Corporate Social Responsibility

CDT, as part of the Sumitomo Chemical Group and through the power of innovation in advanced materials science, plays a major role in developing next-generation businesses in Material and Life Sciences, helping to solve global challenges related to Food, ICT, Healthcare and Environment.

The Sumitomo Chemical Group (SCG) has a clear Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy and contributes to solving the problems facing society and our environment while enriching people’s lives.

In keeping with our philosophy of Jiri-Rita Koushi-Ichinyo, we have a commitment to the preservation of the environment, safety, product quality and social activities. As well as naturally supporting our partners in becoming profitable, we strive to play a significant role in helping to build a sustainable society.

CDT supports SCG’s global CSR goals through focused research activities aimed at identifying innovative approaches to help find solutions to societal, technology and sustainability needs.

CDT’s research activities strive to identify innovative opportunities to contribute to and support the wider United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), notably in the areas of affordable and clean energy (for example, devices which convert waste heat to electricity) and good health and well-being (for example cost-effective and accurate diagnostic sensors). The sustainability impact of research projects is measured using a framework based on the UN SDGs.  We ensure that our key industry and academic contacts understand our commitment to developing a sustainable society and aim to partner with research institutions that share our goals.

In addition to our focused research activities, CDT also supports a number of the UN SDGs, including quality education, economic growth and technological innovation, through the support of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) education in the Cambridge region and the wider UK. CDT contributes through support and sponsorship of education initiatives, including encouraging employees to volunteer at STEM-related events, providing employees with a paid day for charitable and voluntary work,  and other initiatives that support employees’ personal development.

CDT supports gender equality, fair work, good health, and well-being through its internal employment policies, procedures, and practices.