Gunze Limited

Gunze Limited has developed a next-generation antistatic sewing thread that uses neither carbon nor metal as its conductive material, applying proprietary resin processing technology from its plastic film business to combine high antistatic performance with a wide range of color options including white and vivid hues. The Osaka-based company, led by President Takahiro Oka and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under code 3002, said the product overcomes a key limitation of conventional antistatic threads, which rely on carbon and are therefore limited to black or gray. Instead, the new thread uses ion-conductive polymers to dissipate static electricity, allowing it to be produced in pure white or dyed in a wide range of colors, including vibrant and multi-color variations. Gunze said its resin molding and processing technologies distribute the ion-conductive polymer optimally throughout the fibers, delivering superior antistatic performance and longer-lasting effectiveness than conventional products. The company is targeting applications in high-performance and fashion apparel, uniforms and workwear for precision machinery, medical, pharmaceutical and cleanroom environments, and interior and industrial materials such as carpets, curtains, automotive interiors and filters, and intends to expand its product range and actively promote the technology in B2B markets in Japan and abroad.

Gunze's interim shareholder perks, with a record date of September 30, are approaching, and coupons and gifts will be given based on the number of shares held and the duration of holding. In the first quarter of fiscal year ending March 2027, announced on August 5, operating profit increased 87.6% year on year to 3.387 billion yen, and quarterly net profit turned to a surplus of 2.64 billion yen. However, the profit increase includes one-off factors such as the time lag between selling prices and raw material prices and the rebound from the previous year's special losses, and the full-year plan remains unchanged from the initial forecast, with sales of 132 billion yen and operating profit of 8.8 billion yen. The shareholder perks are as follows: for 100 to less than 200 shares, coupons worth 1,000 to 3,000 yen; for 200 to less than 600 shares, coupons worth 2,500 to 5,000 yen and gifts; for 600 or more shares, coupons worth 5,000 to 10,000 yen and gifts. The perks increase in stages for holding periods of 3 years or more and 5 years or more. The last trading day to qualify for the rights is September 28.