Aiming to be unique and distinctive in this business, we provide products that meet a wide range of needs while integrating the fields of polyethylene and functional polymers.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Lineup of high-quality products that meet a wide range of needs
- Stable production system based on Tosoh-produced raw materials
- World’s only manufacturer of chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM) in the high-end market
Weaknesses
- Small-scale plants
- High plant maintenance costs
Opportunities
- Stable domestic market and expanding demand overseas
- Need to respond to the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and high-speed communications
- Increasing health awareness triggered by COVID-19 pandemic
- Rising environmental awareness and development of related materials
Threats
- Increase in production capacity of overseas competitors of raw materials derived from ethane (Middle East) and shale gas (North America)
- Decline in demand due to deplasticization and bioplastics
- Global economic slowdown and supply chain disruptions due to US-China trade friction and COVID-19 pandemic
Objective
The division's basic strategy is to promote differentiation through high-value-added products. In response to recent social issues concerning plastics (3R, decarbonized society, etc.), we will continue to focus on technological development and marketing promotion. In addition, in 2021,we are working to debottleneck CR production to increase capacity while continuing to aggressively plan investments to raise capacity and strengthen our business foundation.
Growth Strategy
We will promote high-value-added applications for polyethylene in the medical field such as infusion bags and eye drop containers, the food industry (low-odor containers and easy-peel materials), and the semiconductor sector (high-purity chemical containers), where cleanliness, which is one of our strengths, is required.
In the area of functional polymers, we will focus on the automotive industry (underbody coating, metal bonding, and cold- and heat-resistant impact material), where the shift to EVs is progressing, and the medical field (medical gloves). In particular, we will develop applications for synthetic rubber (CR and CSM) in line with their respective functional capabilities.
Message from the Senior General Manager
The Polymers Division will continue to pursue the provision of differentiated and high-value-added products that meet the needs of customers, while promoting the development of environment-friendly technologies such as plastic recycling.
In addition, we will continue to study and plan to deepen our ability to respond to the diverse needs of our customers, further expand our product lineup, and increase our capacity to ensure a stable supply of products, thereby contributing to society through business operations that integrate manufacturing, research, and sales.
Hideaki Nishioka
Vice President
Senior General Manager, Polymers Division