possible direct impact on manufacturing costs: ¥5.03 billion
(Annual CO₂ emissions in fiscal year 2018: 617,964 tonnes) Reference: Possible impact on procurement costs: ¥11.8 billion (Annual CO₂ emissions (Scope 3, Category 1) in fiscal year 2018: 1,480,561 tonnes) |
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2ºC scenario: Changes in demand attributable to circular economy | Global movement to minimize use of oneway plastics and efforts by brand owners seeking to reduce packaging | Demand for some plastics (one-way plastics) will decrease, but increased demand for plastic alternatives will mean only a negligible impact on materials suitable for applications other than plastics. | ![]() |
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Increase in production and sales of recycled plastics | While it is unclear what will happen vis-à-vis demand changes, a failure to launch commercial distribution will mean the loss of future market opportunities. | ![]() |
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2ºC scenario: Reduction of CO₂ emissions attributable to manufacturing | Introduction of energy-saving and renewable energy equipment | Annual investment in energy-saving and renewable energy equipment is
estimated at ¥2.0 billion (direct impact on manufacturing costs). Ongoing efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions attributable to production will also be necessary. |
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Shift of focus to the achievement of net zero CO₂ emissions by fiscal year 2050 | Efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions enough to keep the increase in global average temperature over the current century to 1.5ºC from the preindustrial level are already underway. There is an increased risk that this target will be imposed across entire supply chains. | ![]() |
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4ºC scenario: Risk that supply chains will be interrupted due to an increase in climate-related disasters | Suspension of production at suppliers’
facilities due to frequent climate-related
disasters Suspension of supplies of plant-derived raw materials |
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4ºC scenario: Risk that operations at production facilities will be interrupted due to an increase in climate-related disasters | Suspension of production at own facilities
due to frequent climate-related disasters Depletion of groundwater resources |
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Increases in non-life insurance fees | Insurance premiums may increase. | ![]() |
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4ºC scenario: Response to changes in lifestyles attributable to rising temperatures | Changes in lifestyles and consumption patterns attributable to rising temperatures and resulting changes in demand |
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- Note: Figures are based on 2018 results at the time of scenario analysis. As CO₂ emissions in fiscal year 2019 amounted to 577,057 tonnes, the impact of carbon pricing under this condition would be as much as ¥4.62 million.
Initiatives for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021 (Following Scenario Analysis)
- Introduce internal carbon pricing.
Quantify climate change risk and provide economic incentives for reducing CO₂ emissions to accelerate the promotion of investments and innovations to further advance emissions reductions. In fiscal year 2021, introduce internal carbon pricing for new investment projects as an internal framework for factoring the cost of related CO₂ emissions into estimates of investment benefits. - Promote full-scale collaboration with FP Corporation (FPCO) in the practical implementation of a closed-loop recycling system for polystyrene, used in plastic containers for food products, among others.
- Establish the Climate Change Working Group and set new targets for achieving carbon neutrality by fiscal year 2050 and reducing CO₂ emissions by 50% from the fiscal year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030.
Scenario Analysis: A Message from the Head of the ESG Unit

Having acknowledged responding to climate change as a key challenge, the DIC Group positioned this as a priority materiality issue in its fiscal year 2019 analysis of materiality. For the first time, the Group also conducted a scenario analysis, in line with the recommendations of the TCFD, recognizing the importance of a cautious yet appropriate approach to sustainable growth. In addition to enhancing our understanding of carbon pricing and physical risks, this process underscored our awareness of the importance of ensuring that many of the Group’s core packaging materials products are compatible with multiple different media, rather than only with plastic or with paper, is key to the resilience of this business. We will continue to strengthen our business to respond to changes in lifestyles and take appropriate measures to address risks. We will also work to deepen stakeholders’ understanding by ensuring effective disclosure.
Executive Officer, Head of ESG Unit, DIC Corporation Taihei Mukose
03Risk Management
Processes used to identify and assess climate-related risks
The Sustainability Working Group, which was established in June 2018 as a subsection of the Sustainability Committee, is charged with identifying and
assessing priority risks and opportunities from the perspective of potential to negatively impact the DIC Group’s financial standing, that is, with identifying
and assessing materiality. The assessment of priority risks and opportunities (materiality assessment) is deliberated and determined by the Sustainability
Committee, which reports its findings to the Board of Directors. In fiscal year 2019, as part of its newly revised process for assessing and abstracting
material issues, DIC identified climate change as one of four priority materiality themes, recognizing it as a critical challenge from the perspective of both
adaptation and mitigation.
