New Year’s Message 2026
A very Happy New Year to everyone.
Since last April, the Nippon Shokubai Group has launched its Medium-Term Management Plan 2027. In this plan, we are focusing particularly on transforming our business portfolio by expanding the Solutions Business and strengthening the Materials Business, with the goal of increasing profitability.
Looking back on our progress so far, the Solutions Business has achieved steady results, such as significant sales growth in display and semiconductor materials and the expansion of our construction segment through the acquisition of E-TEC. On the other hand, challenges have become clear in specialty areas, including delays in demand for CO₂ absorption applications and weak performance of general-purpose surfactants in Taiwan. While conditions vary by business segment, the overall Solutions Business is trending toward increased profits, and we expect further growth going forward.
In the Materials Business, superabsorbent polymers saw a substantial increase in volume. However, overall profits declined year-on-year due to deteriorating market conditions for acrylic esters and specialty esters, as well as sluggish EO demand. Looking ahead, domestic demand is expected to shrink, and further restructuring of ethylene crackers will likely impact the intermediate materials and downstream products we handle. Additionally, overproduction by Chinese manufacturers is expected to continue. We need to respond to these changes quickly and flexibly. To do this, we must clearly decide which businesses to grow and which to maintain or reduce, while building a stronger and more resilient corporate structure. At the same time, we will actively invest in growth and next-generation business areas to secure future expansion.
Achieving the profit targets of the Medium-Term Plan will require a united effort, not only from business divisions but also from production, research, administrative departments, and all group companies. Let’s share these goals and work together toward their achievement.
Finally, under our safety philosophy of “Safety takes priority over production,” let us carry out our duties reliably and make this year a bright and successful one together.