Teijin's Strategic Focus on Sustainable Procurement

The global landscape for high-performance materials and healthcare solutions industries is marked by substantial expansion in 2025.

The high-performance materials (HPM) sector, which includes key sectors such as automotive, aerospace and electronics, is anticipated to grow from US$112.5bn to US$185.3bn by 2033.

This growth is attributed to the ongoing demand for products that are not only lightweight and energy-efficient but also sustainable.

Meanwhile, digital innovation and a growing elderly population are transforming the healthcare industry.

As predicted by McKinsey, the sector's EBITDA is expected to increase substantially from US$676bn in 2023 to US$987bn by 2028.

Within this growth, speciality healthcare services and technological platforms maintain an impressive annual growth rate of 8-9%, driven by the desire for innovation, sustainability and resilience.

With their core operations anchored in high-performance materials and healthcare, Teijin embarks on its long-term vision, “pioneering solutions together for a healthy planet” to become “a company that supports the society of the future.”

Teijin’s corporate overview

Founded in 1918, Teijin operates as a global conglomerate from Japan, active in more than 20 countries with a workforce of 20,000 employees.

By the fiscal year ending in March 2025, the company's revenue surpassed JPY 1tn (approximately US$6.8bn).

Akimoto Uchikawa, Teijin's President and CEO, has highlights the company’s dedication to its purpose: “While striving to achieve the goals set in the Medium-Term Management Plan, we will make company-wide efforts to solve social issues based our purpose, 'Pioneering solutions together for a healthy planet,' and continue to work on achieving our long-term vision of becoming a 'company that supports the society of the future.'"

Over recent years, Teijin has fine-tuned its portfolio for sustainable growth, shedding non-core operations to align with its sustainability objectives.

Sustainability advancements at Teijin

Teijin’s path to sustainability aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, showing promising advances, particularly in transitioning towards renewable energy sources with notable progress in Europe and China.

Their commitment to phasing out coal—initiatives underway in Thailand and imminent in Japan—further illustrates their proactive environmental strategy.

Another significant contribution is the adoption of a new gas cogeneration system at Matsuyama Factory North Plant, projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 200,000 tons annually, contributing to 30% of its 2030 reduction target.

March 2025 witnessed the launch of Tenax Next™ R2S 513 by Teijin Carbon, a sustainable short carbon fibre sourced from repurposed materials, which aligns with circular economy targets.

As Dr. Julian Lowe, Global Industrial Group Manager at Teijin Carbon, says: “With this innovation, we are taking another step toward a sustainable future.”

Such initiatives contribute to delivering eco-friendly alternatives in the carbon fibre industry, aiding customers in enhancing their production capabilities while minimising waste and emissions.

Demonstrating leadership in procurement sustainability, Teijin was awarded the EcoVadis Gold medal in 2025, recognising its streamlined supply chain practices globally.

Procurement and supply chain practices

Adhering to its 'Basic Policy for Purchasing and Procurement', Teijin emphasises compliance, fair trade, respect for human rights, safety and environmental care.

An initiative in July 2025, the Supplier Grievance Mechanism by Teijin Frontier, aims to improve transparency and uphold sustainability within its supply chain.

Teijin’s procurement evaluations ensure reliable and sustainable material sources by assessing the financial stability, technological capacity and CSR initiatives of suppliers.

This methodology proves crucial in fostering innovations such as the regenerative medicine supply chain, which combines internal production with partnerships involving J-TEC, Regenet and academics to create a comprehensive CDMO services model.

Technological integration and AI utilisation

Teijin harnesses technology and AI to refine its product lines and operational efficacy.

Notably, its collaboration with Floadia Corporation is focused on developing AI chips and semiconductor technologies poised for practical use by 2025.

This tech aims to bolster big-data processing and improve energy efficiency, especially for edge devices and smart applications.

Additionally, AI-informed data analysis has become pivotal in enhancing Teijin’s materials R&D, focusing on quality assurance for advanced fibres and predictive maintenance in manufacturing.

In healthcare, the company is at the forefront of integrating digital platforms, telehealth and AI-driven diagnostics, aptly positioning itself at the crossroads of medtech and materials advancement.

The company’s commitment resonates strongly with Akimoto’s declaration: “Our Purpose, 'Pioneering solutions together for a healthy planet,' represents the meaning of our existence.”

Through open communication within the company, Teijin continuously reaffirms its values and the meaning of its mission across its centennial history.

Their purpose underpins a strong commitment to foster ground-breaking solutions for global environmental health through collaborations with like-minded partners and their workforce.