value – PressAP

JCN Newswire

NEC launches Value Added xHaul Solution Suite with Open Ecosystem

February 16, 2023

TOKYO, Feb 16, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) and its ecosystem partners A10 Networks, Adtran (formerly ADVA), Fortinet and Juniper Networks have launched the Value Added xHaul Solution Suite to accelerate the monetization of operators' transport networks in the 5G era. The new solution suite will enable traditional IP and optical transport networking to bring additional value with enhanced capabilities, including datacenter networks, network security, and automation to maximize operators' profitability.In light of the transition to 5G, xHaul, the backbone of the entire network, needs to adapt to industry transformations, such as Open RAN to enable flexible networking, edge computing and network slicing for monetization, multi-domain automation for operational simplicity, as well as vigilant security measures to protect networks against increasing risks.To help operators tackle these emerging requirements for xHaul network evolution, NEC takes a unique holistic best-of-breed approach to move beyond the siloed proposition prevalent in the industry today. This collaborative approach improves efficiency and Return on Investment (ROI), enabling the optimization of the entire transport network. Leveraging its extensive experience as a global system integrator, as well as its IT and network engineering expertise, NEC delivers a single xHaul solution suite. The suite provides tailored solutions for operators to maximize the value and efficiency of their networks.As a part of 5G xHaul Transformation Services under NEC Open Networks, the new Value Added xHaul Solution Suite is engineered by NEC's 5G Transport Centers of Excellence (CoEs). NEC's central hubs meet regional and local operators' needs while ensuring the high performance of networks. The Value Added xHaul Solution Suite means NEC will continually contribute to advancing operators' xHaul networks and their business success globally. Supporting Quotes"We have been meeting the needs and demands of 5G in the networking and security areas through our strong and long-standing relationship with NEC. As a part of NEC's Value Added xHaul Solution Suite, we are thrilled to continuously provide solutions for the evolving 5G network," said Mikko Disini, VP Product Line Management, A10 Networks."This is an initiative based on strong relationships, close collaboration and our shared commitment to open and flexible ecosystems. Together, we're enabling operators to harness the latest multi-vendor innovation. With our secure optical and packet networking technology, along with our precise and reliable timing products, we're empowering NEC to address soaring demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency 5G networks and deliver a scalable solution for tomorrow's xHaul infrastructure," said Stephan Neidlinger, VP, Global Business Development, Adtran."The criticality of 5G networks and services in innovative use cases across industries emphasize the important role cybersecurity must play in operators' 5G infrastructure and services. As a leading cybersecurity vendor to mobile operators around the world, Fortinet is proud to be part of NEC's Value Added xHaul Solution Suite, empowering the delivery of secured, next-generation networking solutions to 5G operators," said John Maddison, EVP of Products and CMO at Fortinet."To be competitive, service providers must focus on the quality of user experience being delivered by their 5G-enabled infrastructure. So, it is crucial to select innovative, best-in-class solutions from a wide range of vendors in an open, interoperable environment (for example, Juniper's category-creating Cloud Metro portfolio), as well as work with a world-class integrator like NEC. This approach can uniquely unleash the true value of end-to-end automation, AI, cloud and other networking technologies in support of sustainable business models. Juniper welcomes this opportunity to continue our collaboration with NEC and its 5G ecosystem, creating networking solutions that can help service providers to deliver transformational experiences," said Thomas Desrues, Vice President, Strategic Alliances, Juniper Networks."NEC is committed to delivering innovative services with best-of-breed solutions built on a vibrant ecosystem of trusted industry partners. We are helping to resolve operators' pressing challenges in an end-to-end optimized approach. Our new Value Added xHaul Solution Suite addresses our customers' demands to adapt to emerging 5G dynamics in xHaul flexibly and with increased simplicity, better quality, and more profitability," said Hideyuki Ogata, General Manager, Service Provider Solutions Department, NEC CorporationAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

Three partners build a demonstration system for CO2NNEX for e-methane, a digital platform for visualizing CO2 emissions across e-methane value chain and transferring e-methane’s environmental value

