New Japan Chemical Co.,Ltd.

Our company was founded in 1919 as Osaka Acid Oxygen Co., Ltd., and this year marks its 106th year as a chemical manufacturer. From its inception, we practiced green chemistry by producing "oxygen" and "hydrogen" through electrolysis of water. The "oxygen" was sold for shipbuilding, steel industry use, and as medical oxygen during the Spanish flu pandemic, while the "hydrogen" was effectively used for hardening fish oil (a raw material for soap) and other applications over a century ago.

Founded Osaka Acid Hydroxide Co., Ltd.

Founded: November 10, 1919 (Taisho 8)

Founded

Commenced production and sale of oxygen and hydrogen via water electrolysis.

Started manufacturing and selling oxygen and hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water (until 1972). Established the corporate emblem. The emblem features two H’s (hydrogen) and one O (oxygen) to represent the company’s image of producing oxygen and hydrogen through water electrolysis.

Completed hardening oil equipment and began a fish oil hardening business utilizing surplus hydrogen.

Completed fatty acid equipment and began manufacturing fatty acids and glycerol from oils.

Started production of oleic acid and stearic acid, primarily for fiber oil agents and candle wax.

Commenced manufacturing laundry soap using hardening oil as a raw material.

Launched household detergent (coconut alcohol sulfate).

Started production and sale of hardening oil (margarine) as a food oil substitute.

Opened the Tokyo sales office.

Became a subsidiary of Koubu Spinning Co., Ltd. and was renamed Koubu Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.

Commenced production of pharmaceutical-grade glycerol.

Renamed to Acid Oxygen Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.

Listed its shares on the Osaka Stock Exchange.

Entered the plasticizer business by launching nDOP (di-n-octyl phthalate) using high‑grade alcohol (coconut alcohol).

Entered the plasticizer business by launching the plasticizer nDOP (di-n-octyl phthalate) using high‑grade alcohol (palm alcohol). Completed high‑pressure reduction equipment. Began production of high‑grade alcohol (conol) via high‑pressure reduction.

Completed high‑pressure reduction equipment and began producing high‑grade alcohol (conoil) via high‑pressure reduction.

Completed epoxy plasticizer equipment and began manufacturing the Sansosizer E‑2000 series.

Completed epoxy-based plasticizer plant. Began production of the Sansosizer E-2000 series. Started manufacturing the cleaning industry detergent Sandrex and the surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (Sinolin). Successfully industrialized cyclohexylamine (CHA) using hydrogenation technology.

Launched the Sansosizer DOP (di‑2‑ethylhexyl phthalate) plasticizer. First in Japan to produce anhydrous cobaltic acid (ricacid SA).

Launched the plasticizer Sansosizer DOP (di‑2‑ethylhexyl phthalate). First production of anhydrous co‑hydroxy acid (Ricacid SA) in Japan.

Manufacturing of the di-nucleotide plasticizer Sunsosizer DIDA (adipic acid diisodecyl) and Sunsosizer DOA (adipic acid di-2-ethylhexyl) commenced.

First manufacturing in Japan of 1,2,3,6-tetrahydroanhydrous phthalic acid (Ricacid TH) and hexahydroanhydrous phthalic acid (Ricacid HH). Entered the epoxy resin hardener business.

First production in Japan of 1,2,3,6‑tetrahydro anhydrous phthalic acid (Ricacid TH) and hexahydro anhydrous phthalic acid (Ricacid HH). Entered the epoxy resin hardener business. Using the company’s own raw material (Ricacid TH), began production of the non‑phthalate plasticizer Sansosizer DOTH (4‑cyclohexene‑1,2‑dicarboxylic acid bis(2‑ethylhexyl)). Completed the Tokushima plant (Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture).

Established the company emblem. Commenced manufacturing of epoxy hexahydrophthalic acid di-2-ethylhexyl (Sunsosizer E-PS).

Established the current corporate emblem. Began production of epoxy hexahydro phthalic acid di‑2‑ethylhexyl (Sansosizer E‑PS). Completed the Kawasaki plant (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) at the Tokai Petrochemical (now Tokai Chemical) complex.

Started production of hydrogenated bisphenol A (Ricabinol HB) and reduced lanolin (Ricalanol).

Established Albess Co., Ltd. for the purpose of selling surfactants.

Renamed to Shin Nihon Rika Co., Ltd.

Completed construction of a research institute within the Kyoto plant.

Commissioned by the New Technology Development Organization (now the Japan Science and Technology Agency) to develop "organic new gelators." Established Nichiko Co., Ltd.

Commissioned by the New Technology Development Group (now Japan Science and Technology Agency) to develop "organic new gelators." Established Nikkou Co., Ltd.

