The structural configuration for R&D was reorganized in April 2006. R&D related to each established business, with the exception of monomers and basic chemicals, has been devolved to the authority of the relevant business division. Divisional R&D is focused on enhanced market development in downstream fields. Corporate-level R&D comprises chemical process and catalyst technology, and individual projects to develop new businesses in the areas of electronics/optics, environment/energy, and healthcare. Throughout, the effort is directed to achieving global niche leadership, enhanced competitiveness, and development of peripheral business fields based on technological strengths in catalysts, organic synthesis, chemical processes, and polymer processing and modification. R&D is focused on enhancing core technologies. Shelter technology brings greater safety and security through earthquake resistance, seismic damping, and fire resistance; greater long-term usability through physical durability/evaluation, systematic maintenance, and ease of remodeling; enhanced livability through thermal insulation, air circulation, and sound barrier; and enhanced ecology through recycling and incorporation of greenery. Lifestyle technology brings greater comfort, convenience, and satisfaction, while evaluation/simulation technology is being enhanced to enable buyers to more intuitively appreciate the real-world effects of variations and modifications to a home design so that it is optimized to taste before building. Additional research is focused on the physiological and psychological aspects of comfort, and how these can be utilized through technological development to achieve greater energy efficiency and environmental compatibility in homes optimized for health and comfort. In pharmaceuticals, the focus is on new drug development in the fields of orthopedics, the central nervous system, and urology, and on extension of market life through enhanced product conformation. In medical devices, developments are advancing in fields related to hemodialysis, apheresis, leukocyte removal, and virus removal. Next-generation fields of research include autohemotherapy and cell therapy. The ratio of R&D expenditure on new materials to that on existing materials is 2:3 and increasing as greater emphasis is focused on development of new materials. R&D on existing materials is directed toward the development of new high value-added grades of Roica™spandex, Bemberg™cupro, and nonwovens which meet market needs for advanced performance. R&D on new materials is directed toward the development of unique products which will elicit new demand. A pilot plant for polyketone filament started up at the beginning of 2006, with samples supplied to users for evaluation. R&D is directed toward meeting needs and providing solutions to problems identified through interaction with the customer. Developments in electronics devices include combinations of sensor technology with digital/analog mixed-signal LSI technology for hybrid devices with unique functions. Developments in electronics materials include high-performance structural materials for LCD panels and organic electroluminescent (EL) materials for flat-panel displays, and next-generation package substrate materials compatible with emerging standards for high transmission speeds, performance, and reliability. The phenolic foam thermal insulation business will be expanded through developments to enhance production efficiency and enable composite product variations. Products under development include materials with humidity/temperature regulating function and the incorporation of added function to ALC panels. Development in the main business fields of Saran Wrap™ food wrapping film, cushioning material, Saran™ fiber, and plastic containers, is directed toward heightening productivity and eliciting new demand through product differentiation. R&D for new business growth is focused on the following areas: Development of performance films, packaging systems, functional packaging, and easy - opening packaging for enhanced consumer safety, reliability, and convenience in food and pharmaceutical applications; development of improved performance and new applications for biodegradable polymers; development of new consumer products which enable more comfortable living; and advanced utilization of the PAOSS™ cushioning design and simulation technology.