Toray Industries, Inc. is a Japanese multinational corporation founded in 1926. Originally a producer of rayon (artificial silk), the company is now a world-leading materials manufacturer, set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in April 2026.
Core Business Areas
Toray’s strength lies in organic synthetic chemistry and polymer chemistry. Its four main business segments are:
1. Fibers & Textiles – From advanced functional clothing (e.g., for Uniqlo) to synthetic leather used in luxury car interiors.
2. Performance Chemicals – Including ABS, PPS, and PBT resins, as well as polyester films essential for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
3. Carbon Fiber Composite Materials – Toray is the global market leader in carbon fiber. Its materials are famously used in the primary structures of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, as well as in high-end sports equipment (golf clubs, fishing rods) and hydrogen pressure vessels.
4. Environment, Engineering & Life Science – Producing reverse osmosis (RO) membranes for seawater desalination, water treatment, and medical devices like artificial kidneys.
Recent Innovations (2025-2026)
In the lead-up to its centennial, Toray has unveiled several “world’s first” materials:
High-antistatic ABS resin for semiconductor manufacturing.
Heat-resistant OPP release film (up to 160°C) for industrial processing.
High-performance piezoelectric polymer (over 200°C heat resistance) for robotics and aerospace.
Flexible PPS resin combining flame retardancy, flexibility, and high heat resistance without using PFAS.
Presence in China
Toray has deep roots in China, with 42 affiliated companies and a cumulative investment of ¥20 billion RMB. A key strategic hub is the Toray South China New Materials Industrial Park in Foshan, Guangdong, which houses production for nonwoven fabrics, water treatment membranes, carbon fiber composites, and resins. This site includes the world’s only overseas plant capable of producing Toray’s full resin product line.
The Toray Difference
Toray’s impact is often invisible yet indispensable—its materials power the cars we drive, the planes we fly, the clean water we drink, and the electronics we use daily. With a century of innovation behind it, Toray continues to drive progress in green technology (hydrogen energy, carbon neutrality) and life sciences, staying true to its corporate philosophy: contributing to a better society through the creation of new value with innovative materials.
website:https://www.toray.com/