Commenced manufacturing of low-volatility, cold-resistant plasticizer Sunsosizer DUP.

Launched unsaturated high‑grade alcohol (Angecohol). Completed hydrogenated bisphenol A (Ricabinol HB) production facilities at the Tokushima plant. Successfully developed organic new gelators. Production facilities were completed.

Launched unsaturated high‑grade alcohol (Anjeco). Completed hydrogenation bisphenol A (Ricabinol HB) production equipment at the Tokushima plant. Successfully developed organic new gelators. Completed manufacturing equipment.

Established Nisshin Rika Co., Ltd. in a joint venture with Nissan Chemical Industries Co., Ltd. for plasticizer manufacturing.

Received the 5th Ichimura Award for developing "organic new gelators" from the New Technology Development Foundation.

Completed production facilities for unsaturated high‑grade alcohol (Angecohol) at the Tokushima plant. Production of unsaturated high‑grade alcohol by high‑pressure reduction was a first in Japan.

Completed unsaturated high‑grade alcohol (Anjeco) production equipment at the Tokushima plant. First production of unsaturated high‑grade alcohol by high‑pressure reduction in Japan.

Announced the reforming effect of adding a trace amount of organic new gelator (Gelol D) to polyolefins (improved transparency and dimensional stability).

Launched liquid anhydrous acid Ricacid MH & MH-700 (4‑methylhexahydroanhydrous phthalic acid).

Received the 12th Industrial Technology Award from the Japan Oil Chemical Association (now the Japan Oil Chemical Society) for "establishing and industrializing the manufacturing technology of long‑chain unsaturated alcohols by contact high‑pressure reduction."

Established Chiba Fatty Acid Co., Ltd. for fatty acid production with joint investment from Japan Oil & Fat Co., Ltd. and Asahi Electric Chemical Industries Co., Ltd. President Takashi Murai (at the time) received the Aizuchi Medal.

Established Chiba Fatty Acid Co., Ltd. jointly with Nippon Oil & Fat Co., Ltd. and Asahi Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd. for fatty acid production. President Takashi Murai (at the time) received the Order of the Rising Sun.

Launched new plasticizer Sunsosizer DINP (phthalic acid diisopropyl). With joint investment from Hercules Inc. of the United States, established Rika Hercules Co., Ltd. to produce lignin‑derived compounds.

Launched new plasticizer Sansosizer DINP (di‑isopropyl n‑butyl phthalate). Jointly established Rika Harkules Co., Ltd. with Harkules Inc. of the United States for the production of login derivatives.

Completed construction of a new building for the research institute. Launched sorbitol‑based crystal nucleating agent Gelol MD.

Completed construction of a new building at the research institute. Launched Sorbitol-based crystal nucleating agent Gelol MD.

Launched static‑charge‑preventing plasticizer (Sunsosizer C‑1100).

Developed oxidation technology and launched 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (Ricacid BT-W). Launched the Ricabion series of amphoteric surfactants. President Takashi Murai (at the time) received the 4th Class Rising Sun Medal.

Developed oxidation technology and launched 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (Ricacid BT-W). Launched the Ricbion series of amphoteric surfactants. President Takashi Murai (at the time) received the Fourth Class Rising Sun Medal.

Completed manufacturing facilities for diacid-based plasticizers (Sunsosizer DIDA, DOA, etc.) at the Kawasaki plant.

Received the Industrial Technology Award from the Osaka Industrial Research Association for the development of non-ionic plasticizers (Sunsosizer C-1100).

Established Iwatani Rika Co., Ltd. in a joint venture with Iwatani Sangyo Co., Ltd. to manufacture surfactants.

Established Iwatani Rika Co., Ltd. in partnership with Iwatani Sangyo Co., Ltd. for the purpose of surfactant manufacturing.

Completed multi-hydrogenation equipment at the Kyoto plant. Issued 75,000,000 SFr in Swiss franc convertible bonds. Established Henkel Rika Sdn. Bhd. in a joint venture with Henkel Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd. and Lucky Ltd. in Malaysia to produce high‑grade alcohols and glycerin.

Completed multi-hydrogenation equipment at the Kyoto plant.

Issued 75,000,000 Swiss francs convertible bonds.

Established Henkel Rika Sdn. Bhd. in partnership with Henkel Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd. and Lucky Ltd. in Malaysia for the purpose of producing premium alcohol and glycerin.

Signing ceremony of the Henkel Rika joint venture agreement.

Reclassified from the Second Section to the First Section of the Osaka Stock Exchange. Established Taiwan Shin Nippon Chemical Co., Ltd. in a joint venture with Nais Enterprise Co., Ltd. and Qichang Chemical Co., Ltd. in Taiwan to manufacture and sell surfactants.

