Contributing to Realizing the SDGs
The Maxell Group has formulated its Corporate Sustainability
Vision for contributing to the Earth 100 years from
now through
its mission: "Contribute to a sustainable
society by innovating
unique, original technologies."
The 193 UN member countries, including Japan, unanimously adopted the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015.
The SDGs comprise 17 goals and 169 targets, which stem
from social issues that governments around the world aim to resolve on a global basis by 2030.
In addition, identifying companies in all industries as important partners, this initiative calls for the active participation
of companies in addressing and achieving the SDGs.
Accordingly, through its products and services and CSR activities, the Maxell Group will contribute to the realization of the SDGs.
The Maxell Group’s CSV
Business Management
The Maxell Group has placed greater emphasis on sustainability activities and established a dedicated department in FY2020 to strengthen the linkage between environmental and social issues and business.
As the world has been changing rapidly, we recognize the need to respond flexibly to these changes. Starting in FY2022, we will establish a system to further strengthen our corporate communication and promote information disclosure regarding our various responses to social changes and their development in the Maxell Group's business activities.
Anytime, Anywhere, in Safety
Energy Div.
All-solid-state batteries
- Value Proposition
-
Current lithium-ion batteries use electrolyte solution, which raises concerns about safety, battery life, and heat resistance.
All-solid-state batteries
We have succeeded in introducing high-performance inorganic solid electrolytes through the joint development with our long-time partner companies.
The all-solid-state battery can solve the problems of current lithium-ion batteries in terms of safety, heat resistance, and longer life, and will contribute to waste reduction and make up for labor shortage in various industrial fields by reducing maintenance work.
Anytime, Anywhere, in Safety
Energy Div.
Heat-resistant coin type
lithium batteries
- Value Proposition
-
The operating temperature range has been improved by using materials with excellent heat resistance and our proprietary encapsulation technology. These batteries are suitable for automotive applications such as power supplies for sensors in TPMS(Tire Pressure Monitoring System). This heat-resistant CR battery will be used in advanced systems for detecting flat tires, thus contributing to the global effort to reduce traffic accidents. From the standpoint of corporate responsibility, this aligns with the goal to protect safety and security of society. Maxell boasts a *70% share of the global market for this product. *Based on data as of August 2023, according to Maxell research.
Heat-resistant coin type lithium batteries
Anytime, Anywhere, in Safety
Energy Div.
Galvanic cell-type Lead-Free
Oxygen Sensors (O2 Sensors)
- Value Proposition
-
Although lead, a substance subject to the European RoHS Directive, is a hazardous chemical, it is exempted from use in oxygen sensors, for which no alternative technology has been established, and is used throughout the world. At Maxell, we are committed to solving social environmental issues by focusing its management resources on lead-free oxygen sensors, which are environmentally friendly products that we sell. By developing an anode that replaces lead and a weakly acidic electrolyte that is suitable for the anode, we have commercialized a long-life galvanic cell-type lead-free* oxygen sensor that is less susceptible to CO2 and other acidic gases. By not using lead* as an anode, we are reducing the risk of soil and marine pollution and its impact on the human body. *It means that the lead contained in each part (homogeneous substance) constituting the product is 0.1wt% or less.
Galvanic cell-type Lead-Free Oxygen Sensors (O2 Sensors)
Technological innovations in galvanic cell-type oxygen sensors
Support the improvement of people's quality of life.
Functional Materials Div.
Waterproof and airtight tape
(Butyl tape)
- Value Proposition
-
By reducing water leakage, mold growth, rusting of metal parts, and deterioration of wall and ceiling materials in buildings, waste is reduced. It also helps to improve the efficiency of air conditioning by filling in the gaps between housing components, such as around pipes leading to the interior and exterior of the building. In Southeast Asia, we are promoting the construction of houses using the tarpaulin method, and in North America, we are promoting the use of airtight materials.
