Circular Economy "P-FACTS" × SOLAMENT™: Exploring the Potential for Co-Creation X-TALK Vol.9【Part.2】

In X-TALK, we unravel the aspirations of two companies contributing to the environment through the biodegradable fiber material "PIECLEX ," which exerts antibacterial effects using electricity. In 【Part 2】, both companies discuss the potential for co-creation and share their commitment to future development.
The background of "PIECLEX" development is introduced in 【Part 1】.
【Part1】is here.

Profile

What's PIECLEX?

Co-Creation to Further Propel Both Materials

Tamakura: I am very interested in SOLAMENT™, developed by Sumitomo Metal Mining, as a material with great potential for the environment.

Tofuku: Since our company's founding, we have been engaged in mining development and metal refining. Without fear of being misunderstood, I must say that we do not have an image closely associated with carbon neutrality or sustainability. The foundation of SOLAMENT™ development lies in our desire to turn these negative perceptions into positive ones, particularly in addressing environmental and social issues.

Yano Our business inherently has a negative impact on the environment and society. To survive in this era as a company, it is essential to reduce these negative aspects and turn them into positive initiatives. However, in our Mineral Resources and Smelting & Refining businesses, the technical challenges are substantial, and the prevailing mindset has been to achieve a neutral balance rather than creating a positive impact. I am convinced that SOLAMENT™ can change this situation and have a more positive influence.

Tofuku One of the current uses of SOLAMENT™ is in the apparel industry. The material's near-infrared absorbing and heat-generating properties enable the production of lightweight and thin fabrics that are extremely warm, providing excellent skin protection and anti-transparency functions.

In agriculture, we are expanding its application to covering materials like agricultural greenhouses. Temperatures inside greenhouses can exceed 60°C in mid-summer, creating harsh working conditions for farm workers. By using SOLAMENT™, we can mitigate the temperature rise inside the greenhouse, protecting both people and crops.

Furthermore, by controlling the spectral distribution of sunlight (the balance of light necessary for photosynthesis), we can not only improve crop yields but also enhance quality (shape and taste). We are exploring various combinations to derive feasible solutions for SOLAMENT™ to gain global empathy for addressing various social issues. As a Research Engineer, I never imagined the current applications. Research Engineers tend to think that if they create something good, it will sell, but this is often Engineer’s ego and does not always resonate with the values or needs of the world. I never imagined SOLAMENT™ could be used in apparel or agriculture. In other words, SOLAMENT™ is gradually being branded outside the Research Engineer’s field, showing significant potential. Now that we see great possibilities, we aim to enhance brand power and recognition through co-creation with materials like PIECLEX.

Tamakura We are not aiming to brand PIECLEX as an apparel brand, but rather as a unique material. To achieve this, we are actively incorporating various technologies, including those from other companies, into PIECLEX. SOLAMENT™ could be one such technology. For example, PIECLEX becomes more effective in decomposition as temperature rises. By combining it with the heat-generating SOLAMENT™, we might be able to produce compost more efficiently. Such co-creation could further elevate both materials.

It's No Longer an Era Where One Company Can Keep Up with the Speed of the World Alone

Tofuku 　I also believe that PIECLEX has a high affinity with the future business I envision. Utilizing the functions of SOLAMENT™ might make it easier to convey the technology and vision of PIECLEX and President Tamakura. Currently, both P-FACTS and SOLAMENT™ are not widely known worldwide. They are just entering the phase of social implementation from the brand recognition and penetration stage. I hope we can establish our brands and someday achieve a brand collaboration of 'P-FACTS × SOLAMENT™'.

Yano In the field of sustainability, the more people and companies involved, the faster the initiatives progress. Co-creation with different stakeholders is crucial.

Tamakura Exactly. Nowadays, the world won't wait for a single company to complete its business. Japanese people tend to think that development takes time, but the development speed in China and the US is very fast. What Japanese aim to achieve in 10 years is realized in 3 years there. If one company cannot keep up with that speed, it should quickly form partnerships.

Tofuku And the more unexpected the partnership, the more impact it can have. Not many people would imagine our company or Murata Manufacturing partnering with apparel or agriculture. That itself becomes branding.

Yano Contributing to sustainability is also important for corporate branding in terms of securing talent. In Japan's current education system, SDGs are being taught in elementary, middle, and high schools. As a result, young people want to work for attractive companies that contribute to the environment and society. Not knowing this is very dangerous for companies. This mindset can help solve the most critical issue of talent shortage in Japanese companies. Securing talent is key to accelerating development speed.

Environmental Initiatives Can't Be Discussed as Mere Idealism

Tamakura From my experience, I realize that environmental initiatives cannot be discussed as mere idealism. To put it simply, environmental efforts must be profitable. Making a profit is essential for environmental businesses. We need to turn a profit early on, generate significant earnings, and use those profits to foster a society that considers the environment. While creating a society that contributes to the environment, we must responsibly make profits from the environment and continue this cycle. This is my current keyword.

Tofuku That's impressive. Saying "taking responsibility for profit" is not easy.

Tamakura: Social contribution is different from volunteer work. First, we need to expand sales, surpass the break-even point, and gain solid recognition from the company. Only then can both the business and social contribution continue. This must always be kept in mind. My ability to think this way is because the era where people naturally pay for the environment has finally arrived. Doing good for the environment should bring in money and circulating that money should further contribute to the environment. I want to accomplish this cycle.

Yano Both PIECLEX and SOLAMENT™ are involved in "clothing" within the basic needs of clothing, food, and shelter. Enhancing these basic needs and improving the quality of life leads to solving social issues. The concept is that everyone will be happy if their basic needs are satisfied. However, until now, BtoB companies have primarily focused on economic development as the goal and have not paid much attention to human well-being. If we view human well-being as the ultimate goal following economic development, it leads to the idea that profits are essential and that profits contribute to social contributions.

Tofuku Sumitomo Metal Mining, with its 430-year history, has survived by constantly adapting to environmental changes over the ages. There have been numerous significant business environment changes, such as wars, disasters, and recessions. Every time, we have significantly transformed ourselves to continue this long. Recently, the supply-demand balance has changed dramatically, shifting from mass production and consumption to a demand-driven era. Customers' preferences and values have changed significantly, and unless we are chosen by customers, we cannot sell. In this VUCA era, it is no longer possible for one company to monopolize profits. We must create mechanisms through co-creation that resonate globally. Remembering this, we aim to demonstrate the significance and value of a metal resources company handling SOLAMENT™.

Tamakura: It will likely take another 10 to 20 years for me to truly feel the contribution to the environment through PIECLEX. The time when it genuinely takes root will probably come after I am no longer here. For it to truly take root, it must become a profitable business year by year. It's not just about us making profits; our partners also need to make solid profits. Only then will economic rationality emerge, continuing for 10, 20, and 30 years. We have already derived a certain direction, and I believe it will succeed even if I am not here. However, I would like to stay a bit longer and enjoy it.