Pressure on the global community to achieve carbon neutrality by fiscal year 2050 continues to intensify rapidly and changes to rules governing
competitiveness are expected to transform the socioeconomic system. While the Group has set a target for reducing CO₂ emissions 30% from the fiscal
year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030 and is promoting a variety of emissions reduction measures, it recognizes the following climate change–related risks as
having the potential to negatively impact its performance:
- Should carbon pricing or carbon border taxes be introduced in the future, there is a risk that raw materials, fuel and electric power prices will rise and/or that taxes will be imposed on exported products, making CO₂ emissions a factor that directly affects costs;
- Should the Group be unable to respond to any sudden changes in demand resulting from the shift to a circular economy to advance decarbonization, there is a risk of a significant decline in profits generated by its businesses (climate change–related transition risk); and,
- Should climate-related disasters arising from the increasing seriousness or frequency of extreme weather events occur, resulting in product supplies becoming impossible or being delayed due to the suspension of operations at production facilities and the instability of raw materials supplies, there is a risk that it will cause a significant decline in profits generated by Group businesses or threaten business continuity (extreme physical risk).
Processes used to manage climate-related risks
The DIC Group has identified “Response to climate change” as one of four priority materiality themes. Accordingly, the progress of initiatives is deliberated periodically by the Sustainability Working Group, with the results of deliberations reported to and approved by the Sustainability Committee. The working group looks at success in reducing CO₂ emissions compared with the target set, the evolution of efforts to manage risk compared with TCFD requirements and grasp of Scope 3 emissions. As part of its effort to satisfy TCFD requirements, the Group conducts scenario analysis using both the 2°C scenario and the 4°C scenario to assess transition and physical risks.
04Metrics and Targets
The DIC Group’s DIC111 medium-term management plan includes a commitment to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from its sites. The Group discloses the results of such initiatives and obtains third-party verification of its CO₂ emissions data.
Environmental Targets Set Forth in DIC111
Climate Change
Goals and Achievements of Major Initiatives
Reduce CO₂ emissions at sites (Scope 1 and 2).
Goals for fiscal year 2020 | DIC Group (global): Reduce CO₂ emissions at DIC Group sites (Scope 1 and 2) by 30.0% from the fiscal year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030 (average annual decrease of 2.1%). |
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Achievements in fiscal year 2020 | CO₂ emissions: 552,123 tonnes
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Evaluation | ★★★ |
Goals for fiscal year 2021 | Reduce CO₂ emissions at DIC Group sites (Scope 1 and 2) by 30.0% from the fiscal year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030 (average annual decrease of 2.1%). |
Goals for fiscal year 2020 | DIC Group (Japan): 1. In line with the global target, reduce CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and 2) at DIC Group sites in Japan by 30.0% from the fiscal year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030 (average annual decrease of 2.1%). |
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Achievements in fiscal year 2020 | 1. CO₂ emissions: 194,364 tonnes
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Evaluation | ★★★ |
Goals for fiscal year 2021 | 1. In line with the global target, reduce CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and 2) at DIC Group sites in Japan by 30.0% from the fiscal year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030 (average annual decrease of 2.1%). |
Goals for fiscal year 2020 | DIC Group (Japan): 2. Reduce energy consumption per unit of production by 17.0% from the fiscal year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030 (average annual decrease of 1.0%). (Comply with Japan’s Act on the Rational Use of Energy.) |
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Achievements in fiscal year 2020 | 2. Energy consumption per unit of production:3.733 GJ/tonne
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Evaluation | ★★ |
Goals for fiscal year 2021 | 2. Reduce energy consumption per unit of production by 17.0% from the fiscal year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030 (average annual decrease of 1.0%). (Comply with Japan’s Act on the Rational Use of Energy.) |
Reference:
CO₂ emissions per unit of production (global DIC Group) in fiscal year 2020: 271.7 kg/tonne
- Up 0.6% from fiscal year 2019 (270.0 kg/tonne)
- Down 16.9% from fiscal year 2013 (327.0 kg/tonne)
CO₂ emissions per unit of production (DIC Group in Japan) in fiscal year 2020: 189.6 kg/tonne
- Down 3.1% from fiscal year 2019 (195.6 kg/tonne)
- Down 18.2% from fiscal year 2013 (231.7 kg/tonne)
- Evaluations are based on self-evaluations of current progress.