February 15, 2023

TOKYO, Feb 15, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), and IBM Japan, Ltd. today jointly announced that they have built a demonstration system (the "System," see Figure 1) for CO2NNEX for e-methane, a digital platform for visualizing the amount of CO2 emissions across the value chain of e-methane (methane synthesized with the methanation technology) and transferring e-methane's environmental value. CO2NNEX for e-methane is based on CO2NNEX, a digital platform being developed by MHI and IBM Japan for visualizing the CO2 supply chain. In conducting the PoC (Proof of Concept) of CO2NNEX for e-methane, the three partners will discuss and exchange views with the Japan Gas Association, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., Toho Gas Co., Ltd., and INPEX CORPORATION to identify effective ways to promote the use of e-methane and establish its environmental value.Figure 1: The System's web siteFigure 2: Visualization of CO2 emissionsFigure 3: Transfer of e-methane’s environmental valueUsing the System, this tripartite project aims to achieve the following: A system for managing the amount of CO2 emissions from its sources throughout the e-methane supply chain to provide the data of e-methane's quantified environmental value to gas users; A shared platform that digitally connects e-methane production sites to markets for trading and transferring the environmental value of e-methane, which will be blended with natural gas in the pipeline. The three partners pursue this initiative, aiming to contribute to the transition to a net zero society, which requires practical solutions as currently studied, such as CO2 accounting methods for CCU (carbon dioxide capture and utilization), including methanation, and the application of the accounting methods for e-methane, a recycled-carbon fuel.The System has been established as part of the partners' joint project for another PoC that has been underway since October 2022 utilizing CO2NNEX. For the System, the partners have developed a feature that visualizes the amount of CO2 emissions throughout the e-methane lifecycle, from production to transport, supply, and combustion (see Figure 2) and a feature that displays the balance of e-methane environmental value held by each participant and requests/authorizes the trading of the value (see Figure 3).The project plans to conduct the demonstration to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of utilizing CO2NNEX for e-methane while promoting a wider recognition of the System to collect feedback from academia, industry, and government. The partners intend to apply the PoC results to planned methanation demonstrations, aiming to realize the practical application of e-methane and contribute to achieving a carbon neutral society.About CO2NNEX for e-methaneCO2NNEX for e-methane quantifies e-methane's environmental value by tracking and managing CO2 emissions throughout the e-methane supply chain from production to supply, including transport, and combustion by each participant at each location. The project aims to build a shared platform that transfers and trades e-methane's environmental value.About methanationMethanation is a technology for synthesizing methane, the main component of natural gas, from hydrogen and CO2. The resulting product is known as e-methane. The use (combustion) of e-methane results in no effective increase in CO2 for society as a whole because CO2, which is normally emitted into the atmosphere, is captured and recycled for use in producing e-methane. Also, methanation is expected to be an economically efficient way of achieving carbon neutrality, with e-methane being distributed through the existing gas infrastructure and combusted in existing gas appliances, requiring no large-scale investment for constructing new energy systems or modifying the existing ones.About Osaka GasOsaka Gas announced the Daigas Group Carbon Neutral Vision in January 2021 for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 mainly through the introduction of carbon neutral gas produced by methanation, decarbonization of its power sources primarily through the use of renewable energies and the reduction of carbon emissions. The company is also conducting a number of studies on developing methanation projects overseas - notably in Australia, South America, and Southeast Asia - for the commercialization of methanation technology.About MHIMHI Group is actively involved in programs targeting the realization of a carbon neutral society. Building a CO2 ecosystem is central to its energy transition initiatives. As a global leader in CCUS, the company aims to accelerate this ecosystem development by seeking widespread adoption of related hardware as well as the CO2NNEX digital platform.About IBM JapanApplying its experience in supporting numerous customers worldwide, IBM Japan accelerates the development of CO2NNEX by utilizing its blockchain technology enabling highly secure, transparent, and reliable data sharing; its hybrid cloud technology for building an agile and flexible IT environment linking a cloud and existing systems; and its AI technology enabling visualization, automation and optimization of a value chain.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

NEC Orchestrating Future Fund, an Ecosystem-type CVC Fund, Completes Final Close for US$140 Million

