Resilient Growth: How Japanese SMEs in Resin Production Drive International Success

Japan’s small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, are the backbone of that country’s economy. They account for over 99% of all businesses in Japan and employ over 70% of the workforce. Despite their size, many Japanese SMEs have found international success through hard work, innovation and a culture of continuous self-improvement.

One sector where Japanese SMEs really shine is resin production. Resins, or plastics, are essential materials used in everything from electronics and automobiles to food packaging and children’s toys. Japanese resin producers leverage the latest technologies and apply rigorous quality control standards to meet growing global demand. They also focus on sustainability and developing eco-friendly resins from renewable sources.

Take Mitsubishi Chemical Corp for example. Founded in 1950, it has grown into a major chemical and industrial materials maker with over $18 billion in annual sales. A pioneer in resin R&D, Mitsubishi Chemical developed Japan’s first acrylic resin in 1951 and commercialized polycarbonate resin for the first time globally in 1962. Today the company supplies high-performance plastics to manufacturers worldwide and continues advancing resin science through partnerships with universities.

Another resin leader is DIC Corp which started in 1908 as an ink manufacturer. Over a century later, DIC is a top 10 global supplier of packaging and graphic arts materials. A core business is resin coatings like UV inkjet inks, used on everything from food labels and medicine packaging to magazine prints. DIC works closely with customers to develop tailor-made resin solutions that meet strict functional and regulatory needs. The company recently launched a new eco-friendly plastic made from plant-derived bio-methane.

While large corporations dominate the global plastics industry, many innovative resin products actually originate from smaller Japanese firms. One such example is Kuraray which began as a small rayon producer in 1926. Today Kuraray supplies specialty chemicals and resins to 500+ companies in 20+ countries, including automakers and medical device manufacturers. A breakthrough was developing high-performance PVB interlayers for automotive and architectural laminated glass which improve safety and comfort. Kuraray is also researching lignin-based bioplastic resins as a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics.

Another successful SME is Shofu Inc, founded in 1948 as a dental alloy manufacturer. Now a leading supplier of dental materials worldwide, Shofu leveraged resin expertise into developing cosmetic dental composites or “plastic filling” materials. These composites match natural tooth color and strength better than traditional dental amalgams or “silver fillings”. By focusing on constant improvement of resin formulations and bonding technology, Shofu remains at the cutting edge of aesthetic dentistry globally.

Resin production requires precision engineering skills as well as material science know-how. Osaka-based Nikkato Corp specializes in micro resin molding and ultra-miniaturization technology. Founded in 1946, Nikkato developed Japan’s first automated ultra-high precision molding machines capable of mass-producing tiny resin components as small as 0.2mm. Top customers include medical device makers requiring miniaturized parts for implants, biopsy tools and more. Nikkato exports these advanced resin processing technologies that enable next-gen minimally invasive surgeries worldwide.

Despite facing intense competition, Japanese resin SMEs consistently drive international growth through world-leading specialized technologies. Staying nimble also gives them an advantage in rapidly adapting products to emerging markets. Continuous small innovations along with rigorous quality systems help these SMEs punch above their weight class on the global stage. By solving tough engineering problems through innovative resins, Japanese SMEs demonstrate how resilience, determination and a customer-first mindset can propel even small businesses to worldwide success.