Materials, Chemicals and Plants

Green transformation is moving forward without delay. Materials, chemicals, and plants are among the industries in the midst of this transformation. Companies that are unable to grasp the trends of the times and continue to do business in the same old way will be eliminated. Companies must grasp the trends of the times and take on the challenge of transforming their business portfolios and business processes accordingly.

Frontline Topics

Increasing demand for high-performance materials

Increasing demand for lightweight, high-strength materials and highly efficient battery materials, which are necessary for EVs and renewable energy.

Shortage of human resources for new energy plants

As new energy/CCUS-related plants are being built one after another in preparation for the 2040-50 CN, a significant shortage of personnel related to plant construction is expected. The initial decline in the number of employed people and the increasing difficulty of making them a part of the workforce due to aging are spurring the labor shortage.

AWP (Advanced Work Packaging)

AWP has become increasingly popular in recent years as an effective management method for large-scale projects. Its true value will be put to the test as large-scale plant construction increases in line with carbon neutrality.

Advances in DX centered on digital twins

Comprehensive DX is progressing using cutting-edge technologies, including digital twins at the core, real-time data analysis using edge computing, process optimization and predictive maintenance using AI, and remote operation and training using AR/VR.

Issues

Transforming business portfolio

How to transform business portfolio amid the shift to low-carbon materials and green chemicals in the wake of the carbon neutral trend.

Strengthening risk management

Industrial goods such as materials and chemicals are the backbone of Japan's entire manufacturing industry. How to manage these appropriately and ensure a stable supply while being exposed to various risks such as price fluctuations, exchange rates, and geopolitical risks.

Improving plant O&M efficiency

In capital-intensive industries, plant operating rates are directly linked to profits. As securing plant engineers becomes increasingly challenging, how to enhance plant operations and maintenance (O&M) efficiency by fully utilizing DX and other technologies.

Securing and developing plant personnel

As demand for aging existing plants and new energy/CCUS-related plant construction increases, how to secure and educate plant engineering personnel.

Cases

Development of Foreign Object Detection Service Using Image Recognition AI

We planned a service that uses image recognition AI to detect foreign objects mixed in scrap iron. We also managed vendors for system development and launched the service after implementing measures to accelerate AI learning.

Developing a Business Model Including LCA for the Sale of Low-Carbon Materials

Based on the results of the 3C analysis and a survey of subsidy trends, we selected promising low-carbon materials in terms of monetization and CO2 reduction effects, and developed a concrete business model proposal. We also established the implementation logic for LCA in CO2 reduction.

Global Strategy for Chemical Recycling Business Using Waste Plastic Processing Technology

As resource circulation accelerates globally, we envisioned a new business utilizing waste plastic processing technology. Identified priority countries based on regional characteristics and developed a business concept based on player trends.

Shift of High-Performance Materials to Southeast Asia

We developed a growth strategy for the Southeast Asian market through interviews with local manufacturers and competitive research. We promoted the shift to Southeast Asia in light of the risks in the Chinese market.

Promoting Data Leverage as a Key DX Strategy

We made operations that had long relied on "intuition and experience" more efficient by backing them up with past data. We supported the creation of highly "feasible" use cases, their prioritization, and the construction of prototypes.

DX and Project Management in Plant Construction

As the construction of new plants increases with progress toward carbon neutrality, the shortage of project managers and engineers had become apparent. We were advancing projects to prevent delays to the initial plan by enhancing efficiency through digital transformation and supplementing human resources.