Key: ★★★ = Excellent; ★★ = Satisfactory; ★ = Still needs work
Basic Philosophy
The DIC Group works to reduce CO₂ emissions over the entire life cycle of its products and, through its business activities, to lower risks associated with climate change.
Initiatives Aimed at Preventing Global Warming
Recognizing climate change as an issue of the utmost importance to society and a critical factor affecting its businesses, the DIC Group is working as one to reduce energy
consumption and promote decarbonization and in its DIC111 medium-term management plan, announced in fiscal year 2019, has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
from its sites. As a manufacturer of fine chemicals with a global presence, the Group is also leveraging its technological capabilities to develop products that will contribute to
the realization of a low-carbon society.
At the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (the 21 annual session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC)), participants adopted the Paris Agreement, a move aimed at accelerating efforts to tackle this urgent challenge. In May 2019, the DIC Group
declared its support for the TCFD,* which was announced in 2017, pledging to disclose climate-related information in line with TCFD recommendations going forward.
- The TCFD was established under the auspices of the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and announced in 2017 with the aim of mitigating climate change–related instability and risk in financial markets, which has the potential to affect performance over the medium to long term.
Basic Approach to Preventing Global Warming
Global warming—a principal cause of climate change—is an increasingly pressing issue for the entire world. Believing that measures to prevent global warming are critical to effective management for a chemicals manufacturer, the DIC Group is actively promoting a variety of efforts, as outlined below.
- Undertake energy-saving initiatives worldwide
- Deploy effective strategies through working group activities
- Operate energy-saving cogeneration systems (combined heat and electric power generating facilities)
- Employ energy from renewable sources (biomass boilers, wind power and solar power) at suitable sites
- Conduct energy-saving analyses and deploy energy-saving initiatives at DIC Group companies, including those overseas
- When installing or expanding facilities, purposefully select energy-efficient equipment and formulate related rules (investment in environmental value)
- Note: A total of 16 of the DIC Group’s 32 sites and 20 offices and research facilities in Japan have earned certification under the country’s Designated Energy Management Factory system.
Framework for Promotion
DIC and DIC Group companies in Japan have established an Energy-Saving Promotion Committee at each site. Committee activities include confirming the progress of initiatives, engaging in discussions and conducting patrols. DIC has also set up an Energy-Saving Working Group at each site, comprising members chosen by the site, to foster the exchange of information and research pertaining to new items and to promote the horizontal deployment of effective measures across the Group. This combination of site- and Group-level initiatives forms the framework under which the DIC Group endeavors to reduce its CO₂ emissions. Overseas, DIC Group companies promote a wide range of independent energy-saving initiatives that align with the Group’s policy. The Production Management Unit provides support on multiple fronts, including the deployment of management systems and the training of employees. Critical initiatives are debated by and the progress thereof is reported on by the Sustainability Committee, which answers directly to the president and CEO.
Principal Initiatives in Fiscal Year 2020
01Energy Consumption and CO₂ Emissions by the Global DIC Group
Energy consumption by the global DIC Group in fiscal year 2020 declined 3.1% from fiscal year 2019 and 16.9% from the fiscal year 2013 base year. CO₂ emissions
by the global DIC Group amounted to 552,123 tonnes, down 4.3% from fiscal year 2019 and 23.6% from fiscal year 2013, while CO₂ emissions per unit of production,
at 271.7 kg/tonne, edged up 0.6% from fiscal year 2019 but fell 16.9% from the base year.
