Sumitomo Chemical: Innovation and digital transformation in chemical manufacturing

The Sumitomo Chemical Group was established in Japan in 1913 as a manufacturer of fertilisers to eliminate pollution from copper smelting facilities and help increase crop yields. Fast forward to 2019, and the Group includes more than 100 subsidiaries and affiliates that operate in five key sectors: petrochemicals; energy and functional materials; IT-related chemicals; health and crop sciences; and pharmaceuticals. Masakazu Tokura, Chairman of the Board, strives to continue to “contribute to solving problems facing the global community” through technological prowess and the trust of Sumitomo’s stakeholders.