November 30, 2022

TOKYO, Nov 30, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) has completed the final close of the "NEC Orchestrating Future Fund"(1), an ecosystem-type corporate venture capital (CVC) fund established in December 2021 for US$140 million (approximately 20 billion yen). This CVC fund was made possible through investments from NTT FINANCE CORPORATION, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, Fund Corporation for the Overseas Development of Japan's ICT and Postal Services Inc., and Japan Industrial Partners, Inc., which share NEC's vision of the future.NEC will accelerate the creation of new social value through co-creation with international and domestic startups that pioneer new markets with cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models.This CVC fund has been scouting startups for co-creation in the global market with the aim of realizing five social visions: "City" as a place for people's activities, "Communication" to connect people and goods, "Business" to support industry and society and fulfill one's purpose for being, "Environment" and "Life" as a way of life. As of November 2022, the fund has invested in two startup companies and has launched initiatives to create new social value, including a collaboration with SINAI Technologies Inc. in the decarbonization business.Everestlabs.AI provides high value-added solutions for increasing recovery and use of recyclable resources through AI and automation that support the realization of the circular economySINAI Technologies Inc. provides end-to-end CO2 calculation and decarbonization intelligence solutions, from reporting to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions"NEC aims to create social value under the motto 'Let's bring amazing ideas to life, together', and through this CVC Fund, NEC is seeking to realize "insight into the future". The Fund bundles investments by various investors and invests in startups with promising growth based on the judgement of the General Partner. Going forward, we will continue to accelerate initiatives in support of the 'NEC 2030VISION'(2), our vision for the future of society, through the collaboration among well-established companies, institutions, and startups," said Masamitsu Kitase, Senior Vice President, NEC Corporation.(1) Registered as: NEC AND TRANSLINK ORCHESTRATING FUTURE FUND, L.P.(2) About the NEC 2030VISIONwww.nec.com/en/global/about/vision/index.htmlAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

Global Innovation & Value Summit (GIVS2022): Why ESG Evaluation Matters, to be held November 18

November 17, 2022

KYOTO, Japan, Nov 17, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Opening the COP27 Conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres chided world leaders about their ongoing inaction, warning that immediate, real and tangible action is required to address the climate crisis, or "we are on the highway to hell, with our foot on the accelerator."IAFOR GIVS Symposium 2022 to be held on November 18: https://givs.iafor.org/ According to Prof. Philip Sugai, Director of the Value Research Center (VRC) in Kyoto, Japan, "Corporations are now pressed to answer to a more diverse group of stakeholders, and while there are more than a hundred different types of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) evaluation and reporting systems, none yet offer the guidance and strategic value to businesses that are required to address the many complex issues facing business leaders today."The 2022 IAFOR Global Innovation and Value Summit (GIVS) is focused on providing one possible offramp from Guterres's highway to hell, showcasing a new approach to measure and monitor the value created and destroyed by companies irrespective of their size, industry or location. The Value Model offers a powerful alternative to currently available ESG evaluation systems (ie MSCI, Bloomberg and FTSE4Good) with a new, more holistic approach for measuring, managing and creating value for a diverse group of stakeholders not yet found in any single existing ESG or sustainability reporting framework. The 2022 GIVS event, "The Future of ESG and Value: Why ESG Evaluation Matters", will include two panel sessions in the areas of sustainability, purpose, and value. Prof. Toshiya Hoshino, Director, ESG-Integration Research and Education Center (ESG-IREC) at Osaka University's Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP) and former Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, will deliver the keynote speech. Having attended COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, he will bring to the Symposium valuable insights on the difficult international negotiations at the COP27 conference.The first panel session will cover critical issues that business leaders, regulators and policy makers need to focus on over the coming 12-24 months related to the implementation of ESG and sustainability within their organizations, and introduces the VRC Value Model. The second panel will explain the VRC Value Model and introduce the Value Model certification course.The full agenda for the 2022 IAFOR GIVS event ( https://givs.iafor.org/ ) is as follows:13:00-13:30: Keynote Address - Prof. Toshiya Hoshino, Director, ESG-Integration Research and Education Center, Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP), Osaka University 13:30-15:00: Session 1 - Moderator: Prof. Haruko Satoh, OSIPP; Value Measurement & Sustainability, Challenges & Opportunities (15 min presentation each, 30-minute discussion)- Speaker 1: Mr. Paul Beddie, International Ambassador, SAP - Speaker 2: Dr. Flocy Joseph, Singapore Management University- Speaker 3: Prof. Philip Sugai, Value Research Center (VRC), Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan15:00-15:15: Break15:15-16:45: Session 2 - Introducing the Value Model and Value Model Certification Program- Speaker 1: Prof. Philip Sugai, Value Research Center (VRC)- Speaker 2: Dr. Kumar Iyer (VRC)- Speaker 3: Seitaro Owada (EcoRing)16:45-17:00: Concluding address - Mr. Setsu Mori, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Alterna MagazineThis course will be provided by the Value Research Center, in collaboration with the ESG-Integration Research and Education Center (ESG-IREC) at Osaka University's Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP), as well as the VRC Juku, a new membership organization dedicated to thought leadership in value creation and measurement, with D-Bridge, a non-profit organization at Doshisha University (Kyoto, Japan).The time for action to attain UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is growing more critical every day. As neoliberal capitalism's excessive focus on company and shareholders' profits is increasingly identified as a major driver of environmental destruction as well as a host of social and economic inequality issues, today's business leaders are evaluated not only on their ability to create profitable outcomes, but to do so while simultaneously delivering real, tangible value for the other stakeholders, which include customers, employees, partners, society and ultimately the planet.About IAFORFounded in 2009, The International Academic Forum (IAFOR) is a politically independent non-partisan and non-profit interdisciplinary think tank, conference organiser and publisher dedicated to discussion, awareness and exchange through educational interaction and academic research. Based in Nagoya, Japan, its research centre is in the Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP), Osaka University. Visit https://iafor.org/.About VRCThe Value Research Center (VRC) at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan was established in November 2021. Its mission: to develop a practical system called The Value Model, enabling organizations to measure, monitor, assess and report on their impacts to 7 key stakeholders: the organization itself, its shareholders, employees, customers, partners, society, and the planet.The VRC enhances The Value Model continuously, integrating new frameworks as they are introduced, bringing greater transparency, objectivity and measurability to value creation - in ways we don't often see. The VRC Value Model gives government and industry the eyes to see impacts they're actually having, and the ability to fix what's broken, and enhance what they're doing well. Visit www.valueresearchcenter.com.About ESG-IRECThe Osaka University Graduate School of International Public Policy - ESG Integration Research and Education Center (ESG-IREC) conducts research on practical implementable "ESG integration" models in corporate and business activities for the creation of a more sustainable future. Visit www.osipp.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