The DIC Group’s diverse product portfolio includes printing inks, polymers, pigments, LCs, engineering plastics and compounds. Recent years have seen an
uptrend in the output of energy-intensive fine chemicals and a downtrend in the output of general-purpose items, the production of which is comparatively energy
efficient. Against this backdrop, the Group’s success in achieving a reduction in the volume of CO₂ it emits worldwide in excess of its target for the year included a
decline in production volume due to COVID-19, as well as efforts by companies worldwide to break down the target—an average annual decrease of 2.1% from fiscal
year 2018—set forth in the DIC111 medium-term management plan to ensure achievement of its long-term target of a 30.0% reduction from the fiscal year 2013 level
by fiscal year 2030. This achievement also reflected the promotion of energy-saving and decarbonization initiatives beyond what had been necessary to achieve its
previous annual reduction target of 1.0%. Some of these initiatives are outlined below.
Going forward, the Group will continue to implement a variety of energy-saving measures, including introducing highly efficient facilities, promoting process
improvements and boosting capacity utilization rates, while at the same time further advancing its use of renewable energy by shifting to biomass and other clean
fuels and installing solar power facilities.


02Energy Consumption and CO₂ Emissions by the DIC Group in Japan
Energy consumption by the DIC Group in Japan—the 54 sites in Japan operated by DIC and domestic DIC Group companies—in fiscal year 2020 was down 8.5%
from fiscal year 2019 and 13.0% from the fiscal year 2013 base year. Energy consumption per unit of production totaled 3.733 GJ, an increase of 0.8% from fiscal year
2019 but a decline of 10.5% from the base year. CO₂ emissions by the Group in Japan amounted to 194,364 tonnes, a decrease of 12.0% from fiscal year 2019 and
20.5% from fiscal year 2013, while CO₂ emissions per unit of production amounted to 189.6 kg/tonne, down 3.1% from fiscal year 2019 and 18.2% from the base year.
Principal factors behind lower CO₂ emissions by the Group in Japan included a decline in production volume attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the
implementation of 468 energy-saving initiatives at sites and start of operations of solar power facilities at six sites, including the Sakai Plant, with a combined annual
generating capacity of 1,277 kW. As of December 31, 2020, the total generating capacity of solar power facilities at DIC Group sites in Japan was 4,341 kW.
Other contributing factors included a decrease in the incineration of waste oil and waste plastic using a rotary kiln at the Chiba Plant and by Group company DIC
Decor, Inc., which resulted in a decline in CO₂ emissions attributable to the incineration of waste equivalent to 2.7% of total emissions attributable to the Group in
Japan in fiscal year 2019.

Renewable Energy as a Percentage of Total Energy Used in Japan: 15.2%
The bulk of renewable energy used by DIC Group companies in Japan is natural energy generated by a biomass boiler and wind and solar power facilities
at the Kashima Plant. In fiscal year 2020, DIC Group companies in Japan used 687,000,000 GJ of renewable energy (equivalent to 17,725 kl of crude oil), up
32.4% from fiscal year 2019 and representing 15.2% of total energy (steam and electric power) consumed by these companies. The increase in renewable
energy use was attributable to a variety of factors, including the fact that electric power generated by the Kashima Plant’s wind power system (two 2,300
kW–capacity wind turbines) fell sharply in fiscal year 2019 as a result of repairs, which required close to three months to complete, and an increase in the
positive impact of biomass boiler performance.
In fiscal year 2020, DIC completed the installation of new solar power facilities at six sites in Japan (the Sakai and Komaki plants, the Central Research
Laboratories and Group company DIC Kyushu Polymer Co., Ltd., and Group company DIC Kitanihon Polymer Co., Ltd.’s Hokkaido and Tohoku plants) with a
combined annual generating capacity of 1,277 kW. As a consequence, the total generating capacity of solar power facilities at DIC Group sites in Japan as
of December 31, 2020, was 4,341 kW, while solar power generated by the DIC Group in Japan during the period rose 42.0%, to 4,341 kWh, from 3,064 kWh
in fiscal year 2019.
The use of renewable energy by DIC Group companies in Japan in fiscal year 2020 accounted for reduction in CO₂ emissions of 43,526 tonnes, or 18.3%,
from the previous fiscal year. Going forward, DIC will continue to take decisive steps to advance its use of renewable energy with the aim of achieving its
long-term target for reducing CO₂ emissions from DIC Group sites by 30.0% from the fiscal year 2013 level by fiscal year 2030.



