Innovation in Materials and Healthcare by Teijin
The high-performance materials and healthcare solutions industries are experiencing record growth in 2025.
The global high-performance materials (HPM) market stands at US$112.5bn and is predicted to grow to US$185.3bn by 2033. The automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors are major beneficiaries, favouring lightweight, energy-efficient products. Meanwhile, healthcare growth is boosted by digital advancements and an ageing population, with EBITDA expected to surge from US$676bn in 2023 to US$987bn by 2028. Specialty healthcare services and tech platforms grow annually at 8-9%, as stated by McKinsey.
These developments indicate a fundamental change in the way materials and healthcare industries innovate to meet societal demands for sustainability, resilience, and innovation.
With primary operations in high-performance materials and healthcare, Teijin aligns with this trend. Its motto, “pioneering solutions together for a healthy planet,” reflects its commitment to shaping future society.
About Teijin
Founded in 1918, Teijin is a global technology group headquartered in Japan, operating across more than 20 countries with 20,000 employees. It reported consolidated revenue over JPY 1tn (around US$6.8bn) by the end of March 2025.
“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”,” says Akimoto Uchikawa, President and CEO.
Over the past four years, Teijin has remodeled its portfolio, shedding non-core areas to focus on sustainable expansion.
Sustainability at Teijin
Teijin targets net zero emissions by 2050, advancing quickly with renewable energy transitions, especially in Europe and China. They are on track to phase out coal, focusing next on Japan with noticeable progress made in Thailand. This initiative is essential to their targets.
The company has introduced a gas cogeneration system at the Matsuyama Factory North Plant, expected to lower CO2 emissions by 200,000 tonnes annually, accounting for 30% of its 2030 reduction aim.
In March 2025, Teijin Carbon debuted Tenax Next™ R2S 513, a sustainable short carbon fibre created from reused materials.
“With this innovation, we are taking another step toward a sustainable future,” said Dr. Julian Lowe, Global Industrial Group Manager at Teijin Carbon.
“Our goal is to pave the way for a true circular economy in the carbon fiber industry and provide our customers with an environmentally friendly alternative that optimises their production processes while reducing waste and emissions.”
The EcoVadis Gold medal awarded to Teijin in 2025 highlights its sustainable procurement efforts and global supply chain enhancements.
Sustainability in manufacturing, procurement and the supply chain
Teijin's "Basic Policy for Purchasing and Procurement" underscores law compliance, fair trade, human rights, safety, and environmental custodianship.
In July 2025, Teijin Frontier initiated its Supplier Grievance Mechanism, enhancing transparency, human rights, and sustainability in its supply chain.
The company mandates thorough supplier evaluation, including financial integrity, tech competencies, and CSR efforts, ensuring dependable and sustainable raw material sources. Partnerships facilitate innovations like the regenerative medicine supply chain, combining in-house production with collaborations for a comprehensive CDMO model.
How Teijin is using technology and AI for competitive advantage
Teijin is integrating technology and AI to redefine product offerings and boost operational efficiency. Collaborating with Floadia Corporation, the company is advancing AI chips and semiconductor solutions, aiming for practical application by 2025. This enhances big-data processing and power efficiency in edge and intelligent systems.
In Teijin's material R&D, AI-powered data analytics enhance quality control and predict manufacturing maintenance needs. The company is also investing in digital health platforms, telehealth, and AI diagnostics, solidifying its position at the intersection of medical technology and material sciences.
“Our Purpose, "Pioneering solutions together for a healthy planet," represents the meaning of our existence,” says Akimoto.
“We put our Purpose into words through a series of direct communication with our employees, redefining our common values and re-visiting the meaning of our existence over the 100 plus years since Teijin's foundation.
“The Purpose expresses our strong sense of commitment to create pioneering solutions for the health of the global environment, the people and all life living on our planet, through collaboration with our employees and external partners who share our values.”
