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 investing in the future is among the ways 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 channels, we will continue to communicate to help stakeholders understand 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 FY2026, the Foundation provided a total of 28 million yen in long-term research grants to four young researchers. One of the recipients is conducting research on the theme of “Elucidating the Mechanisms of Neural Circuit Disorders in Frontotemporal Dementia and Creating Novel Therapeutic Approaches.” At the overseas institution, the researcher will work to visualize neural circuit activity in the prefrontal cortex and identify neurons that are impaired in a disease-specific manner. Including this fiscal year, the cumulative number of researchers who have received long-term research grants has reached 232. Many recipients are at the forefront of biotechnology research. In addition, many of them support the Foundation as directors and councilors in the hope of contributing to the development of the next generation.
Support for R&D startups and next generation cultivation through the Consortium for Discovery and Development of Growth Industries from Shiga
Toyobo Group supports the Consortium for Discovery and Development of Growth Industries from Shiga (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. Through FY2026, the Company served as a partner company for the Consortium's R&D startup program, Shiga Tech Planter, its business plan contest, the Shiga Tech Plan Grand Prix, and the Shiga Junior Research Grant, which supports research activities by junior high and high school students in the 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 >
BREATHAIRTM outreach class for elementary school students
（TOYOBO Tsuruga Research and Production Center）
On November 20, 2025, we held an outreach class for sixth-grade students at Awano Minami Elementary School in Tsuruga City, featuring BREATHAIRTM, which is produced at the Tsuruga Environment and Fiber Plant. The program provided students with an opportunity to learn about the characteristics of the material and manufacturing by seeing, touching, and experiencing the product firsthand. In addition, BREATHAIRTM cushion kits were donated to all participating students. The kits can be used not only as educational materials for home economics classes but also for parent-child projects at home and in a variety of other settings.
Students experiencing BREATHAIRTM
Students testing stain removal performance of different materials
Outreach lecture at Komaki Technical High School
(TOYOBO Inuyama Plant)
At the request of Komaki Technical High School, we delivered a lecture for 24 second-year students as part of Aichi Prefecture's Career Planning Early Development Outreach Program. During the session, we introduced our plant and business activities. A young employee who graduated from the school also served as a lecturer, sharing job-hunting experiences and explaining current role and responsibilities. The lecture provided an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of work and consider their future career development.
Scene from the outreach lecture
Work experience program for local junior high school students
(TOYOBO Tsuruga Research and Production Center)
From July 30 to August 1, 2026, a three-day work experience program was conducted to enhance awareness of TOYOBO among young people and support career exploration for second-year junior high school students beginning to consider their future career paths. Participants experienced administrative and community relations activities within the General Administration Group. On the final day, parents and the school principal were invited to attend presentations summarizing the work performed. Participants also provided explanations at the “N Room” exhibition area, giving them an opportunity to deepen their understanding of work.
Scenes from the work experience program
38th Summer Junior Science Classroom (held since 2019)
(TOYOBO Iwakuni Production Center)
On August 5, 2026, the Iwakuni Production Center hosted the 38th Summer Junior Science Classroom, a science event for elementary and junior high school students organized by the Yamaguchi Industrial Promotion Foundation. Twenty students from Yamaguchi Prefecture participated. With semipermeable membranes as the theme, employees served as instructors, explaining how semipermeable membranes work using experimental equipment. Participants also experienced how fresh water is produced from seawater through semipermeable membranes using the Aqua Fum Fum reverse osmosis demonstration unit, providing an enjoyable opportunity to learn about osmotic phenomena.
Participants building osmosis experiment devices
< Other initiatives >
TOYOBO Inuyama Plant
- Conducted two work experience programs for four students from nearby junior high schools (October 2025).
TOYO CLOTH CO., LTD.
- Delivered a lecture on careers and the world of work at a nearby high school (October 2025).
TOYO KNIT CO., LTD.
- Conducted work experience programs for students from nearby junior high and high schools (July and September 2025, and January 2026).
Environmental conservation
< Cleanup activities >
Held the lakeshore cleanup activity (independently organized since 2015)
(Toyobo Research Center)
On May 12, 2026, a lakeshore cleanup activity was held with the aim of environmental beautification and biodiversity conservation around Lake Biwa. A total of 456 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.
Control activities for invasive Coreopsis lanceolata
Participation in the Clean-up Fukui Campaign
(Toyobo Tsuruga Research and Production Center, CAST FILM JAPAN CO., LTD., Xenomax - Japan Co., Ltd., TOYOBO Engineering Co., Ltd., and others)
In June 2025, employees of the TOYOBO Group and partner companies participated in the Clean-up Fukui Campaign, an environmental beautification initiative organized by Fukui Prefecture. About 40 participants carried out cleanup activities at Kehi no Matsubara, one of Japan's three great pine groves, while approximately 100 participants cleaned areas surrounding the Group's business sites.
A scene from the cleanup activity
Cleanup activity conducted along the water pipeline route
(TOYOBO Iwakuni Production Center)
A cleanup activity was conducted along the water pipeline with FY2027 new employees. The activity was designed to deepen understanding of industrial water supply facilities and contribute to the local community. Approximately 30 new employees and staff members participated, collecting litter along the route from pumping stations and reservoirs to water intake facilities. A discussion session was also held after the activity to share what participants learned and encourage interaction.
Participants in cleanup activities
Site perimeter cleanup activity conducted
(TOYOBO Iwakuni Production Center)
A cleanup activity was conducted around the site to help maintain the local environment. Employees of the site and affiliated companies participated, collecting litter and removing weeds in surrounding areas. Through these activities, employees enhanced their awareness of environmental conservation and strengthened ties with the local community.
