Sustainability Topics (Society)

Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC) has commenced joint development with YMC Co., Ltd., on a full process from synthesis to refinement for difficult-to-express proteins,* which are expected to see demand in the biomedical field. As the protein market expands in the biomedical field, there is a growing demand for difficult-to-express proteins that cannot be easily expressed using traditional expression and purification techniques using live cells. Looking ahead, joint development using TNSC’s cell-free protein synthesis technology and YMC’s strengths in chromatography technology will enable them to supply customers in the drug discovery research reagent market and the biomedical market with products that are optimized for cost and quality. The two companies will strengthen their collaboration not only in the manufacture of difficult to express proteins through cell-free protein synthesis systems, but also in various other fields, such as the development of high-performance affinity columns, by maximizing their respective strengths in the process from synthesis to purification.

*Difficult-to-express proteins: Proteins that are difficult to produce in a form that functions correctly

“Minna Gas Shiru” (“Everyone Knows Gas”) is a package of services supporting autonomous safety activities. The name of the service expresses our desire for everyone who handles high-pressure gas to know more about gases. Centered on safety education videos about high-pressure gases, the service comprises hazard experience courses to give people responsible for safety management a real sense of the danger from inappropriate handling of gases, as well as an online salon providing comprehensive safety education. The service is available at a reasonable price depending on the number of participants. In April 2023, the service was officially released, and we started paid provision for customers. From April 1, 2024, we started providing the service for free to universities, vocational colleges, and industrial high schools. The provided package of services can all be used online and is customized for universities, vocational colleges, and industrial high schools to support self-directed safety activities around high-pressure gases. The package is centered on learning about high-pressure gas safety through watching videos, and also includes experiences of the hazards that arise from improper handling as well as various seminars to encourage noticing and reflection to promote the development of an organizational safety culture.

"Gas Shiru Learning" homepage screen 

Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation established the Diversity & Inclusion Office in April 2024. The focus of the office has been widened from promotion of women’s active participation to include promotion of active participation by diverse human resources, and it is working on training to eliminate unconscious bias and to develop female leaders, as well as improving systems that facilitate working while parenting. With the three pillars of the action policy for FYE2025—Action, Support, and Promotion—and under the leadership of a female executive officer, the office is expanding the scope of training programs, holding townhall meetings, and promoting stronger collaboration with the HR Division.

Nippon Sanso Holdings Singapore Pte. Ltd. (NSHS) hosted the 5th Annual Learning Festival 2023 for our workforce in Southeast Asia and India on August 4, 2023. The theme was “Mentoring and Coaching: Building the Next Generation of Leaders.” The event began with a speech by Helder Teixeira, President & CEO of NSHS, who shared his valuable experiences in two mentorship programs in Nippon Gases. External speakers were also invited to share their insights on coaching and mentoring. With regard to coaching in particular, NSHS aims to cultivate a coaching culture through training on coaching techniques for middle management. The company will continue to hold regional events, aiming to cultivate regional Group companies into open, collaborative, and adaptable organizations.