Sustainable Choices for Lunch and Work – A Sumitomo Deutschland GMBH Employee’s Quest To Promote Renewable Energy in Europe

[Leo Sakaguchi's Lunch]
A homemade lunch box featuring vegan schnitzel

The Sumitomo Deutschland office in Düsseldorf is a vibrant, international workplace. People of all ages and nationalities enjoy interacting with their colleagues, eating together during breaks and playing table soccer. We have a wide range of people working here, from young trainees to experienced staff, and this diversity is one of our strengths. In business, communication in English is fundamental, and my impression is that many talented global personnel are gathered here.

One of the reasons I chose Sumitomo Corporation is because I share the company's commitment to “making the world a better place” as expressed in its corporate message “Enriching lives and the world.” Being in a large company, I have a strong desire to make a positive impact on the environment and society by leveraging our strengths.

Incidentally, there is an area in Dusseldorf called "Little Tokyo" that is home to many Japanese nationals. The area has a unique charm and atmosphere, and I sometimes take my German friends there to show them how Japanese culture and business have taken root in Dusseldorf while strolling around the city.

I am committed to expanding the use of renewable energy, something I can do by drawing on my background in engineering in the infrastructure industry. Specifically, my current work in biomass fuel and SAF development contributes to the energy transition toward a decarbonized society. This aligns with my values and my desire to live sustainably, and I find it highly rewarding on a daily basis.

In addition to my work, I was active as a global ambassador for “100SEED” and other important topics and have applied for the “0→ 1 Challenge,” an in-house intrapreneurship program, with a business idea to promote multilingualism among children by helping parents.

Being involved in the highly volatile biomass energy industry is both thrilling and highly motivating. I have been fascinated to learn about the global supply chain of woody biomass and the role of wood as a valuable resource for energy in the energy industry.

I still remember how small I felt when I stood next to a huge bulk carrier transporting woody biomass, like a "mouse standing alone next to an elephant" (laughs).

To me, the message embodies the professionalism and collaborative spirit of the Sumitomo Corporation Group. It reflects our commitment to contributing to society and our stakeholders by leveraging the collective strengths of the Group. With pride and passion, I will continue my efforts to create a better, more sustainable world.