Solar Power Facilities Installed in Japan in Fiscal Year 2020
03Independent Electric Power Generation in Japan
In fiscal year 2020, electric power consumption by the DIC Group in Japan declined 5.6%, to 255,860,000 kWh, approximately 25.0% of which was generated independently, with that generated using renewable energy accounting for 9.4% and that generated using cogeneration systems representing 15.6%. Despite an increase in independently generated solar power, total independently generated power edged down 0.2%, owing to the temporary stoppage of the Gunma Plant’s cogeneration system.
DIC Wins New Energy Foundation Chairman’s Award in the Adoption and Application Category of the 2018 New Energy Awards
In December 2018, DIC won a New Energy Foundation Chairman’s Award in the Adoption and Application Category of the 2018 New Energy Awards in
recognition of the expanded use of renewable energy at the Kashima Plant. The awards program, which was presented by the New Energy Foundation, was
established with the aim of encouraging the introduction of new energy and promoting awareness by commending particularly excellent initiatives.
The Kashima Plant has installed multiple renewable energy–powered generating facilities, including biomass and methane gas boilers, as well as wind
power and solar power systems. As a consequence, 50% of electric power and 80% of heat consumed annually by the site is generated by using renewable
energy. These facilities also contributed to a reduction in annual CO₂ emissions in fiscal year 2018 of more than 36,000 tonnes. Looking ahead, the
department responsible for the plant’s energy supply will continue working to enhance the combustion effi ciency of generating facilities, including biomass
and methane gas boilers, by upgrading maintenance and management technologies and accumulating know-how.
The Chairman’s Award recognizes the positive results of these steadfast efforts. DIC will deploy know-how accumulated by the Kashima Plant at sites both
in Japan and overseas with the aim of increasing its use of renewable energy and reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases around the world.

04Protecting the Ozone Layer
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used widely as refrigerants in equipment and facilities. While not an ozone-depleting substance (ODS), HFCs have a warming
potential 100–10,000 times that of CO₂ and their use is expected to account for a 0.5°C increase in the global average temperature by the end of the 21st century. At
the 28th Meeting of the Parties in Kigali, Rwanda, held in October 2016, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer reached
an agreement to phase out the production and use of HFCs (the Kigali Amendment). Japan subsequently amended its Act on the Protection of the Ozone Layer
Through the Control of Specifi ed Substances and Other Measures in line with the amendment, which as of October 3, 2020, had been ratifi ed by 105 Parties. (Having
surpassed the condition of ratifi cation by at least 20 Parties, the Kigali Amendment entered into force on January 1, 2019.)
In April 2015, Japan also revised its Fluorocarbons Recovery and Destruction Law. The same month, the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of
Fluorocarbons entered into force, compelling stakeholders to ascertain and
report leaks of fl uorocarbons from commercial equipment and facilities.
In fiscal year 2020, leaked fl uorocarbons from DIC sites were equivalent to
418 tonnes of CO₂. (Leaks in excess of 1,000 tonnes per site or per company
must be reported to the Japanese authorities.) The Company has worked to
effectively manage fluorocarbons since the Act on Rational Use and Proper
Management of Fluorocarbons entered into force and has managed to keep
leaks below the level requiring reporting. Leaked fl uorocarbons in fiscal year
2020 were lower than in an average year as a consequence of the replacement
of fewer chillers. (Leaked fluorocarbons are calculated as the difference
between amount filled into new equipment and amount recovered when
equipment is dismantled.) The DIC Group will continue to select air conditioning
and other equipment using nonfluorocarbon and other refrigerants that do
not negatively impact the environment with the aim of reducing the amount of
leaked fl uorocarbons for which it is responsible.
05Energy Consumption and CO₂ Emissions by the DIC Group Overseas
Notwithstanding a 0.2% dip in production volume by the DIC Group overseas in fiscal year 2020, CO₂ emissions edged up 0.4%, despite being down 25.2%
from the fiscal year 2013 base year, while CO₂ emissions per unit of production rose 0.6%, but were down 14.2% from fiscal year 2013. Energy consumption
edged up 0.3%, but declined 19.0% from the base year.
F actors contributing to the increase in CO₂ emissions included the fact that efforts by individual DIC Group companies to break down the Group’s
emissions reduction targets and promote decarbonization initiatives were countered by the inclusion beginning in fiscal year 2020 of production facilities
operated by affi liates in the PRC and Taiwan.