Seiryoku Zenyo, Jita Kyoei spirit is fundamental to Value Creation

September 23, 2022

KYOTO, Japan, Sep 24, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Those in power have a choice, whether to use that power for their own benefit at the expense of all others or to use that power to help society constantly improve for the betterment of all. Based on which of these choices they make, the social impact of their efforts will change drastically. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, the belief that one country, company or individual should win at the expense of others continues to be at the heart of our collective thinking about competition. But what if there was a different way? "The Japanese martial arts, or "Bu-do" in Japanese, are different from traditional sports, because their ultimate goal is to build the character of those who practice," says Yoshie Sugai, Founder of Chiseikan Dojo in Kyoto, Japan. "In doing so, Budo was created to nurture leaders who can lead society toward prosperity and peace, rather than dominating others for individual gain."Yoshie Sugai will present these ideas as part of a larger panel discussion on value creation and sustainability, convened by the Value Research Center (VRC) at Doshisha University for the United Nations General Assembly 77 (UNGA77) Science Summit on Monday, September 26th from 09:00 - 11:30 AM EST. Sugai will speak in the final panel of the "Valuing Value: How any organization can measure stakeholder value" session. She will include insights into the role of "Do" within Japanese culture, and how the actual application of "Seiryoku Zenyo, Jita Kyoei" principles by Minoru Mochizuki-sensei led to unexpected positive results for hundreds of thousands of people. She hopes to spark similar applications of the philosophy, and the fullest use of our energy for the mutual benefit of our communities, societies and countries globally."The idea that those in power have a responsibility to foster prosperity across all of their stakeholders is at the heart of what the VRC will be presenting at this year's UNGA Science Summit," said Dr Masato Yamazaki, Professor Emeritus at Aquinas College in Michigan. "Yoshie Sugai-sensei's introduction of the philosophy of 'Seiryoku Zenyo, Jita Kyoei' from Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, and his student and founder of Yoseikan Budo, Minoru Mochizuki, is critically important to anyone who is serious about value creation in business or government. Without the moral and ethical foundation that Yoshie will introduce, value creation efforts are bound to fail."Free registration for the UNGA77 Science Summit, and further information on the Valuing Value workshop are available at https://sched.co/1AWkD.About Chiseikan Dojo (Aikido in Kyoto)Chiseikan Dojo was founded in Kyoto Japan in April 2021. It is built upon a foundation of Aikido which integrates techniques and forms from other Japanese martial arts including karate, judo, jujutsu, and iaido. Chiseikan Dojo also teaches the underlying philosophy of the Japanese martial arts to all students, including children and adults. Chiseikan Dojo teaches the Nenshinryu Budo style which was founded by Toru Kinefuchi-sensei, a live-in student of Minoru Mochizuki-sensei, who held advanced black belts in multiple Japanese martial arts styles and was awarded the French Legion d'Honneur for spreading the martial arts throughout France.Visit online www.aikidoinkyoto.com, or Email: info@aikidoinkyoto.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

ACN Newswire

Value Research Center (VRC) publishes August White Paper: The VRC Value Model & EFRAG

