Social Contribution
- Related ESG :
- E S
Management approach
Policy and approach
The TOYOBO Group Charter of Corporate Behavior declares that “we will actively participate in society and contribute to its development as a good corporate citizen.” It is our belief that fulfilling our responsibilities as a good corporate citizen and making investments for the future is one way for us to put our corporate principle of “Jun-Ri-Soku-Yu (Adhering to reason leads to prosperity)” into practice.
In fiscal 2024, we established the TOYOBO Group Social Contribution Policy to actively encourage employee participation. To build and support a better society as a member of that society, we will engage in the promotion of science and technology, environmental conservation, and communication with local communities, and will incorporate what we gain from these activities into our corporate activities.
Through our website and other means, we will communicate information that allows people to learn about our group’s thinking and its businesses.
< TOYOBO Group Social Contribution Policy >
1. Toyobo group will conduct social contribution activities based on the corporate principle of “Jun-Ri-Soku-Yu (Adhering to reason leads to prosperity),” contributing to a sustainable society and the group’s sustainable development.
2. Toyobo group will identify the promotion of science and technology, next generation development, environmental conservation, and contribution to local communities as key focus areas for social contribution activities, supporting “Innovation and the three Ps: Plant, People, and Prosperity” as outlined in our Sustainable Vision 2030.
3. Toyobo group will actively support the volunteer activities of employees.
4. Toyobo group will value bi-directional communication and partnerships with local communities, government bodies, NGOs, and NPOs.
< Focus areas >
-Next Generation Development: By conducting activities such as promoting science and technology through the Toyobo Biotechnology Foundation, we support the healthy development of youth who will lead the next generation primarily at operational sites, thereby contributing to the realization of a vibrant society.
-Environmental Conservation: With a focus primarily on operational sites, Toyobo group actively participates in environmental conservation efforts, contributing to society’s sustainable development.
-Contribution to Local Communities: As a responsible corporate citizen, the Toyobo group builds strong relationships with local communities around operational sites, engaging in dialogue and collaboration to earn trust and support.
Related policies:
Initiatives
Cultivating future generations
In order for our society to continue developing into the future, it is vital that we foster the human resources who will lead that future. Toward that end, our group is undertaking promotion of science and technology through research grants and other support via the Toyobo Biotechnology Foundation.
< Supporting science and technology >
A foundation that contributes to the biotechnology field by supporting young researchers
In 1982, Toyobo Group established the Toyobo Biotechnology Foundation (hereafter "the Foundation"). Through activities such as research subsidies without restrictions on the use of funds, study groups, and symposiums, the Foundation has supported interdisciplinary research in the field of biotechnology. In recent years, we have also concentrated on research subsidies for those studying abroad, as support for young researchers who will shoulder the future of the field.
In FY2025, five young researchers were granted long-term research subsidies totaling 35 million yen.
One recipient is focusing on studying the role of interleukin-18 in atopic dermatitis and its potential for therapeutic use. During her overseas study, she researched on how itching —a key symptom of the condition—develops and can be controlled. As of fiscal 2025, a total of 228 researchers have received these grants, many of whom are leading figures in the field of biotechnology. Several past recipients also support the foundation by serving as directors and advisors, contributing to the nurturing of the next generation of researchers.
Recipients of FY2025 long-term research subsidies and other people connected to the Foundation
66th L-GRANT Research "Toyobo Polymer Science Award" selected
Using the mechanism of the Leave a Nest Research Fund operated by Leave a Nest Co., Ltd., Toyobo Group established an open research grant system in FY2022, and through the awarding of the TOYOBO POLYMER SCIENCE Award, we support young researchers.
Based on our desire to highlight the work of researchers who passionately advance steady materials research, rather than just the applied development often required by competitive research funds in recent years, we have set basic and general-purpose research on polymer materials as the target field for four consecutive years.
Award winners and our company's concerned personnel
Support for R&D startups and next generation cultivation through the Shiga-based Growth Business Identification and Cultivation Consortium
Toyobo Group supports the goals of the Shiga-based Growth Business Identification and Cultivation Consortium (hereafter "the Consortium"), an industry-academic-government collaborative organization that aims to encourage industry in Shiga Prefecture and revitalize the region, where the Group’s Research Center is located. Since the start, we have been a partner company of the Consortium’s Shiga Tech Planter, an R&D startup support program, the Shiga Tech Plan Gran Prix, a business plan contest, and the Shiga Junior Research Grant, which aims to support the research activities of junior and senior high school students in Shiga Prefecture.
For detailed information on the latest Shiga Tech Plan Grand Prix and Shiga Junior Research Grant, please refer to the "Case Studies" section.
