Synthetic rubber leader set to diversify

Established in the 1950's, JSR Corp, formerly Japan Synthetic Rubber Co Ltd, became one of the drivers of the country's industrial development by producing synthetic rubber. It quickly rose to become the domestic leader in this field.

Today, JSR is a multinational corporation - with a quarter of its production and more than half of its $4 billion annual revenue coming from overseas.

When it comes to the production of synthetic rubber, semiconductor materials and polymers for LCDs, JSR is a global leader.

However, its management believes that innovation does not end with excellence achieved in only existing sectors. "We are in the process of diversifying our business and getting involved in highly specialized industries," said Nobu Koshiba, president of JSR.

"Energy efficiency and life sciences are our new focuses, while still maintaining our global leadership in high-rating synthetic rubber, semiconductor materials and LCD materials."

"To achieve this transformation successfully, we are investing 5 percent of our revenue into research and development in our own or joint facilities in different countries," he added.

JSR is conducting research in laboratories in Yokkaichi, Tsukuba and San Diego as well as taking part in a joint program with IMEC in Leuven, Belgium and IBM. Koshiba also stressed the importance of locating the company closer to its customers in China.

The company is aiming even higher when it comes to energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices.

"Global warming is one of the big issues for us," said Koshiba. "We have cut our CO2 emissions by 6 percent since 1990, while still increasing our output by 30 percent following our 'E2 initiatives', which consist of energy management and eco-innovation."

Looking ahead, he said: "There's huge competition in the global market, but we are ready to face it."

www.jsr.co.jp/jsr_e

World Eye Reports provided the story.

(China Daily 06/18/2015 page23)