TOKYO — Innovation in the chemical industry is essential to achieving the challenging transition to carbon neutrality, Mitsubishi Chemical Group President and CEO Jean-Marc Gilson told Nikkei Asia.

“In order to do carbon neutrality,” Gilson said, “you need lithium for batteries, you need carbon fibers for lighter materials for bigger windmills … new high-power semiconductor[s], gallium nitride.” He added that his company is “making materials that enable the transition.”