Shiga Tech Plan Grand Prix
Toyobo Prize was awarded.
Shiga Junior Research Grant
Award winners and our company's concerned personnel
< Visiting lectures and career education >
Visiting lecture on technology related to semipermeable membranes, and science careers
(Aqua Membrane Sales Unit, Iwakuni Environment and Fiber Plant, TOYOBO MC Corporation
Toyobo Corporate Sustainability Department, Green Transformation Promotion Department)
On June 1, 2024, we conducted a visiting lecture for 67 students of Kobe Ryukoku Junior High School related to semipermeable membranes and science careers.
In the lecture on semipermeable membranes, we explained the phenomenon of osmosis, the function of semipermeable membranes, and introduced the semipermeable membrane manufacturing process at a seawater desalination plant in operation in an area where water is scarce. The students experienced how water is extracted from seawater using semipermeable membranes by using our “Aqua Hum Hum” reverse osmosis experience machine. Additionally, the lecturers introduced our sustainability initiatives, insights from employees about their student life, work at the company, and experiences overseas as part of career education.
A scene from the lecture
Demonstration of reverse osmosis using Aqua Hum Hum
36th Summer Vacation Junior Science Class (held since 2019)
(Toyobo Iwakuni Production Center)
On July 23, 2024, the Iwakuni Production Center hosted the 36th Summer Junior Science Class, a science event for elementary and junior high school students organized by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Yamaguchi Industrial Promotion Foundation. A total of 35 participants, including students and their guardians from within Yamaguchi Prefecture, attended the event.
With the theme of osmosis experiments using semi-permeable membranes, employees acted as instructors, explaining how semi-permeable membranes work using experimental apparatus. Participants also had a hands-on opportunity to learn how fresh water is extracted from seawater through semi-permeable membranes by using the reverse osmosis demonstration device Aqua Hum Hum, making the learning experience both interactive and enjoyable.
A scene from the osmosis experiment workshop
< Other initiatives >
Toyobo Tsuruga Research and Production Center
- Hosted a workplace experience for one junior high school student from a nearby school (July 2024)
Inuyama Plant
- Held two workplace experience sessions for a total of five junior high school students from nearby schools (October 2024)
COSMO ELECTRONICS Co., LTD.
- Conducted workplace experience programs twice during the year for two students each from local junior high and high schools (June and November 2024)
TOYO CLOTH CO., LTD.
- Delivered a classroom lecture on the theme of “employment and working” at a nearby high school (November 2024)
Japan Exlan Co., Ltd.
- Gave a lecture on greenery and environmental topics to 10 elementary school students from a nearby school (November 2024)
Environmental conservation
< Tree planting activity >
Tree planting activity by employees of the Group and their families
（TOYOBO (THAILAND) CO., LTD.）
In December 2024, a tree-planting activity was carried out by employees of the Group and their families. This initiative contributed to environmental conservation while also raising environmental awareness among participants.
Participants in the tree-planting activity
< Cleanup activities >
Participation in the lakeshore cleanup activity (independently organized since 2015)
(Toyobo Research Center)
On May 15, 2024, a lakeshore cleanup activity was held with the aim of environmental beautification and biodiversity conservation around Lake Biwa. A total of 524 employees from the Group and its partner companies participated in cleaning activities within and around the Group’s Research Center. In addition to the cleanup, invasive lanceleaf coreopsis (a species in the Asteraceae family) was also removed.
A scene from the cleanup activity
Participation in the Clean-up Fukui Drive
(Toyobo Tsuruga Research and Production Center, CAST FILM JAPAN CO., LTD., Xenomax - Japan Co., Ltd., TOYOBO Engineering Co., Ltd., and others)
In June 2024, employees of Toyobo Group and partner company staff participated in the environmental beautification event “Clean-up Fukui Drive” hosted by Fukui Prefecture. Approximately 30 participants cleaned Kehi no Matsubara, one of Japan’s three great pine groves, while around 100 took part in cleaning the areas surrounding the business sites.
A scene from the cleanup activity
< Other initiatives >
Shogawa Plant
- Conducted road cleanup activities in front of the plant, with a total of approximately 210 Toyobo Group employees participating (seven sessions in FY2025)
Takasago Plant
- Carried out road cleanup activities along public rivers connected to the Seto Inland Sea, involving about 390 Toyobo Group employees (nine sessions in FY2025)
Inuyama Plant
- Hosted factory-area cleanup activities involving Toyobo Group employees, partner company employees, and their families, with a total of 104 participants (June 2024)
COSMO ELECTRONICS Co., LTD.