A scene from the cleanup activity
Participation in the Azumino City Community Cleanup
(Toyoshina Film Co., Ltd.)
The company participated in the Azumino City Community Cleanup held in May and November 2025. Together with local residents, participants cleaned drainage channels carrying factory effluent and collected litter on public roads around the plant site. Approximately 30 employees participated each time, contributing to a cleaner local environment.
A scene from the cleanup activity
< Other initiatives >
TOYOBO Shogawa Plant
- Conducted cleanup activities on prefectural roads around the plant, with a cumulative total of approximately 150 Group employees participating (five times in 2025).
TOYOBO Utsunomiya Plant
- Conducted cleanup activities on roads around the plant and along site boundaries, with a cumulative total of approximately 200 Group employees participating (three times in FY2026).
Cosmo Electronics Corporation
- Conducted cleanup activities around the plant, with a cumulative total of approximately 180 Group employees participating (12 times in FY2026).
TOYOBO Logistics Co., Ltd.
- Conducted cleanup activities around business sites, with a cumulative total of approximately 228 Group employees participating (12 times in FY2026).
TOYO CLOTH CO., LTD.
- Conducted cleanup activities around business sites, with a cumulative total of approximately 155 Group employees participating (eight times in FY2026).
TOYOBO MC Middle East Industries Company, LLC
- Conducted cleanup activities around the plant, with a cumulative total of approximately 1,250 Group employees participating (50 times in FY2026).
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 agencies 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 local residents learn about the 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 >
Factory tour for local elementary school students as part of the “Town Exploration” program.
(Toyobo Inuyama Plant)
On October 22, 2025, the Plant welcomed second-grade students from Inuyama Nishi Elementary School for a “Town Exploration” visit. Through the factory tour, the students were provided with an opportunity to learn about the role of the plant and manufacturing.
A scene from the factory tour
Manufacturing experience bus tour (implemented since 2024)
(Toyobo Tsuruga Research and Production Center)
On March 27, 2026, 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 film manufacturing plant, where they learned about the functions of film materials. The children eagerly enjoyed the activity, while parents commented that the program had given them a deeper understanding of the Company's initiatives and manufacturing processes, which they would not normally have the opportunity to learn about.
The original bottle-making workshop
Plant tours for local high school students (implemented since 2015)
(Toyobo Inuyama Plant)
Factory tours were conducted for 29 students from Inuyama High School on October 15, 2025, and 33 students from Komaki Technical High School on January 14, 2026. Through an introduction to the plant, tours of film production processes, hazard awareness experiences, and PET bottle label-making activities, the students gained interest in the plant's safety initiatives and film manufacturing.
Providing an explanation of the facility
< Others >
Participation in the Tsuruga Festival carnival parade
(Toyobo Tsuruga Research and Production Center)
Approximately 70 employees of the Company as well as employees of affiliated and partner companies participated in the Tsuruga festival carnival parade, held on September 3, 2026 in conjunction with the annual festival of Kehi Jingu Shrine. Participants received instruction from the local Yosakoi dance group Maido Kagura, practiced once a week from mid-July, mastered the dance, and performed on the day of the event.
Participants in the Yosakoi dance performance
Parade scene
Concluded a Disaster Response Agreement with Inuyama City
(Toyobo Inuyama Plant)
As part of its social contribution activities, the Plant entered into an agreement with Inuyama City regarding the use of facilities as designated emergency evacuation sites during disasters. The gymnasium, clubhouse, and Hydrant practice field will be provided as designated emergency evacuation sites.
A scene from the signing ceremony
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, Mie Prefectural Yokkaichi Nougei High School and Marushige Shimizu Seicha Co., Ltd. to develop and commercialize a unique tea cultivated using wool.
Participants in the WOOL NO HATAKE Project
Tea cultivation
Donation activities on National Children's Day
(TOYOBO SAHA SAFETY WEAVE CO., LTD.)
Every year on Thailand's National Children's Day, the Company donates stationery, daily necessities, snacks, and other items to community leaders and schools in areas surrounding the plant. Children from nearby communities actively participate in the celebration events, creating a cheerful atmosphere throughout the venue. The event provided an opportunity to deepen engagement with children and their families while contributing to the local community.
Donation activities
Support for vocational training and social reintegration through donations of wood offcuts
(TOYOBO INDORAMA ADVANCED FIBERS COMPANY LIMITED)
In support of vocational training and social reintegration programs at the Huai Pon Open Correctional Institution under the Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice of Thailand, the Company donated wood offcuts. The donated materials are used for manufacturing products aimed at the effective use of resources and skill development for inmates.
Participants in vocational training and social reintegration support activities
Activity scene
< Other initiatives >
Toyobo Iwakuni Plant
- Welfare facilities (ground and gymnasium) made available to local junior high schools and sports teams (FY2026)
Miyuki Keori Co., Ltd.
- Research with Mie Prefectural Yokkaichi Nougei High School on growing vegetables and rice using waste wool as fertilizer (since July 2021)
- Production and sale of upcycled products using HAGIRE in collaboration with welfare facilities in Aichi Prefecture (since April 2022)
Spinreact, S.A.U.
- Factory tours for employees' families and local residents in conjunction with invitations to the 50th anniversary ceremony (June 2025)
TOYOBO SAHA SAFETY WEAVE CO., LTD.
- Conversion of food waste into fertilizer for use on site (FY2026)
- Collection of unwanted electronic devices to reduce e-waste and support wheelchair purchases (December 2025)
TOYOBO INDORAMA ADVANCED FIBERS COMPANY LIMITED
- Community market event providing free space within the plant premises to local residents and community businesses to support income-generating opportunities (since 2015)
Click here to investigate our case studies regarding contribution to local communities.