Sumitomo Chemical has its origins in the Sumitomo Fertilizer Manufactory, which was founded to resolve the air pollution problem caused by Sumitomo's copper smelting operation at the Besshi Copper Mine (now Niihama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan). Air was cleaned by removing the sulfur from the copper ore and the company used sulfur to manufacture fertilizer. Founded to overcome environmental problem and improve agricultural production at the same time, Sumitomo Chemical has inherited the Sumitomo Spirit, proving itself worthy of society's trust and the credo, "Our business must benefit society at large, not just our own interests". Both principles have been passed down to us over generations since our inception. Under these principles, Sumitomo Chemical responds to the changing needs of time, develops a diversified portfolio of businesses, and enriches people's lives through constant technological innovations.