September 6, 2022

KYOTO, Japan, Sep 6, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Companies and sustainability teams need a new model for measuring and managing stakeholder impacts, as claims of corporate greenwashing and value washing increase daily. The Value Research Center (VRC) at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan has announced the publication of its 2022 August White Paper, focusing on the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG's) latest disclosure drafts for sustainability reporting, and how this model aligns with and deepens the overall quality of the VRC Value Model.The Value Research Center (VRC) publishes 2022 August White Paper: The Value Model & EFRAGAccording to Professor Philip Sugai, Director of the Value Research Center, "After integrating EFRAG's 114 draft disclosure requirements into the VRC Value Model, we were impressed with the scope of EFRAG's coverage of many of the Value Model's stakeholders, themes and goals. Especially with their push for companies to document their impacts using 'double materiality', we see a shift towards greater understanding of business decisions on individual stakeholder groups."SAP Japan International Ambassador Paul Beddie said, "The VRC In Kyoto has been working to organize the world's top ESG and Sustainability Reporting frameworks into a goal-based, value creation model that will help companies to create value across their key stakeholders. Companies around the world are in desperate need of a way to consolidate the alphabet soup of standards to reduce their workload on ESG reporting and focus more on the critical ESG outcomes they transformed their businesses to achieve. "The VRC's Value Model is a very effective tool for doing just that. The additional integration of the draft reporting standards from EFRAG should also help companies doing business in the EU to align their disclosures with the EU Taxonomy."With the publication of the August White Paper, the VRC will begin to collaborate with several of the world's leading companies in adopting the VRC Value Model, applying it to their own ESG and sustainability reporting requirements, and creating forward-looking sustainability strategies rather than backwards-focused disclosures.Professor Sugai will be hosting a session at the UNGA77 Science Summit, where he will discuss the VRC Value Model and its broader practical applications, together with a panel of experts from academia, government, and business.The UNGA77 Science Summit session, "Valuing Value: How any Organization Can Measure Stakeholder Value and "Ethical Capitalism" (https://ssunga77.sched.com/event/1AWkD), will be held on Sept 26 from 9:00 to 11:30 AM EST. Registration for the complete UNGA77 Science Summit is free and available at https://ssunga77.sched.com/tickets.The "2022 August White Paper: The Value Model & EFRAG" is available for download at the Value Research Center website: www.valueresearchcenter.com/publications.For more information about the Value Research Center and its projects, please visit: www.valueresearchcenter.com, or email Professor Philip Sugai at: info@valueresearchcenter.com .About the Value Research CenterThe Value Research Center (VRC) at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan was established in November 2021. Its mission: to develop a practical system for organizations to measure, monitor, assess and report on the impacts that they have on various stakeholder groups.The VRC continues to enhance its Value Model, integrating new frameworks as they're introduced, bringing greater transparency, objectivity and measurability to value creation - in ways we didn't see. The VRC Value Model gives government and industry eyes to see the impacts they're actually having, to fix what's broken, and enhance what they're doing well. For more information, visit www.valueresearchcenter.com. Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

Teijin and Fujitsu Agree to Jointly Develop Blockchain-based Commercial Platform to Promote Sustainable Use of Recycled Materials