- Performed cleanup activities around the factory area, with about 180 Toyobo Group employees participating (12 sessions in FY2025)
TOYO CLOTH CO., LTD.
- Conducted cleanup activities around the business site, involving approximately 150 Toyobo Group employees across (six sessions in FY2025)
TOYOBO LOGISTICS CO., LTD.
- Held cleanup activities around the business site, with around 168 Toyobo Group employees participating (12 sessions in FY 2024)
Arabian Japanese Membrane Company, LLC
- Conducts cleanup activities around the company premises (weekly)
Click here to investigate our initiatives regarding biodiversity.
Contribution to local communities
As a manufacturer of materials, Toyobo group provides a variety of information for the peace of mind of local communities and engages in educational and awareness-raising activities for residents. We undertake activities that contribute to creating flourishing towns and cities, advancing together with communities as a good corporate citizen.
Toward that end, the group collaborates with government bodies and industry organizations to provide support to disaster-affected areas, participates in cultural events in the vicinity of our facilities, and holds open house activities that let residents learn about our group’s businesses and initiatives. Our business sites also work to employ local human resources for the vitalization of regions where we operate.
< Company tours >
Manufacturing experience bus tour (implemented since 2024)
(Toyobo Tsuruga Research and Production Center)
On March 27, 2025, about 20 elementary school students and their parents from Tsuruga City participated in a manufacturing experience bus tour organized to encourage children’s interest in manufacturing and help parents gain a deeper understanding of the Company.
The participants visited the exhibition area and the film production factory, where they learned about the functions of film materials. The event included a hands-on workshop where children made original bottles using shrink film, which was popular among the children. The tour was well received, with parents appreciating the opportunity to learn about the Company’s activities and production processes firsthand.
The original bottle-making workshop
Plant tours for local high school students (implemented since 2015)
(Toyobo Inuyama Plant)
On May 21, 2024, a plant tour was conducted for 36 students from Komaki High School of Technology and Engineering. After an overview of the facility, the students observed the film production process and the power center, gaining a better understanding of the equipment involved in manufacturing. Looking ahead, there are plans to enhance students’ interest in films by offering demonstrations of packaging and wrapping.
Providing an explanation of the facility
< Others >
Participation in the Tsuruga Festival carnival parade
(Toyobo Tsuruga Research and Production Center)
Approximately 70 participants, including employees from Toyobo, its Group and partner companies, and their families, took part in the carnival parade segment of the Tsuruga Festival, held alongside the annual grand festival of Kehi-jingu Shrine. With guidance from the local Yosakoi dance group “Maido Kagura,” participants practiced for about two months to learn the Yosakoi dance and gave a performance on the day of the event.
Participants in the Yosakoi dance performance
Industry-academia collaboration: WOOL NO HATAKE Project utilizing waste wool (implemented since 2021)
(MIYUKI KEORI CO., LTD.)
MIYUKI KEORI CO., LTD. is promoting environmentally friendly initiatives under the theme "WOOL × AGURI." Driven by the desire to support local agricultural products through the power of wool, it collaborated with Miyuki Keori, Yokkaichi Agricultural High School in Mie Prefecture and Marushige Shimizu Seicha Co., Ltd. to develop and commercialize a unique tea cultivated using wool.
Tea cultivation
Support for areas affected by flooding
（TOYOBO DO BRASIL PARTICIPACOES LTDA.）
In April 2024, the state of Rio Grande do Sul experienced severe flooding due to record-breaking rainfall. In response, Toyobo Group provided relief supplies to the affected areas, including preserved food, drinking water, blankets, clothing, and diapers.
Toyobo Group employees with relief supplies
< Other initiatives >
Utsunomiya Plant
- Sponsor of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA)
TOYOBO MC Corporation
- Appointed as an “Animal Supporter” for the Ezo brown bear at Kobe Oji Zoo (October 2024).
MIYUKI KEORI CO., LTD.
- Conducting joint research with Yokkaichi Agricultural High School on cultivating vegetables and rice using wool, which is usually discarded, as fertilizer (since July 2021).
- Producing and selling upcycled products using textile scraps (hagire) in collaboration with a welfare facility for people with disabilities in Aichi Prefecture (since April 2022)
TOYOBO SAHA SAFETY WEAVE CO.,LTD.
- Donated supplies to an NPO supporting the social reintegration of people recovering from drug addiction (May 2024)
TOYOBO DO BRASIL PARTICIPACOES LTDA.
- Sponsored the 25th Festival do Japão, one of the world’s largest Japanese cultural events, organized by the Federation of Japanese Prefectural Associations in Brazil.
Click here to investigate our case studies regarding contribution to local communities.