The Teijin Group's R&D Activities
- What does "Human Chemistry" mean?
- Where did the Teijin Group begin?
- Where are the Teijin Group's research facilities and what do these facilities do?
- How many researchers does the Teijin Group have and how much does it invest annually in R&D?
- Does the Teijin Group collaborate with academic institutions, research organizations and other companies in the area of research?
- Has the adoption of a holding company system contributed to close coordination of the R&D efforts of individual businesses groups?
- Do Teijin Group researchers present the results of their work at, for example, academic conferences?
- Does the Group have an outside advisor or advisors for its R&D activities?
- Are there any researchers from Teijin in Japan currently at the Group's overseas R&D facilities?
What does "Human Chemistry" mean?
The phrase "Human Chemistry" embodies our constant desire to develop chemical technologies that are friendly to both people and the environment.
Where did the Teijin Group begin?
The Teijin Group began as a manufacturer of rayon yarn. Since then, the Group has expanded into a broad range of materials-related fields.
Where are the Teijin Group's research facilities and what do these facilities do?
We have research laboratories and R&D centers in Japan and overseas. These facilities are attached to individual business groups. We also conduct corporate research, which is business development-oriented research for the Group as a whole.
How many researchers does the Teijin Group have and how much does it invest annually in R&D?
We currently employ a total of more than 1,600 researchers. In fiscal 2008, investment in R&D was ¥37.6 billion.
Does the Teijin Group collaborate with academic institutions, research organizations and other companies in the area of research?
Yes, we actively pursue collaborative research. We work with other companies, universities and governments. We also participate in national projects.
Has the adoption of a holding company system contributed to close coordination of the R&D efforts of individual businesses groups?
The Research & Technological Strategy Meeting is responsible for formulating R&D strategies for the Teijin Group. Working groups are established to address common strategic themes.
Do Teijin Group researchers present the results of their work at, for example, academic conferences?
Once patent applications have been filed, Teijin Group researchers may present the results of their work at academic conferences or in specialist publications.
Does the Group have an outside advisor or advisors for its R&D activities?
The progress of R&D efforts is reported to the Advisory Board. We also consult with university professors and other leading academics in key areas.
Are there any researchers from Teijin in Japan currently at the Group's overseas R&D facilities?
It depends on the research theme, but yes, we do dispatch researchers from Japan to work at facilities overseas.
Teijin Group Technologies
- What are the Teijin Group's principal technological strengths?
- You use the word "polyester" often, but what exactly is polyester?
- Aramid fibers, carbon fibers, polycarbonate and PEN are expected to see considerable growth in the years ahead. What exactly are these fibers and how are they used?
- What kinds of environment-friendly technologies does the Teijin Group employ?
- What are some of the characteristics of the Teijin Group's innovative technologies in the medical and pharmaceutical fields?
- What new "dream technologies" does the Teijin Group currently have under development?
What are the Teijin Group's principal technological strengths?
Our principal technological strengths are core technologies in such areas as polymer science, chemical reaction control, molding and processing, pharmaceuticals, home health care and IT systems.
You use the word "polyester" often, but what exactly is polyester?
Polyester is a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long chain of synthetic polymer containing an ester (a compound formed from the reaction between an acid—in this case, carboxylic acid—and an alcohol). Polyester fibers, polyester films and polyester resins are used in a wide range of everyday items, including apparel, PET bottles and audio tapes.
Aramid fibers, carbon fibers, polycarbonate and PEN are expected to see considerable growth in the years ahead. What exactly are these fibers and how are they used?
Aramid fibers are used as optical fiber reinforcing materials and in protective clothing. Applications for carbon fibers include materials for aircraft components. Polycarbonate is used in optical films and resins. PEN is expected to see growth in the market for electronics materials. For more information, please see the Textile Fibers Business Group and Industrial Fibers Business Group pages.
What kinds of environment-friendly technologies does the Teijin Group employ?
Representative examples of our environment-friendly technologies are featured on the Teijin's Technologies and Products: Environment and Energy page.
What are some of the characteristics of the Teijin Group's innovative technologies in the medical and pharmaceutical fields?
In the pharmaceuticals field, our technological strengths are in the areas of respiratory disease, bone and joint disease, and cardiovascular and metabolic disease. In the medical field, our core technologies are in the areas of oxygenation and oxygen therapy devices.
What new "dream technologies" does the Teijin Group currently have under development?
We are currently developing a nanofiber that is 1/1000 the diameter of a human hair that offers truly exciting possibilities in terms of performance and market potential.
