Mitsubishi Chemical Co., Ltd. of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group (hereinafter referred to as 'the Company Group') has supported the mission of the Global Commons Center established by the University of Tokyo (President: Teruo Fujii, hereinafter referred to as 'the University of Tokyo') in August 2020, and has been conducting joint research since April 1, 2021.
In this joint research, we are conducting research on the role of the chemical industry in protecting Global Commons (assets shared by humanity on a global scale such as the earth's environment, ecosystems, natural resources). We would like to inform you that the research report summarizing the results, 'Building a Sustainable Future for the Earth through Japan's Chemical Industry' (hereinafter referred to as 'the Report'), was announced by the University of Tokyo on October 7, 2024.- Announcement page of the Report
[Background and Objectives of the Research]
In recent years, there has been a global trend towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. While the products generated by the chemical industry support various aspects of our modern lives, the industry is also referred to as a 'hard-to-abate' industry due to its high greenhouse gas emissions, the presence of carbon in most raw materials and products, and its diverse product composition.
Against this backdrop, this joint research aims to examine the role that the chemical industry should play for other industries and consumers, the challenges to be addressed, the business to be conducted, and the pathway to transformation needed for the chemical industry itself, in addition to reducing its own environmental burden towards achieving a sustainable society.
[Summary of Results]
The University of Tokyo Global Commons Center and the Company Group announced a report in September 2022 outlining the pathway to net zero for the global chemical industry. The newly released Report is a follow-up edition focusing on Japan's chemical industry. It quantitatively outlines the pathway for achieving Scope 1, 2, 3 net zero in Japan's chemical industry based on content from peer-reviewed academic papers. Additionally, considering various uncertainties such as future demand for net-zero chemicals and suitable technologies for their production, it presents strategies and actions for achieving net zero based on Japan's strengths and weaknesses.
【The company group's view】
This unprecedented report, which analyzes the roadmap for Japan's chemical industry to achieve net zero, including not only Scope 1, 2 but also upstream and downstream of Scope 3, taking into account the unique background of Japan and its chemical industry, is highly evaluated for its breadth and depth. The company group values the significance of jointly working on this groundbreaking research. We will pursue the new role of the chemical industry in the net zero world by sharing this research outside the company group and building cooperative relationships with a wide range of partners.
【Reference】
*1 Press release dated August 6, 2020
Regarding the industry-academia collaboration between the University of Tokyo and Mitsubishi Chemical towards realizing a Circular Economy
*2 Press release dated March 31, 2021
Regarding the joint research between the University of Tokyo and Mitsubishi Chemical for the preservation of Global Commons
*3 Press release dated September 13, 2022.
Joint research results with the University of Tokyo for the conservation of global commons - Announcement of the Planet Positive Chemicals report.
*4 Released on June 6, 2024.
Peer-reviewed academic paper on Japan's chemical industry achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The information described in this news release is at the time of announcement only. Please note that information may differ from that time.