Reclassified from the Second Section to the First Section of the Osaka Stock Exchange market.

Established Taiwan Shinichi Chemical Co., Ltd. in partnership with Nais Enterprise Co., Ltd. and Qichang Chemical Co., Ltd. in Taiwan for the purpose of manufacturing and selling surfactants.

Completed manufacturing equipment for 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (Ricacid BT-W) at the Kyoto plant.

Launched plant‑based unsaturated high‑grade alcohol (Ricacol).

Completed oxidation equipment at the Kyoto plant. Completed dedicated crystallization core equipment for sorbitol at the Tokushima plant. Successfully developed thermoplastic polyimide under a contract from the New Technology Development Organization (now Japan Science and Technology Agency). Obtained ISO‑9001 certification for the quality management system at Osaka headquarters, Tokyo branch, research institute, Kyoto plant, Tokushima plant, and Kawasaki plant.

Completed oxidation equipment at the Kyoto plant.

Completed dedicated sorbitol-based crystal nucleating agent equipment at the Tokushima plant.

Successfully developed thermoplastic polyimide commissioned by the New Technology Business Group (now the Japan Science and Technology Agency).

Obtained ISO-9001 certification for the quality management system (Osaka headquarters, Tokyo branch, research institute, Kyoto plant, Tokushima plant, Kawasaki plant).

Established RiKA International Ltd. in the UK for the sale of chemicals. Received the 47th Industrial Technology Award from the Osaka Industrial Research Association for the development of a new raw material for polyimide resin (3,3',4,4'-difluorophenylsulfonyl tetracarboxylic acid dihydrate: Ricacid DSDA).

Established RiKA International Ltd. in the United Kingdom for the sale of chemicals.

Received the 47th Industrial Technology Award from the Osaka Industrial Research Association for "Development of a new raw material for polyimide resin (3,3',4,4'-diphenylsulfonic tetracarboxylic acid dihydrate: Ricacid DSDA)."

Established SK NJC Co., Ltd. in Korea in a joint venture with SK Chemicals (Korea) and Mitsubishi Corporation to produce polyester resin raw materials. Established RiKAmerica Inc. in the United States for the sale of chemicals.

Established SK NJC Co., Ltd. in South Korea with joint investment from SK Chemicals (South Korea) and Mitsubishi Corporation, aiming to manufacture polyester resin raw materials.

Established RiK America Inc. in the United States for the purpose of selling chemicals.

Renamed Henkel Rika Sdn. Bhd. to Cognis Rika Sdn. Bhd. Acquired Rika Herculus Co., Ltd. as a subsidiary and renamed it Rika Fine Tech Co., Ltd.

Changed the company name of Henkel Rika Sdn. Bhd. to Cognis Rika Sdn. Bhd.

Made RIKAHYUKUS Corporation a subsidiary and changed its name to RIKAHYUKU Fine Tech Co., Ltd.

Completed multi‑hydrogenation equipment at the Tokushima plant. With our technical guidance, SK NJC Co., Ltd. in Korea completed manufacturing equipment for 1,4‑cyclohexane dimethanol (SKY CHDM).

Completed multi-hydrogenation equipment at the Tokushima plant.

Completion of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol (SKY CHDM) production facility in Korea by SK NJC Co., Ltd. under our technical guidance.

Completion of Shizuoka plant of Nisshin Rika Co., Ltd.

Opened the Sakai plant (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture). Began manufacturing alkyl ether sulfonic acid surfactants (Shinrin SPE series) at Nisshin Rika Co., Ltd. Obtained ISO‑14001 certification for the environmental management system at the Kyoto plant, research institute, Tokushima plant, and Kawasaki plant.

Opening of Sakai plant (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture)

Commencement of production of alkyl ether sulfonic acid-based surfactants (SinoLin SPE series) at Nisshin Rika Co., Ltd.

ISO-14001 Environmental Management System certification obtained for Kyoto Plant & Research Institute, Tokushima Plant, and Kawasaki Plant.

Obtained ISO‑9001 certification for the quality management system at Osaka headquarters, Tokyo branch, research institute, Kyoto plant, Tokushima plant, Kawasaki plant, and Sakai plant.

Consolidated surfactant manufacturing in Chiba and closed the Nisshin Rika Co., Ltd. Shizuoka plant.

Received the 41st Industrial Technology Award from the Japan Oil Chemical Society for the improvement of time‑dependent stability by selective hydrogenation of the conjugated double bonds of unsaturated alcohols. Established Grandee Biotechnologies Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia in a joint venture with Taiwan Shin Nippon Chemical Co., Ltd. and others to manufacture surfactants.

Received the 41st Industrial Technology Award from the Japan Oil Chemistry Society for "Improved time stability through selective hydrogenation of conjugated double bonds in unsaturated alcohols."

