As its unique feature, the AGC Group is engaged in the chemicals business as a glass manufacturer. The Group’s first technological innovation for the environment began with the development of a new manufacturing method for caustic soda in 1975. Caustic soda is an industrial product used as a material for soaps and chemical fibers and as a bleach for paper and pulp. It is manufactured by the electrolysis of brine, with mercury being used and asbestos being discharged as waste in the traditional manufacturing process. In response, we developed a fluoropolymer ion-exchange membrane named Flemion and succeeded in converting the caustic soda manufacturing process to a very clean and environmentally responsible one. In addition, by developing high-performance electrodes to be used in the ion-exchange membrane electrolysis process, we achieved a substantial reduction (approximately 33%) in energy use compared with the traditional mercury process. In recognition of our promotion of the ion-exchange membrane process to the world, we were granted an award by the Minister of the Environment of Japan in 2006.
The AGC Group is engaged in the whole manufacturing process of chemicals, from the procurement of salt used as a material for caustic soda to the production of high value-added products, including fluorine chemicals. Through our extensive involvement in the chemicals business, we can contribute widely to the reduction of environmental impact in our own manufacturing process and also through the processing and use of our products by our corporate customers and the use of end products by general consumers.