Zeon begins building new COP plant in Japan to boost capacity, meet rising demand, and strengthen supply reliability by 2028.
Zeon Corporation has officially initiated the development of a new manufacturing facility dedicated to Cyclo-Olefin Polymers (COP), marking a significant step in its long-term growth strategy. The plant will be constructed at the company’s site in Yuka Town, located in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. This expansion reflects Zeon’s proactive response to the rising global demand for COP, driven by its increasing adoption in advanced industries such as healthcare, semiconductors, and optical technologies.
Construction of the new facility is scheduled to commence in March 2026, following a ceremonial groundbreaking event held on February 18, 2026. The company has set a target to complete the plant in the first half of fiscal year 2028. Once operational, the facility is expected to boost Zeon’s overall COP production capacity by approximately 30% compared to its current output levels, reinforcing its position in the high-performance materials market.
The new plant has been named the Tokuyama East Plant and will operate alongside the company’s existing Tokuyama Plant in the same region. Through this dual-plant strategy, Zeon aims to strengthen its manufacturing footprint in the Shunan area while enhancing operational efficiency and supply reliability. The project also highlights the company’s commitment to regional development and collaboration with local stakeholders.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by 63 participants, including representatives from local government bodies such as Yamaguchi Prefecture and Shunan City, as well as members of the surrounding community, construction partners, and Zeon executives. Among those present were President and CEO Tetsuya Toyoshima and Tokuyama Plant Manager Akira Honma. The event symbolized not only the start of construction but also a shared commitment to ensuring safety and success throughout the project lifecycle.
During a press conference held on the same day, President Toyoshima expressed his enthusiasm about the development, noting that addressing the strong and growing demand for COP has long been a strategic priority for the company. He emphasized that the new plant represents an important milestone and reaffirmed Zeon’s intention to expand its presence in the region while continuing to deliver innovative, high-quality materials to meet societal needs.
Cyclo-Olefin Polymers, marketed under product names such as ZEONEX® and ZEONOR®, are high-performance plastics developed using Zeon’s proprietary technologies. These materials are known for their exceptional transparency, minimal water absorption, high purity, and excellent optical characteristics. Traditionally used in optical applications such as lenses and films, COP is now gaining rapid traction in emerging sectors, including medical devices like syringes and cell culture plates, as well as semiconductor-related applications such as precision transfer containers.
The project aligns with Zeon’s STAGE30 medium-term management plan for fiscal years 2025 to 2028, which focuses on restructuring its business portfolio and channeling resources into four key growth sectors: mobility, healthcare and life sciences, telecommunications, and green transformation (GX). Within this framework, COP has been identified as a core growth driver due to its expanding application base and consistent demand trajectory.
Furthermore, the Tokuyama East Plant will serve as Zeon’s second COP production base, complementing its existing Mizushima Plant in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. By diversifying its production locations, the company aims to ensure a more stable and resilient supply chain for COP products.
Through this strategic investment, Zeon continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the delivery of essential materials that support modern industries while contributing to a safer and more comfortable society.