July 12, 2022

TOKYO, Jul 12, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Teijin Limited (hereinafter Teijin) and Fujitsu Limited today launched a joint project to realize a blockchain-based commercial platform for enhancing the environmental value of recycled materials for manufacturers. The collaboration will promote environmentally conscious design(1) by leveraging Teijin's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Calculation Method for measuring the environmental impact of manufacturing processes across the value chain, as well as Fujitsu's blockchain technology to collect and track primary data on environmental impact (including GHG emissions) to deliver reliable, transparent traceability.Image of platform for enhancing the environmental value of recycled materialsThe new platform will promote the use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly designs by providing manufacturers who design products from recycled materials with accurate information about their environmental footprint, including proof of origin of recycled materials and data on GHG emissions.This joint effort demonstrates the two companies' commitment to contributing to the realization of the common global goal of a carbon-neutral future for humanity.BackgroundMeasuring and reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing processes as well as enhancing the environmental value of recycled materials represents an ongoing challenge for players in the manufacturing industry.To this end, manufacturers are increasingly introducing LCA throughout the life cycle of products, disclosing evaluation results, and taking proactive measures to obtain environmental labels(2) as part of their environmental impact management strategies. The introduction of stricter environmental regulations in Europe in particular requires companies to not only adjust to additional requirements in the manufacturing process, but also to focus on environmentally friendly designs and materials. In particular, fiber reinforced plastics (FRP), which are increasingly used for industrial purposes particularly in the transportation field such as aircraft and electric vehicles (EVs), will require more advanced, environmentally conscious design efforts in the future.To achieve these goals, both the government and the private sector are actively working to regulate waste disposal and develop improved recycling technologies. However, transparency and traceability of recycled materials remain an ongoing challenge, and demand for solutions for reliable information management is expected to grow amidst trends to institutionalize the verification of the usage of recycled resources.To address this issue, Teijin and Fujitsu started collaboration on a blockchain-based commercial platform to promote sustainable use of recycled materials and provide manufacturers with reliable and transparent information on the origin of recycled resources and data on GHG emissions.Outline of the joint projectTeijin has established a method for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from carbon fiber and aramid fiber manufacturing processes and is also promoting initiatives related to FRP recycling. Fujitsu has a strong track record in building systems using blockchain technologies that ensure high transparency and traceability and makes it virtually impossible to falsify information.Features of the new platform- The new platform will improve the reliability and the environmental value of recycled materials by leveraging Fujitsu's blockchain technology to collect and trace primary data on environmental impact (including GHG emissions) across the value-chain- The new platform will promote the use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly designs by providing manufacturers who design products from recycled materials with environmental impact information, including proof of origin of recycled materials and highly reliable GHG emissionsFuture plansAs a first step in their collaboration, Teijin and Fujitsu will start full-scale trials with the aim of realizing business in the FRP field within fiscal 2022. Based on the results of these trials, the two companies will consider expanding the scope of the project for other types of materials.Moving forward, Teijin and Fujitsu will continue to contribute to the materials industry as a starting point for the realization of a "circular economy" and will promote environmentally conscious design in society by promoting the use of reliable recycled materials.The two parties will further promote discussions and field trials with partner companies and organizations that support this initiative to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality on a corporate and global level.In order to realize a sustainable society, Teijin will provide innovative, people-centered solutions that improve peoples' quality of life. Teijin will further strive to mitigate the impact of its business activities on the environment and society to realize its long-term vision "to be a company that supports the society of the future." Fujitsu is promoting "Sustainable Manufacturing" to achieve growth through the coexistence of people and the earth as one of its key focus areas under its global business brand, Fujitsu Uvance.(1) Environmentally conscious design:Design that takes into account the entire life cycle of a product and aims to reduce its environmental impact(2) Environmental label:A mark that informs purchasers of how products and services contribute to the reduction of environmental impactAbout the Teijin GroupTeijin (TSE: 3401) is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the fields of environmental value; safety, security and disaster mitigation; and demographic change and increased health consciousness. Originally established as Japan's first rayon manufacturer in 1918, Teijin has evolved into a unique enterprise encompassing three core business domains: high-performance materials including aramid, carbon fibers and composites, and also resin and plastic processing, films, polyester fibers and products converting; healthcare including pharmaceuticals and home healthcare equipment for bone/joint, respiratory and cardiovascular/metabolic diseases, nursing care and pre-symptomatic healthcare; and IT including B2B solutions for medical, corporate and public systems as well as packaged software and B2C online services for digital entertainment. Deeply committed to its stakeholders, as expressed in the brand statement "Human Chemistry, Human Solutions," Teijin aims to be a company that supports the society of the future. The group comprises some 170 companies and employs some 20,000 people across 20 countries worldwide. Teijin posted consolidated sales of JPY 926.1 billion (USD 7.2 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,207.6 billion (USD 9.4 billion) in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2022. Please visit www.teijin.comAbout FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

MHI Invests in Electric Hydrogen, a U.S. Startup, to Accelerate Efforts to Produce Clean Hydrogen at Scale