Waterproof and airtight tape (Butyl tape)
By spreading the use of the tarpaulin method and airtight materials, we will not only improve the living space in the region, but also improve the skills of local contractors and consider the environment.
Approach to make social contributions
Maxell Group believes that its responsibility as a good corporate citizen is to develop community-based activities as a member of local communities, in addition to solving social issues through its business. We actively promote a variety of social contribution activities in order to realize a better society.
With Local Communities and Society.
Maxell Group is deeply aware that it is a member of society, and its basic philosophy is to devote itself to fair and transparent corporate behavior. At the same time, we strive to realize a truly affluent society as a good citizen through harmony with the environment and proactive social contribution activities. In order for Maxell Group, which has bases around the world, to coexist and co-prosper with society, employees take the initiative in conducting social contribution activities under the three pillars of “next-generation education,” “environmental conservation,” and “coexistence with the community.”
Next-generation education.
We want local elementary and junior high school students to experience the 'joy of working,' 'joy of making,' and 'joy of learning' through hands-on learning and manufacturing education at companies, not typically offered in schools.
With this in mind, Maxell Frontier Inc.’s Miyagi Works, Yonezawa Works, as well as Maxell, Ltd.’s Ono Works, have welcomed junior high school students and provided them with work experience opportunities. Additionally, Maxell’s Kyoto Works held a battery workshop for elementary school students.
Next-generation education.
Maxell aims to contribute to education and expand brand awareness by providing children, who bear the future, with opportunities to experience manufacturing. We are holding experiential events for elementary and junior high school students at the “
Kuse ga Aru (Edgy) Studio (in Art & Technology Village Kyoto)”, located next to Maxell’s Kyoto headquarters.
Sep 2024 “Charlie Nishimura's liquid nitrogen chilling experiment class” In cooperation with HORISON Corporation, experiments using liquid nitrogen were conducted for elementary and junior high school students with Charlie Nishimura, a well-known lecturer at science events. Air cannons, flowers and balloons were used to observe the changes. The children made sherbet with juice and learnt how clouds are formed.
November 2024 “Let's look into the world with handmade lenses! in Oyamazaki Yamafes” In cooperation with Tsukuru Manabu Kyoto Machiya Science Museum, primary school children were given an experience of making things on the themes of ‘mixing’ and ‘forming’. Participants learned about the history and characteristics of lenses in a quiz format and create water lenses. Participants also made their own original lenses and enjoyed learning about science.
Environmental preservation.
As part of our efforts to contribute to the local community and improve the environment, each of our business sites takes initiative in cleaning up the area around the site. (The pictures are an example.) In addition, the Kyoto HQ has invited volunteers to help clean up nearby beaches by picking up marine debris, mainly marine plastics.
Coexistence with communities.
As a member of the local community, we actively participate in community-based activities both in Japan and overseas. For example, Maxell's Kawasaki and Kobuchisawa Works contributed to polio vaccines through the collection of used postcards and other materials. In a collaborative effort, employees and their families gathered 222kg of aluminum cans, the proceeds from which were used to purchase a wheelchair that was donated to a social welfare organization. Twice a year, Maxell's Kyoto Works conducts a 'flower-filled activity' with two local elementary schools in the city of Oyamazaki. Students serving on the environment and horticulture committees are taught how to plant the flowers and sometimes discuss environmental issues while participating in friendly activities. Additionally, these flowers are displayed at athletic events, commencement, and graduation ceremonies.
"Green Stencil Program" to support tree planting activities
The Maxell Group's activities to combat global warming include ongoing efforts to conserve energy at plants and introduce renewable energy. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon in their bodies, making tree planting an effective means of reducing CO2 emissions. Maxell donates a portion of the proceeds from sales of electroformed products developed and manufactured using its precision microfabrication technology to plant larch trees. The larch will contribute to a reduction of approximately 250 kilograms of CO2 over 30 years. We have named this program "Green Stencil Program" and continue to promote it.
