Respect for human rights, the development of human resources, and the promotion of diversity
Employee Interview: 6
Shin-Etsu Challengers
I want to take on challenges in new areas in an R&D environment where we face difficult challenges without fear of failure
E.A.
1st Department (oil), Silicone-Electronics Materials Research Center, Gunma Complex
Joined Shin-Etsu Chemical in 2005. Responsible for R&D of modified silicones for use in cosmetics.
Development is largely left to individual discretion
I work in a department that develops modified silicones. Since joining the Company, I have been in charge of the development of modified silicones used in cosmetics. These come in different types, including emulsifiers and coating agents, but currently our main work is the development of gels. Gels are used to improve the viscosity and stability of cosmetics, to blur wrinkles and pores through soft focus effects, and to improve the texture without stickiness. However, since there are many factors that affect such characteristics, we are developing the products through repeated trial and error by changing conditions from various angles. Therefore, when we receive a request to make a prototype, the delivery date is set, but I think it is largely left to the discretion of the development staff how to tackle the project, including the purchase of new equipment. In fact, the Company has placed quite a bit of emphasis on silicone R&D as company policy, and I find it very rewarding.
Avoiding delivery delays through the triangular link (production, development, sales)
(May 2023)
Shin-Etsu's manufacturing is based on a triangular link of customer-focused sales, development, and production. One day, a salesperson from our European subsidiary who was gathering information from multiple customers asked us to make a prototype gel. We proposed an improved product based on their evaluation of our prototype sample, and as a result, we were able to receive a large order from a major customer. That was the good news, but some of the raw materials used in this product came from overseas manufacturers, and because the timing coincided with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we could not receive the raw materials in a timely manner and we didn’t know when they would arrive. We were anticipating a major delay in delivery, but the production department was able to adjust the schedule to allow production as soon as the raw materials arrived, and we were able to supply the product without a major delay. I think this is the result of close communication between the sales and production departments. This developed product was also introduced at Japan's largest cosmetics industry technology exhibition (CITE JAPAN 2023) as a raw material that we aim to expand sales of. This is the first time that an original product initiated by a local subsidiary is introduced in the event.
Taking on a difficult challenge with encouraging words from the boss: “Do it your way”
In Shin-Etsu Chemical's R&D department, most researchers would rather think about how to tackle difficult problems than worry about failure.
The reason why I took charge of gels is because my predecessor was transferred overseas on short notice. That person had to leave just as we were struggling with the production of a launched product, so my first job was dealing with production problems. The gel had different characteristics from the products I had been in charge of up until then, and the manufacturing equipment was completely different. As I was wondering where to start, my boss at the time said to me, "I’ll accept blame if you fail, so just do it your way!" Perhaps thanks to those words, I was able to calmly analyze each process and successfully find the cause. We are now able to manufacture the product without any problems, and our production department has told us that it is one of the easiest products to manufacture.
Aiming to gain more knowledge and develop products that contribute to the environment
My current strength is that I have accumulated knowledge and experience in the field of gels, but on the other hand, I think that knowledge limited to a narrow range is also a weakness. Currently, it is difficult for me to embark on experiments and studies outside of my work, but I am trying to deepen my technical understanding of modified silicones outside of cosmetics. I'm also trying to acquire information on the environment and chemicals, knowledge of laws and regulations and quality control, and knowledge of the cosmetics in which the raw materials we develop are used, so that I can apply them to my work. Nowadays, there’s a growing demand for the development of products and production methods that take into account environmental issues such as global warming, ocean pollution, and air pollution. I would like to utilize the knowledge and experience I’ve gained so far to help develop such products.
Key Sustainability Issues
- The foundation of all activities: legal compliance, fair corporate activities
- Health and safety of employees and contractors
- Energy-saving, resource-saving, and reduction of the environmental impacts
- Product quality improvements and product safety control
- Promoting CSR procurement and the diversification of supply sources
- Respect for human rights, the development of human resources, and the promotion of diversity
- Respect for and protection of intellectual property
- Contribution to industry and social initiatives
- Accurate and timely information disclosure and communication with stakeholders