Toray, Teijin Frontier and Toyobo: a snapshot of Japan's modern materials industry

Japan's materials industry, dominated by Toray, Teijin Frontier, and Toyobo, has strategically pivoted from mass apparel production to high-performance, sustainable textile engineering. As of 2026, these "Big Three" have become global benchmarks for circularity and high-utility fabrics.

Toray: Global Expansion through High-Tech Collaboration

Toray has successfully shifted from a traditional textile manufacturer to a diversified materials giant. Its global presence is anchored by a nearly 20-year strategic partnership with Uniqlo, which continues to yield market-leading functional apparel.

Signature Technologies: Co-development of Heattech (moisture-wicking heat generation) and Airism (quick-dry comfort) remains central to its business.

Creative Innovation: The use of Ultrasuede, a non-woven fabric partially made from plant-based materials, has allowed brands like A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE to experiment with structural designs impossible with natural leather.

Price Adjustment (2026): Notably, Toray announced a 10% to 20% price increase for its carbon fiber intermediates starting in January 2026, citing rising energy costs and a weak yen, signaling the premium nature of Japanese materials.

Teijin Frontier: Lifestyle Engineering and "Solotex"

Teijin Frontier focuses on the intersection of urban lifestyle and environmental responsibility. Its flagship material, Solotex, remains a staple for modern performance suits and outdoor gear due to its helical molecular structure that provides soft stretch and shape retention.

Solotex Delight (AW 2026): For the Autumn/Winter 2026 season, Teijin introduced Solotex Delight. This lightweight, stretchable fabric is produced without polyurethane (which often complicates recycling), making it both high-performance and eco-friendly.

Circular Strategy: Through its "Bring Material" brand, Teijin manages a "Fiber-to-Fiber" recycling loop, where 95% of the raw material is derived from pre-consumer textile waste.

Toyobo: The Science of Comfort and "Sustainable Vision 2030"

Toyobo stands out for its rigorous scientific approach to human comfort, quantifying sensations through its TOM-III sweating mannequin.

Comfort Science: Using environmental testing chambers, Toyobo developed materials like "Eks" (moisture-to-heat conversion) and "Breathair" (anti-bacterial 3D structure).

Mono-materialisation (2030 Vision): A key pillar of Toyobo’s Sustainable Vision 2030 is the transition to mono-material products. By constructing fabrics from a single polyester base instead of complex blends, Toyobo significantly increases the efficiency of mechanical recycling.

Health & Bio (2026): Beyond fashion, the company is on track to be certified as a top-tier company for Outstanding Health and Productivity Management by fiscal 2026, expanding its functional materials into the wearable medical device market for pets and elderly care.