Laws and regulations, as well as infrastructure, differ between countries and regions. The DIC Group strives to promote energy savings and efficient operations wherever it is active and in so doing sets precedents for the global chemicals industry. DIC Group companies overseas continue to implement a broad range of energy-saving initiatives, including improving production efficiency, reducing base load energy consumption, choosing high-efficiency models when replacing equipment and switching to LED lighting.
Asia–Pacific Region
The 22 DIC Group sites in the Asia–Pacific region account for roughly 19% of the Group’s total global CO₂ emissions. With production volume in fiscal year 2020
down 5.7% from fiscal year 2019 and 5.2% from the fiscal year 2013 base year, energy consumption by Group companies across the region decreased 1.0% from
the previous fiscal year, despite being up 3.4% from fiscal year 2013, while CO₂ emissions edged up 0.7% from fiscal year 2019, but were down 7.1% from the base
year. Indonesia is home to the Group’s mother plant for pigments, production of which is comparatively energy intensive. The pigments business accounts for more
than 50% of the Group’s energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in this region, underscoring its influence on results for the region as a whole. Accordingly, the
Group continues to promote a variety of initiatives at this site—including replacing a portion of the coal used to fire boilers with palm kernel shells (PKS), a biomass
fuel, an effort that began in fiscal year 2016, and earning certification under ISO 50001, the International Organization for Standardization’s benchmark for energy
management systems—with the aim of reducing its regional CO₂ emissions.
As part of its effort to ensure achievement of the CO₂ emissions target set for the global DIC Group, corporate headquarters assists regional Group companies
by formulating and implementing energy-saving plans; promoting ongoing energy-saving analyses to support the identification of energy-saving themes and the
implementation of remedial measures; deploying a practical energy management manual and best practice case study materials to establish management practices
and promote horizontal deployment; and launching and providing support for energy-saving and carbon-reduction projects at suitable sites.
Greater China
The DIC Group’s 18 sites in Greater China account for approximately 10% of the Group’s total global CO₂ emissions. Production volume in fiscal year 2020 was down 4.0% from fiscal year 2019, but up 2.4% from the fiscal year 2013 base year. Energy consumption by Group companies across the region decreased 1.9% from the previous fiscal year, although it was 3.9% higher than in fiscal year 2013, while CO₂ emissions declined 2.0% from fiscal year 2019 and 5.8% from the base year. Significant improvements were seen in energy consumption per unit of production at manufacturers DIC Graphics (Guangzhou) (printing inks), Changzhou Huari New Material (synthetic resins) and DIC Synthetic Resins (Zhongshan) Co., Ltd. (synthetic resins and metal carboxylates).
Americas and Europe
The DIC Group has 122 sites in the Americas and Europe (this category also includes sites in Africa), which account for roughly 35% of the Group’s
CO₂ emissions. In fiscal year 2020, production volume was down 3.3% from the previous fiscal year and 4.9% from the fiscal year 2013 base year.
Energy consumption by DIC Group companies across the region edged up 0.2% from the previous fiscal year, but was down 20.9% from fiscal year
2013, while CO₂ emissions declined 0.3% from fiscal year 2019 and 27.6% from the base year.
DIC Group companies in the Americas and Europe promote a variety of measures with the aim of lowering CO₂ emissions. These include making
use of biomass energy (landfill biogas), solar and small hydroelectric power, employing outsourcing to contract energy-efficiency consultants
to advance the reduction of energy consumption, and promoting the integration of production facilities alongside measures to boost production
effi ciency. These initiatives have yielded consistently positive results since fiscal year 2014.
In fiscal year 2019, the Group’s regional headquarters, Sun Chemical, installed solar power facilities with an annual generating capacity of
approximately 800 kW with the goal of expanding its use of renewable energy. Going forward, companies in the Americas and Europe will continue
to implement ambitious initiatives that contribute to the reduction of its global CO₂ emissions.
Sun Chemical’s Approach to Sustainability
Sun Chemical promotes innovation with the aim of improving the sustainability of its manufacturing processes and products, maintaining a constant
awareness of environmental impact. The company strives to use manufacturing processes that demonstrate environmental excellence through
reduced waste generation, lower energy and water use, and a strong safety performance as measured using key metrics such as greenhouse
gas emissions, energy and water consumption, carbon footprint and safety record. Sun Chemical is also committed to meeting local regulatory
requirements in the countries and territories in which it operates and to working proactively with government, industry organizations and business
partners in its value chain to better defi ne, measure and promote sustainability.
