Initiatives in Society

Donations

Under the Sumitomo Bakelite Group’s business philosophy (Company Policy), we cooperate in cultural and academic activities such as symphony orchestras, environmental conservation activities such as the Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation that works to actively protect nature and conserve biodiversity. In fiscal 2022, we made a donation to Fujieda City as part of the “Corporate Hometown Tax System,” following on from donations to Akita Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture (Minami-Alps Biosphere Reserve), and Nogata City in Fukuoka Prefecture (contributing to promotion of carbon neutrality).

We also donate directly to “Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition” and specific groups across a wide range of fields including schools and education, social welfare, academic promotion, R&D, and regional development. Through these donations, we are helping to create a better environment.

Looking ahead, we will continue this support to create a brighter future for all people.

Support for People with Disabilities

We concluded a partnership agreement with the Japan Inclusive Football Federation^*1, as an initiative from the standpoint of respect for diversity and contributing to the realization of a society where everyone can live in harmony. Based on this agreement, we provide support for the development of inclusive soccer sports.

The company has also endorsed the “Paralym Art^®” philosophy and actions since 2022, and uses art created by artists with disabilities in the corporate calendar, as part of efforts to support artists’ economic independence and participation in society.

Going forward, we will continue to support this activity that seeks to build a society in which people can intermingle and coexist regardless of their disabilities.

* The Japan Inclusive Football Federation (JIFF) is an organization that brings together seven inclusive soccer sports associations. JIFF carries out activities under its commitment to create a vibrant society that respects each person’s uniqueness through the benefits of sports and soccer regardless of disability.
* Paralym Art^® is a social contribution project that provides ongoing support for people with disabilities through the cooperation of private companies and individuals, to achieve the vision of “Creating a world where people with disabilities can fulfill their dreams through art.” The project serves as a link enabling companies and organizations to use artworks created by artists with disabilities, and facilitates their economic independence and participation in society through compensation to employed artists and facilities for those with disabilities.

©Image source: Japan Blind Football Association (JBFA)

JIFF logo

Paralym Art^® logo mark

Calendar using artwork created by artists with disabilities

当社内での障がい者支援の取り組み

Official Partnership Agreement with Fujieda MYFC

Since fiscal 2018, we have been in an official partnership agreement with Fujieda MYFC, a professional soccer club in the J. League’s J3 division. The team’s hometown is the Haibara district of Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where our Shizuoka Plant is located. Therefore, we provide our support to the team as a partner with the goal of lending our cooperation to the Haibara district of Fujieda City in Shizuoka Prefecture, which promotes revitalization of the town through soccer, and also to contribute to the community and boost the motivation of our employees, and the “Sumitomo Bakelite Special Match” was held in November in fiscal 2022.

Strong results in fiscal 2022 resulted in being promoted to play in the J2 League for fiscal 2023.

“Promoted to J2” banner
©2021 FUJIEDA MYFC

Fiscal 2022 Special Match Day
Kick-in ceremony
©2022 FUJIEDA MYFC

Fiscal 2022 Special Match Day
Presenting the registration certificate
©2022 FUJIEDA MYFC

Relations with Local Residents and Participation in Local Events

We are working to enhance the welfare of local communities by proactively interacting with local residents and participating in local events to deepen our ties with them, as well as engaging in volunteer activities and making donations.

We also welcome them to company briefings and site visit events (factory tours) to aid their understanding of the work carried out at our production plants.

Kawasumi Laboratories (Thailand)
Donated sweets to prefectural elementary schools
where each plant is located

SB-Kawasumi (Head Office, Tonomachi) Participated as an exhibiting company at a summer science event organized by the King Skyfront Network Council for Kawasaki City elementary school students

SB-Kawasumi, Oita Business Site (Mie Plant) Provided work experience for local junior high school students

[TOPIC］Promerus members volunteer at Akron STEM High School

Promerus partnered with Akron STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) High School to give students an opportunity to learn more about careers in science and engineering. STEM education is an approach to learning that highlights and integrates various fields, with a focus on the technical design process. Students develop analysis and creativity skills through investigation and problem-solving.

Akron STEM High School is located on the campus of the University of Akron, and in May, Promerus team members participated as volunteers at two events held at the high school. First, General Manager Larry Rose and Senior Manager Doug Skilsky gave a presentation to students during a chemistry class. They explained about the microelectronics industry as well as how chemistry is intertwined with that industry, the required steps to acquiring a doctoral degree, and career opportunities in the fields of chemistry and engineering.

The students gave positive feedback, with some even saying they wanted to take a look at the Promerus laboratory to discover more about the research we conduct. The second event was a learning presentation contest. Analytical chemist Gary Myer and several other industrial staff and academics from the Akron region volunteered to judge presentations made by students at three STEM high schools.

In line with the principles of problem-based learning, they incorporated problems to be solved into the curriculum as part of a student-centered approach. “I felt a sense of pride in having the opportunity to take part in the program and actually witnessing local talented third-year high school students going out to discover the world on their journey to growth,” Myer explained.

Promerus and Akron STEM High School will continue this partnership into the future, and next fiscal year will create new opportunities that encourage learning by sharing its knowledge.