Date of publication: 13 February 2017

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Chemical Group is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies. The group is comprised of more than 160 companies operating worldwide, offering a diverse range of products globally in the fields of petrochemicals, energy and functional materials, IT-related chemicals and materials, health and crop science products, and pharmaceuticals.

The company was founded in 1913 when a solution was needed to manage the harmful emissions from the smelting operations of the Besshi copper mine on the Japanese island of Shikoku. The innovative solution they found used a chemical process to turn the harmful sulphur dioxide emissions into a useful plant fertiliser. This approach of building businesses that solve a social or environmental problem has been a guiding principle for the company ever since. Their founder’s precept states “We must not merely see business profits but must contribute broadly to society through our business activities.”

The Challenge

Solving the SDGs presents business with a myriad of challenges to solve. For example, in recent decades there has been impressive growth in food production globally, mainly attributed to the development of improved, disease-resistant varieties of staple crops; the increased use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides; and the expansion of irrigated cropland. However, food production per capita has actually declined. With our global population estimated to reach 10 billion by 2050, demand will continue to outstrip food yields.

Sumitomo Chemical’s challenge is to develop a new product or framework using cutting-edge technology to optimise food production and reduce food waste, while radically improving crop yields. Specifically, the company is looking into the application of agricultural biosensors for both big and small producers.

The Solution

Sumitomo Chemical team have developed a digital agriculture solution using a novel application of biosensors that will help fruit farmers make smarter decisions on the best harvest time and efficient use of crop protection products.

By combining the sensors with an app that harnesses real-time cloud-based data, they can give farmers impartial advice on the projected price of the crop at the time of harvest, as well as how to change the time of harvest to maximise the value of the crop. The app will also give farmers advice on how best to use crop protection chemicals in such a way as to promote sustainable agriculture and maximise food quality.

The solution’s primary focus is on increasing food yields to help end hunger and improving food security and nutrition for all. However, the team recognises that success in this area is inextricably linked to promoting more responsible methods of production and stimulating the industry for sustainable agriculture.

Get to know the team:

Jung Eun (Angela) Lee, Manager, CSR, Logistics and Procureme
Jung Eun (Angela) Lee, Manager, CSR, Logistics and Procureme

Angela Lee is a manager overseeing CSR, Logistics and Procurement at the Regional headquarters of the Americas based in New York. She has 8 years of experience in global CSR coordination and corporate brand promotion, she is experienced in planning and execution of promoting group-wide activities based on the in-depth expertise in CSR management and internal communication.

Yosuke Nakashima, Manager, Planning and Business Development
Yosuke Nakashima, Manager, Planning and Business Development

Yosuke Nakashima is currently a Manager in the Global Research Coordinator and Technical division in Sumitomo Chemical America. Prior to this he was in charge of Corporate Planning and Coordination between 2014 and 2016 in Sumitomo Chemical Head Office in Tokyo. Before joining the corporate staff in Tokyo, he accumulated more than five years research and development experience in discovery research of agrochemical in the Health & Crop Research Laboratory between 2009 and 2014.

Irene Zaccari, Scientist
Irene Zaccari, Scientist

Irene Zaccari is a scientist developing biosensors for CDT. In particular she leads the development, optimization and testing of the biological sensing interface. She is also responsible for initiating and maintaining relationships with external collaborators both from industry and academia.

Get in touch:

For more info please contact BIChallenge@unglobalcompact.org


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