Osamu Hashimoto
Chairman, Japan Chemical Industry Association
Today, both the Japanese chemical industry and the broader Japanese economy face an extremely tough environment in geopolitical, energy and economic terms alike. Amid this highly uncertain situation, there is a greater need than ever for the chemical industry – as an essential industry providing a stable supply of products that society cannot do without – to incorporate new technologies while appropriately addressing a variety of challenges.
In light of these circumstances, the Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA) will pursue initiatives in the three key areas outlined below.
(1) Strengthening the foundations of Japanese chemical industry by pursuing GX
In “Japanese Chemical Industry’s Stance on Carbon Neutrality and the Creation of a Sound Material-Cycle Society,” a publication from September 2025, JCIA positions the chemical industry as a solution provider that supports the foundations and innovation of society as a whole. The publication also states that the chemical industry regards carbon neutrality and the creation of a sound material-cycle society as a strategic opportunity for the industry to achieve sustainable growth and enhance its international competitiveness.
Based on this stance, we will support the smooth introduction and operation of the Japanese government’s Green Transformation Emissions Trading Scheme (GX-ETS) within the chemical industry in Japan. This scheme had its full-scale launch in April 2026 and is aimed at creating a GX market.
JCIA has also begun the trial operation of a registration system for recycled chemical materials to improve public recognition of recycled products and to achieve the early social implementation of chemical product recycling in Japan. Going forward, we will seek to further increase recognition of this system.
(2) Enhancing communication with the international community
In recent years, supply chain fragmentation has become increasingly evident amid geopolitical and other factors. Under these circumstances, it is becoming ever more important for the international community to strengthen communication, deepen mutual understanding, transform fragmentation into collaboration, and act collectively to address global challenges.
In light of such trends, JCIA will contribute to enhancing the global presence of the Japanese chemical industry by strengthening ties with overseas industry associations, primarily through its activities within the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA).
Specifically, as negotiations continue within the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) toward a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution, we will actively participate in ICCA initiatives and continue our efforts toward achieving the targets of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC).
(3) Steadily implementing safe, stable operations and chemical product management as an essential industry
Implementing safe, stable operations and carrying out chemical product management are the top priorities of the chemical industry as an essential industry with a responsibility to provide a stable supply of safe products.
To enable companies to implement safe, stable operations, JCIA will support the introduction of smart safety systems leveraging digital technologies. We will also share examples of good practice by member companies through initiatives including our safety awards, with the objective of eradicating occupational accidents as well. In addition, we will promote collaboration across the entire supply chain throughout the chemical product life cycle based on the principle of Responsible Care. JCIA will leverage the risk-based approach and other knowledge that we have cultivated over many years as we support efforts to strengthen chemical product management.
By moving forward with initiatives in these three areas, we believe that we can contribute to realizing a sustainable society.
As an essential industry that supports the comfort and convenience of daily life in all parts of society, the chemical industry has long played a central role and fulfilled its responsibilities in addressing social challenges. With this in mind, we are confident that the chemical industry will continue to create new technologies and deliver value through ongoing innovation and refinement, even in an age of heightened uncertainty.
We intend to spare no effort in furthering the development of the chemical industry – and we would appreciate your continued support.
