SUMITOMO CHEMICAL | Corporate Philosophy

Sumitomo Chemical dates back to the "House of Sumitomo," a business with a history spanning more than three centuries. The fundamental principles the business was founded on are upheld as "The Sumitomo Spirit" to this day.

The Sumitomo Spirit
-Sumitomo's Business Principles-

Sumitomo shall achieve prosperity based on solid foundation by placing prime importance on integrity and sound management in the conduct of its business.
Sumitomo's business interest must always be in harmony with public interest; Sumitomo shall adapt to good times and bad times but will not pursue immoral business.

The first pledge in Sumitomo's Business Principles, advocating integrity and sound management, reflects the importance of maintaining the trust of the Company's business partners and of society as a whole. The second pledge calls for refraining from the pursuit of easy gains–conducting thorough investigations and giving serious thought to business decisions so as not to be blinded by the prospect of immediate gains.

While not expressly stated, another traditional concept applies: harmony between the individual, the nation and society. Sumitomo manifests this concept by seeking to benefit not only its own business, but also both the nation and society, and by the Company's emphasis on maintaining harmony between its interests and those of the public.

To this day, these principles are strictly applied throughout the various Sumitomo Group companies, including Sumitomo Chemical.

Business Philosophy

Sumitomo Chemical formulated fundamental business principles, missions, and values as its Business Philosophy based on Sumitomo's Business Principles.

Sumitomo Chemical's Business Philosophy

We commit ourselves to creating new value by building on innovation.
We work to contribute to society through our business activities.
We develop a vibrant corporate culture and continue to be a company that society can trust.

Such management principles as "placing prime importance on integrity and sound management" and "adapting to good times and bad times and not pursuing immoral business" were first seen in the "Rules Governing the Sumitomo family" enacted in 1882. Other business teachings that Sumitomo passed from one generation to the next include "giving back to the state and society" and "mutual prosperity, respect for the public good."

Sumitomo Chemical took a fresh look at its fundamental business principles, mission and values, and committed them to writing.

Corporate Slogan and Statement

Members of cross-divisional task force discussed subjects such as "pride" and "commitment" to be further nurtured among employees of Sumitomo Chemical and at length created the Corporate Slogan and Statement.

STATEMENT

Sumitomo Chemical started business in 1913 as a producer of fertilizers from sulfur dioxide gas emitted by copper smelters. This business, which solved the environmental problem of air pollution while meeting the social demand for more agricultural production, embodied the business philosophy of the Sumitomo family handed down from the 17th century.

"Our business must benefit society, not just our interests." Throughout our history of almost a century, we at Sumitomo Chemical have lived by this credo. We have worked to build better lives by developing various businesses that meet people's evolving needs. At the same time, we have continuously delivered technological innovation while paying special attention to product quality, safety and the environment.

Looking to the future, we will create new value beyond the boundaries of chemistry by combining a variety of ideas, views and technologies. We will also continue to take up the challenges facing the globe, from meeting basic needs, to protecting the environment, to addressing the issues of adequate supplies of food, energy, and other resources.

In this endeavor, each of us at Sumitomo Chemical will work together to enhance our capabilities, explore new possibilities every day, and overcome the challenges lying ahead with enthusiasm and a strong sense of mission.

Sumitomo Chemical will seek to continue to build trust and bring joy to people across the world through constant innovation."

Words representing the ardent desire of Sumitomo Chemical employees

Origin of Sumitomo Chemical - Sumitomo's Business Principles

The first paragraph refers to the story of the founding of Sumitomo Chemical and the Sumitomo Business Principles on which the Company was founded.

Sumitomo has passed down from the 17th century to this day such management principles as placing prime importance on maintaining the trust of the Company's business partners and of society as a whole. While not expressly stated, another traditional concept has also been handed down from that time: harmony between the individual, the nation and society. Sumitomo manifests this concept by seeking to benefit not only its own business, but also the nation and society. To this day, Sumitomo Chemical adheres strictly to these principles.

Sumitomo Chemical's business dates back to 1913, when the Company sought to solve the problem of sulfur dioxide emissions from smelting operations, core to Sumitomo's business then, at the Besshi Copper Mine in the Shikoku region of Japan. The Company got its start producing sulfuric acid and calcium super phosphate fertilizers using the emitted sulfur dioxide. This not only solved environmental problems by curbing the emission of pollutants, but also helped increase crop yields through the provision of useful fertilizers.

DNA and values to carry forward into the future

The second paragraph describes the DNA and values that employees desire to hand down to the future as individuals.

Since its foundation, Sumitomo Chemical has placed its emphasis on maintaining harmony between its interests and those of the public by seeking not only its own profit but also contributing to society through its business. The Company has worked to build better lives by continuously delivering technological innovation while paying special attention to safety, the environment and product quality.

While developing various businesses that meet people's evolving needs, Sumitomo Chemical manifests its DNA and values by committing itself to a full range of quality products.

What we desire to be as a company

The third paragraph describes the "ideal Company" or what Sumitomo Chemical desires to be in the future.

Sumitomo Chemical has fostered a variety of ideas, values, and technologies by developing various businesses and expanding into global markets. These new concepts can be referred to as management resources which give Sumitomo Chemical a competitive edge. However, management resources will not create new value if they are not applied uniformly at the head office, corporate departments, plants, research laboratories, and Group companies. In order to create unprecedented value beyond the boundaries of chemistry, each of us, with our different ideas, values, and technologies, must communicate closely with one another across divisions. As a result, we can provide a range of products that not only meet basic needs but also address the issues of the environment, adequate supplies of food, energy and resources.

What each individual should be

The fourth paragraph represents the aspirations each emplyee should embrace for us to realize the "ideal Company."

In order to create new value beyond the boundaries of chemistry, each of us at Sumitomo Chemical must work together to enhance our capabilities, explore new possibilities every day, and overcome the challenges lying ahead with enthusiasm and a strong sense of mission. Specifically, we must foster corporate values^* such as "Confidence," "Passion," "Empathy," "Respect," and "Innovation."

This paragraph embodies the Company's stance of expanding the sphere of trust among all customers and consumers around the globe and providing them with a better experience through each individual's independent efforts and close mutual communication.

Corporate Slogan

The Corporate Slogan succinctly expresses the ideas contained in our Corporate Statement.

The Corporate Slogan describes Sumitomo Chemical's unique DNA and values to carry forward into the future.

Sumitomo Chemical Charter for Business Conduct

We believe it is our social responsibility to conduct business to the highest ethical standards and act on our own responsibility. The "Sumitomo Chemical Charter for Business Conduct" spells out the basic guiding principles on which our compliance system is built.

Sumitomo Chemical Charter for Business Conduct

We will respect Sumitomo's business philosophy and act as highly esteemed "good citizens."
We will observe laws and regulations, both at home and abroad, and will carry out activities in accordance with our corporate rules.
We will develop and supply useful and safe products and technologies that will contribute significantly to the progress of society.
We will engage in voluntary and active initiatives to achieve zero-accident and zero-injury operations and preserve the global environment.
We will conduct business transactions based on fair and free competition.
We will endeavor to make our workplaces sound and energetic.
Every one of us will strive to become a professional and achieve advanced skills and expertise in our own field of responsibility.
We will actively communicate with our various stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, and local communities.
As a corporate member of an international society, we will respect the culture and customs of every region of the world and contribute to the development of those regions.
We will strive for the continued development of our Company through business activities conducted in accordance with the guiding principles described herein.