Ube Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has decided to take a stake in Nagasuna mayu Inc., which possesses technology for extracting and processing silk proteins from silkworm cocoons, by accepting a third party allocation of shares.

Nagasuna mayu is committed to exploring the possibilities of cocoons and providing their value to society. Under this corporate philosophy, the company conducts research and development for silk proteins as well as the manufacturing and marketing of processed goods made from silk proteins. Nagasuna mayu is based in Kyotango, Kyoto Prefecture, which is one of the leading centers for Japan's silk industry. Silk protein is a biodegradable material that decomposes through the action of microbes found in nature. The company's proprietary extraction technology opens up possibilities for processing silk proteins into a wide range of forms including films, sponges, and particles. Nagasuna Mayu aims to leverage these technologies to provide people with environmentally friendly products that are useful to society, in markets ranging from medical devices and cosmetics to fibers and coatings.

The decision to take a stake in Nagasuna mayu reflects Ube Industries' supportive stance toward the R&D, manufacturing, and marketing activities of the company focusing on natural biodegradable materials. In the future, Ube Industries and Nagasuna mayu will collaborate on improving the quality of silk protein products while identifying market needs, and rapidly establish a business by swiftly starting up mass production. At the same time, the two companies will conduct joint research to rapidly accumulate knowledge of biodegradable materials, while also developing new applications to secure the business development and growth of both companies through the future.

The UBE Group is aiming to achieve an 80% reduction of GHG emissions by 2050, as part of its mandate to engage in corporate activities that are in harmony with nature, as outlined in the UBE Group Environmental Vision 2050. Furthermore, the UBE Group is addressing and helping to resolve resource, energy, and global environmental issues, as one of its basic strategies under the Vision UBE 2025--Prime Phase medium-term management plan. This is being achieved through initiatives to further reduce GHG emissions and develop and increase adoption of new technologies and products that help reduce environmental impact.

Company Data: Nagasuna mayu Inc.