June 23, 2022

TOKYO, Jun 23, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) announced today that it has invested in Electric Hydrogen (EH2), a clean hydrogen startup headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, to support its efforts in developing cost-competitive, fossil-free hydrogen. Through this investment, MHI aims to strengthen and diversify its hydrogen value chain, advance its energy transition business, and act on its commitment toward global carbon neutrality goals. The investment has been executed through Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. (MHIA), which joins a consortium of investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Equinor, Amazon, Honeywell, and Rio Tinto."No single company can provide needed technology to achieve global decarbonization, which is why we recognize the importance of investing in and enabling companies like Electric Hydrogen to develop new solutions," said Takajiro Ishikawa, President and CEO of MHIA.EH2's patented approach to electrolysis - the process of producing hydrogen from electricity and water - is specially designed for the high-volume, low-cost production required to support massive industrial operations, which could significantly improve the levelized cost of hydrogen.This investment will support the scale-up of EH2's high electrolyzer technology and its use in the manufacturing, and deployment of pilot projects to produce fossil-free hydrogen (also known as "green hydrogen") at large scale for industrial and infrastructure applications.Industries not amenable to electrification, such as steel, fertilizer and intercontinental energy transport, account for more than a third of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions, according to EH2. Hydrogen, when produced in places with abundant and clean electricity, is a promising pathway for decarbonizing these industries.MHI is working to build a hydrogen value chain through its proprietary technologies, plus investment and collaboration with companies such as EH2.About Electric HydrogenElectric Hydrogen (EH2) is a deep decarbonization company pioneering new technology for low-cost, high-efficiency, fossil-free hydrogen systems. Focusing on industrial applications of hydrogen in steel, ammonia and freight transport, EH2's goal is to help eliminate more than 30% of global GHG emissions from hard-to-electrify industries. Their leadership team has revolutionized other clean energy sectors at Tesla and First Solar and they are backed by world-class climate tech investors like Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Prelude Ventures, Capricorn Investment Group, Energy Impact Partners, Fifth Wall Climate Tech and S2G Ventures. The company also benefits from partnerships with strategic investors that are leaders in their target sectors, including Amazon Decarbonization Fund, Cosan, Equinor, Honeywell, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Rio Tinto.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Eisai Publishes Potential Economic Value of Investigational Lecanemab in Peer-Reviewed Neurology and Therapy Journal

