On Thursday, Oct. 22nd 2020, Otsuka Chemical America, Inc. welcomed Governor Brian Kemp to tour our facility. During the Governors visit, he met with leadership […]
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Research & Development
In the Research & Development Division of Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd., our philosophy is to contribute to our customers through creative technology, with a focus on using world-class technology to develop products for which there is a global market. Through our two research organizations, the General Research Laboratory, and our Growth Research Laboratory, we are responsible for everything from basic research, to prototype testing in our intermediate experimental facilities, to applied development.
General Research Laboratory
Focusing on organic and inorganic synthesis technologies, R&D centers on new product development utilizing proprietary technology, as well as research into completely new next-generation fields. In the area of functional chemicals, as the first in Japan to successfully commercialize hydrazine monohydrate, we continue to conduct research around hydrazine monohydrate and the various derivatives which use it.
Research and development is also being done in chemical foaming agent, azo polymerization initiators, and custom synthesis of various hydrazine derivatives designed to meet specific customer needs. We are also involved in the development of UV absorbing agents with long-term, stable light resistance, halogen-free fire retardants, and functional amine compounds which act to deodorize aldehydes. In the inorganic materials area, our development efforts center on ceramic materials including brake, reinforcing, and conductive materials, with development moving from the micro level to the nano scale.
In addition, based on the resin/ceramics composite technologies acquired through our development of potassium titanate fiber reinforced Resin Compounds, we are also conducting research and development into composite materials with new functionalities, including tribological properties, precision moldability, conductivity, and dielectricity. In the area of pharmaceutical intermediates, using the technology we have obtained through development of GCLE, a cephalosporin intermediate, we are conducting research and development in various medical and agrochemical intermediates and bulk drugs, including beta lactams.
Otsuka Chemical’s corporate philosophy is “Trusted by individuals, trusted by the company, trust is the dream of our society. Building trust with technology and commitment. Spreading trust with the people around the world.” Following this philosophy, we have for years now leveraged our original technologies to provide one-of-a-kind, number-one products. As a result, we enjoy the trust of customers and continue to contribute to society.
While coping with constant change, society today faces many global-scale challenges, including issues related to energy, environmental destruction, food, water resources, and climate change. Otsuka Chemical got its start by extracting chemicals from seawater bittern. Our products and technologies benefit from the gifts of nature and are now being used in a variety of industries. By further broadening our perspective from chemistry to other sciences, Otsuka Chemical will continue to create original technologies. Moreover, we will maintain our earnest efforts to address global issues, seeking to ensure that future generations can inherit a healthy planet.
Many of Otsuka Chemical’s products make a strong environmental contribution, including compounds which help make plastics recyclable and chemicals which lower the fuel consumption of automobiles. As countries worldwide face nuclear power issues, the “capability of materials” will be essential for developing renewable energies, which will be in even greater demand in the future. Otsuka Chemical aims to work with customers in all kinds of situations, creating new solutions by utilizing advanced materials. By continuing to expand our R&D sites worldwide, we will continue to advance and develop materials that can contribute to a more sustainable world.
“Following the philosophy of our parent company Otsuka Holdings, ‘Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide,’ the goal of Otsuka Chemical is to contribute to better life and better global environment as the Otsuka Group’s leader in the field of chemicals.”