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Kind Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change

The world currently exists in an age of overconsumption; this is having a huge impact on both society and the environment. The scale of worldwide industry and production has created a social and planetary impact that, in many cases, can feel impossible to rectify due to its effects on the climate, the economy and people’s health.

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group (MCHC) is determined to serve as an example to society; an illustration of how important it is to integrate more kindness and sustainability into society and its industrial sectors. MCHC has been exponentially reducing their impact on the environment over the last few years through multiple initiatives; but in order for such an integration to occur, they believe that there cannot merely be a change of methodology, such a radical transformation to business also needs to be embodied through a shift of philosophy.

The company has developed a philosophical outlook – ‘KAITEKI’ – designed to mould the company in the right direction. ‘KAITEKI’ is ‘The sustainable well-being of people, society and our planet Earth’. This philosophy proposes a way forward in sustainable development and gives MCHC a clear pathway to contribute positively to the climate and to wider society.

This has manifested itself into a coherent and holistic strategy, producing initiatives that contribute towards business growth while addressing issues such as carbon neutrality, healthcare, product performance and material innovation.

At the heart of this strategy is the science and research that empowers MCHC’s innovations. This is embodied by development solutions for environmental issues, such as CO2 emissions and the exploitation of natural resources.

The lungs of the planet, its forests and oceans, are collapsing under the strain placed upon them. This drastically reduces the capability of the world’s forests for photosynthesis, where they absorb CO2 and provide the vital oxygen needed for continued life on the planet. In order to combat this, MCHC is working with other chemical manufacturers and research institutions to innovate new ways of artificial photosynthesis through scientific methods. The result, MCHC hopes, will be to reduce fossil fuel usage and lower carbon dioxide emission levels.

A key factor in reducing waste and emissions is the ability to re-use materials and products as part of a ‘circular economy’, keeping materials in a usage ‘loop’ and out of the environment. Not only does this reduce waste, but the method also reduces reliance on new materials at the start of the process, decreasing costs and providing many factors as to why a circular economy is beneficial. Additionally, through the creation and usage of materials like carbon fibre and biopolymers, every product from MCHC is intended to mitigate climate change.

While the current situation is concerning from an environmental point of view, the effort and commitment of companies like Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group offer hope that – through integrating of kindness and sustainability into business decisions – we can mitigate the effects of climate change and work towards a clean, healthy future for our world and its people.