Product stewardship and risk management are important components of Sun Chemical’s sustainability policy. The company continues to take a
responsible, analytically based approach to fulfi lling its role as a steadfast leader in this area. Through such ongoing efforts, the company increases
environmental effi ciency by helping its customers enhance the sustainability of their manufacturing processes and products. Sun Chemical’s longstanding
reputation for quality, service and innovation and its dedication to improving sustainability infl uences both its daily operations and its global
strategic direction.
Along with DIC, Sun Chemical has committed to a long-term strategic target for CO₂ emissions, which is to achieve a reduction of at least 30%
by fiscal year 2030, with fiscal year 2013 as the base year, following the Paris Agreement, which succeeded the Kyoto Protocol (1990–2012) as the
global framework for addressing the challenge of dealing with greenhouse gas emissions. This level, if implemented across all industries, would limit
the increase in global average temperature due to climate change to below 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this target, Sun Chemical
will focus on investments in sustainable energy, as well as on measures to improve the effi ciency of its manufacturing processes.
Sun Chemical Steps Up Investment in Renewable Energy by Introducing Solar Panels
Sun Chemical has concluded a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with Onyx Renewable Partners and installed solar panels on the roof of the parking structure at its R&D site in Carlstadt, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The use of clean energy thus generated was expected to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint. Installation of the panels began in fall 2017 and was completed in January 2018. The system came on line in March 2018.
Sun Chemical has since completed a year-round solar panel operating configuration at the site that makes it possible to generate enough solar power on sunny days to satisfy 90% of the site’s needs. Between May 14, 2018 and May 13, 2019, the system generated a total of 871 MWh of power, reducing CO₂ emissions by an estimated 1,358,092 pounds (616 tonnes) over the same period.
Adoption of Renewable Energy by DIC Group Companies Overseas
Against a global trend toward decarbonization, DIC Group companies overseas are working to popularize the use of renewable energy. Companies
in the Asia–Pacifi c region, Greater China, and the Americas and Europe are making use of government subsidies and support to, for example, install
biomass boilers and solar power facilities. In fiscal year 2020, new solar power facilities with a combined annual generating capacity of 1,277 kW
commenced operation. As of January 2021, the Group’s global solar power generating capacity (for internal consumption) was 6,445 kW, comprising
4,341 kW in Japan and 2,104 kW overseas. The DIC Group will continue to promote efforts to expand its solar power generating facilities worldwide.
In fiscal year 2021, the Group plans to install new solar power generating facilities with a total generating capacity of 2.5 MW worldwide.
In fiscal year 2020, the global DIC Group used a total of 781,542 GJ of renewable energy, an increase of 20.1% from 650,996 GJ in fiscal year
2019. The use of renewable energy accounted for a reduction in the Group’ s global CO₂ emissions of 49,319 tonnes.
Initiatives in Areas Other than Production (Offices and Research Facilities)
In fiscal year 2020, energy consumed by the DIC Group’s 22 production and research sites in Japan (excluding the Central Research Laboratories) declined 0.3%. Of particular note, DIC’s headquarters, the most energy intensive of the 22 domestic sites, achieved a decrease of 11.4%. Principal energy-saving initiatives implemented include replacing aged light fixtures and air conditioning equipment with newer, highefficiency models that satisfy standards set by the Energy Conservation Center, Japan (ECCJ) for its Top Runner program, turning off lights when not needed and implementing mandatory 22°C winter and 28ºC summer air conditioning settings, working with facility management companies to implement diligent energy-saving measures and promoting efforts in line with Japan’s Cool Biz and Warm Biz campaigns.
Grasping CO₂ Emissions Across the Supply Chain
Regarding CO₂ emissions across its supply chain (Scope 3* emissions), in fiscal year 2017 DIC participated in a lecture on the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative organized by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. As a consequence, DIC now reports global data for all categories of Scope 3. The Company also obtains third-party verification for its data for waste generated in operations.
- Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions from production, trans port, business travel, commuting and other activities in the supply chain.
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