Established Grandee Biotechnologies Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia as a joint venture with Taiwan Shinichi Chemical Co., Ltd. for surfactant manufacturing.

Acquired Chiba Fatty Acid Co., Ltd. as a subsidiary. Obtained ISO‑14001 certification for the environmental management system at the Kyoto plant, research institute, Tokushima plant, Kawasaki plant, and Sakai plant.

Acquired Chiba Fatty Acid Co., Ltd. as a subsidiary.

ISO-14001 Environmental Management System certification obtained for Kyoto Plant & Research Institute, Tokushima Plant, Kawasaki Plant, and Sakai Plant.

Completed acid anhydride manufacturing equipment at the Sakai plant. Established an acid anhydride manufacturing system at both eastern and western sites. Renamed Cognis Rika Sdn. Bhd. to Emery Oleochemicals Rika Sdn. Bhd.

Completion of acid anhydride production facility at Sakai Plant. Established an acid anhydride production system at both eastern and western sites.

Renamed Cognis Lika Sdn. Bhd. to Emely Oleo Chemicals Lika Sdn. Bhd.

Acquired Nitto Kasei Industrial Co., Ltd. (a manufacturer and distributor of metal soaps and vinyl chloride stabilizers) as a subsidiary. Established NJC Korea Co., Ltd. in Korea for the sale of chemicals. Sold SK NJC Co., Ltd. (Korea) shares to SK Chemicals and dissolved the joint venture. Dissolved Rika Fine Tech Co., Ltd. Transferred its sales rights to Harima Kasei Co., Ltd. Continued Albess Co., Ltd. as the surviving company and merged Albess Co., Ltd. with Nichiko Co., Ltd.

Acquired Nippon Kasei Industrial Co., Ltd. (manufacturer and distributor of metal soaps and vinyl chloride stabilizers) as a subsidiary.

Established NJC Korea Co., Ltd. in Korea for chemical sales.

Sold SK NJC Co., Ltd. (Korea) shares to SK Chemicals and dissolved the joint venture.

Dissolved Rika Fine Tech Co., Ltd. and transferred its sales rights to Harima Chemical Co., Ltd.

Kept Albess Co., Ltd. as the surviving company and merged Albess Co., Ltd. with Nicho Co., Ltd.

Received the 60th Industrial Technology Award from the Osaka Institute of Technology for "Development of low-viscosity esters and lubricating oils for fluid bearings using them."

Merged with Chiba Fatty Acid Co., Ltd. while retaining Nisshin Rika Co., Ltd. as the surviving company.

Completed 1,4-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (Ricacid CHDA) plant at Tokushima factory. Received the 63rd Industrial Technology Award from the Osaka Institute of Technology for "Development of new amino-acid-based amphoteric surfactants (NJBone ASP series)." Moved from the First Section of the Osaka Stock Exchange to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Converted RiKAmerica Inc. into a subsidiary.

Completed 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid (Rikacid CHDA) facility at Tokushima Plant.

Received the 63rd Industrial Technology Award from the Osaka Institute of Technology for "Development of new amino acid-based amphoteric surfactants (NJBON ASP series)."

Reclassified from the First Section of the Osaka Stock Exchange to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Acquired RiKAmerica Inc. as a subsidiary.

Introduced a divisional structure. Changed the company name of RiKA International Ltd. to NJC Europe Ltd. and the company name of RiKAmerica Inc. to NJC America Inc. Exited the benzene derivative business (cyclohexylamine, etc.).

Implemented a division-based organizational structure.

Renamed RiKA International Ltd. to NJC Europe Ltd.

Change company name from RiKAmerica Inc. to NJC America Inc.

Withdraw from benzene derivative business (cyclohexylamine, etc.)

Transitioned to a company with an Audit Committee. Changed the company name of Grandee Biotechnologies Sdn. Bhd. to Nice Rika Biotechnologies Sdn. Bhd.

Transition to a company with an Audit and Related Committees

Change company name from Grandee Biotechnologies Sdn. Bhd. to Nice Rika Biotechnologies Sdn. Bhd.

Received the 67th Industrial Technology Award from the Osaka Institute of Technology for "Development of a cyclic carboxylic acid anhydride hardener (Ricacid TBN series) that enables thin-film curing of epoxy resins."

Received the 68th Industrial Technology Award from the Osaka Institute of Technology for "Development of 1,2,3-Propanetriacetic acid (Ricacid TCR-100)."

Received the 68th Industrial Technology Award for "Development of 1,2-propantaricarboxylic acid (Rikacid TCR-100)" from the Osaka Institute of Technology

Celebrated the 100th anniversary of establishment.

Introduction of headquarters system.

Completion of Kyoto R&D Center.