Support the ‘Now’, Create the ‘Future’
19 January 2012
Support the ‘Now,’ Create the ‘Future’: IYC Outreach and Activities in Japan
Japan’s Chemical Daily Company marked the International Year of Chemistry (IYC) in October with a two-day symposium based on the theme “Support the ‘now’, create the ‘future’”. An exhibition by the Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA) focused on products of chemistry that contribute to society, and presented the history of Japan’s chemical industry, as well as JCIA activities.
Industry’s products were also showcased at Japan’s largest environmental exhibition Eco-Products 2011 in December, marking JCIA’s first appearance at the event. Chemistry’s contribution to the environment and to managing climate change were highlighted at the JCIA booth during the three-day exhibition.
Future opportunities
Speaking at the Chemical Daily symposium, JCIA Kenji Chairman Fujiyoshi said: “The focus of competition has shifted from products to materials… as a leading industry helping address global issues such as shortages of food and water, there is great opportunity for the chemical industry in the future.” A panel discussion on the current and future state of industry featuring senior management of five leading chemical manufacturers attracted an audience of over 500. Topics ranged from functional chemicals to a possible alliance among chemical companies in Japan. Looking to the future, the panelists agreed it was not enough to simply be a supplier of materials for parts and components: “…rather, we should be focused on exploring new business by taking leadership.”
Attracting attention
At the Eco-Products exhibition, the JCIA booth displayed panels aimed at elementary and junior high school students, highlighting contributions to the environment through resource-saving, energy-saving, renewable energy and environment conservation solutions; and efforts of the chemical industry in Japan to foster energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions in manufacturing.
Events included a quiz, a play based around Nobel Chemistry Prize winner Marie Curie, and a corner dedicated to chemical experiments attracting both adults and children (see photo). In all, around 9,000 people visited the JCIA booth during the three-day exhibition, marking a successful conclusion to the International Year of Chemistry.
More information
The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) is the worldwide voice of the chemical industry, a sector with 2009 turnover of more than €1,900 billion (excluding pharmaceuticals). ICCA members account for more than 60 percent of global chemical sales. The ICCA focuses on key issues for the chemical industry, and the promotion and coordination of Responsible Care® and safe chemicals management through the Global Product Strategy. Priority advocacy issues include chemicals management, regulatory affairs, and international climate negotiations.
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