June 22, 2022

TOKYO, Jun 22, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. today announced publication of results from an early phase evaluation that aimed to estimate potential economic value of its investigational anti-amyloid-beta (Abeta) protofibril antibody lecanemab in people living with early Alzheimer's disease (AD) using a validated disease simulation model, AD Archimedes Condition Event (AD ACE) model1,2,3 from the healthcare payer and societal perspectives in the United States, in the peer-reviewed journal Neurology and Therapy. This is the second publication of lecanemab's potential value. It follows the evaluation of the long-term health outcomes using simulation modeling of lecanemab published in Neurology and Therapy in April 2022.4 While the healthcare payer perspective focuses on direct care costs (e.g., outpatient and inpatient services, medications, intervention costs, nursing home and home healthcare services), the societal perspective further considers societal costs (e.g., productivity loss and informal care costs). As reported in the previous publication, it was suggested that compared to standard of care* (SoC), individuals treated with lecanemab in addition to SoC (lecanemab+SoC) may potentially experience slower disease progression to mild, moderate and severe AD from baseline by 2.51, 3.13 and 2.34 years on average, respectively. The preliminary results of this model-based simulation could possibly translate into additional quality-adjusted life years (QALY**) and reduction in the formal and informal care costs***. Additionally, the AD ACE model framework used in this study allowed assessment of the potential value of lecanemab in different scenarios and sensitivity analyses, including the impact of patient subsets, alternative treatment stopping rules**** and potential dosing regimens as well as major sources of uncertainty. Eisai is committed to conducting and sharing these types of clinical and socioeconomic analyses to establish trust as we work to potentially bring lecanemab to people living with early AD who have confirmed presence of amyloid pathology in the brain. To that end, Eisai would like to provide a common foundation for stakeholders' discourse regarding the potential clinical and socioeconomic value of lecanemab from the societal perspective, not to assign a price for lecanemab at this time. This model-based simulation was conducted using the results of a Phase 2b clinical trial (Study 201) evaluating the efficacy and safety of lecanemab for early AD with confirmed amyloid pathology as well as published literature. It also estimated the potential economic value of lecanemab+SoC over a broad range of willingness-to-pay thresholds from $50,000 to $200,000 per QALY gained as recommended by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER)*****. Lecanemab+SoC was predicted to result in a gain of 0.61 QALYs and a decrease in total non-treatment costs of $8,707 per person from the healthcare payer perspective (Societal perspective: 0.64 QALYs gain and $11,214 decrease) compared to the SoC for patients with early AD who have confirmed presence of amyloid pathology. The potential annual value-based price (VBP) of lecanemab was estimated at $9,249 to $35,605 (Societal perspective: $10,400 to $38,053) based on this early economic assessment. ICER's value framework5 indicates that value cannot be wholly derived from measures of clinical and cost-effectiveness, so contextual considerations and an examination of other benefits and disadvantages are also added into the framework when assessing long-term value. This may lead to using the societal perspective and higher end of the broad range of willingness-to-pay threshold in estimating the justifiable price of lecanemab, given the large societal burden of AD relative to direct healthcare costs. Many people living with AD received informal care from their family and friends totaling more than 16 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $271.6 billion in the U.S. in 2021.6 These predicted and simulated findings suggest that early treatment with lecanemab may reduce these costs and economic burdens, and provide insights for healthcare decision-makers regarding the potential clinical and socioeconomic value of lecanemab. The Phase 3 lecanemab Clarity AD data will soon be available to inform the model inputs and refine the findings. In the event that lecanemab receives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval, Eisai may determine a VBP using this framework along with other considerations, such as affordability, health system sustainability, etc. "Eisai's goal is to create therapies, such as our investigational anti-amyloid beta protofibril antibody lecanemab, that may help impact the anxieties of people living with Alzheimer's disease and their families. For Alzheimer's disease, it is important to evaluate the holistic value of therapies taking into account not only medical costs but also the immense societal costs," said Ivan Cheung, Senior Vice President, President Neurology Business Group and Global Alzheimer's Disease Officer, Eisai Co., Ltd., Chairman and CEO, Eisai Inc. "As part of Eisai's commitment to our human health care mission, trust and transparency, we will continue to publish data and information about lecanemab and look forward to sharing the results of the lecanemab confirmatory Phase 3 Clarity AD clinical trial this fall." Eisai completed lecanemab's rolling submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) for the treatment of early AD to the FDA under the accelerated approval pathway in May 2022. The Clarity AD Phase 3 clinical study for lecanemab in early AD is ongoing and completed enrollment in March 2021 with 1,795 patients. The readout of the primary endpoint data of Clarity AD will occur in the fall of 2022. The FDA has agreed that the results of Clarity AD, when completed, can serve as the confirmatory study to verify the clinical benefit of lecanemab. Dependent upon the results of the Clarity AD clinical trial, Eisai may submit for full approval of lecanemab to the FDA during Eisai's fiscal year 2022, which ends in March2023. In Japan, in March 2022, Eisai initiated submission of application data to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) under the prior assessment consultation system with the goal of obtaining early approval for lecanemab, and aims to file for the manufacturing and marketing approval based on the results of Clarity AD during Eisai's fiscal year 2022. Also, in Europe, based on the results of the Clarity AD study, Eisai plans to submit a new drug application in fiscal year 2022. This release discusses investigational uses of an agent in development and is not intended to convey conclusions about efficacy or safety. There is no guarantee that such an investigational agent will successfully complete clinical development or gain health authority approval. * Standard of Care (SoC) for AD currently consists of lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic treatment of symptoms.** The quality-adjusted life year (QALY) is a measure of the value of health outcomes. Since health is a function of length of life (i.e., quantity) and quality of life (QOL), the QALY was developed as an attempt to combine the value of these attributes into a single index number. One QALY equates to one year in perfect health. QALY scores range from 1 (full health) to 0 (dead). For example, a new intervention may increase length of life by 3 years and improve quality of life by 70% (QALY score of 2.1) compared to an existing intervention that may increase length of life by 3 years and only improve QOL by 50% (QALY score of 1.5), the incremental QALY for this new intervention will be 0.6 QALYs.*** Formal and informal care costs do not include lecanemab drug cost.**** Alternative treatment stopping rules were explored in scenario analyses where treatment with lecanemab was stopped after a fixed duration of 1.5, 3 and 5 years.***** ICER is a non-profit research organization in the U.S. that evaluates the evidence on the clinical and economic value of prescription drugs, medical tests, devices and health system delivery innovations. 1 Kansal AR, Tafazzoli A, Ishak KJ, Krotneva S. Alzheimer's disease Archimedes condition-event simulator: Development and validation. Alzheimers Dement (NY). 2018;4:76-88. Published 2018 Feb 16. doi:10.1016/j.trci.2018.01.001.2) Tafazzoli and Kansal. Disease simulation in drug development, External validation confirms benefit in decision making. The Evidence Forum. 2018. bit.ly/3NgEeDD(3) Tafazzoli A, Weng J, Sutton K, et al. Validating simulated cognition trajectories based on ADNI against 436 trajectories from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) dataset. 11th edition of Clinical Trials on 437 Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD); Barcelona, Spain: 2018.(4) Tahami Monfared AA, Tafazzoli A, Ye W, Chavan A, Zhang Q. Long-Term Health Outcomes of Lecanemab in Patients with Early Alzheimer's Disease Using Simulation Modeling. Neurol Ther 11, 863-880 (2022). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40120-022-00350-y.(5) ICER Value Framework 2020-2023. 2022. bit.ly/39HjYO3(6) Alzheimer's Association. 2022 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures 2022 Available from: bit.ly/3bkCR9VMedia Inquiries:Public Relations Department,Eisai Co., Ltd.+81-(0)3-3817-5120 Eisai Inc. USLibby HolmanLibby_Holman@Eisai.com201-753-1945 Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)