1. Overview

On January 6, 2023, the Tokyo Consortium held an event for startups and various players supporting startups (companies, VCs, universities, local governments, etc.) to foster an atmosphere for deepening understanding of the necessary elements, approaches, and support for growth that incorporates overseas markets.Mr. Yamaguchi, Executive Officer and CSO of TBM Co., Ltd., gave a presentation on "The Progress of New Material Startups in the Green Sector and Future Challenges." This event was held online and attracted approximately 60 participants.

2. Event Implementation Overview

(1) Innovation Trends and Business Overview in the Green Sector (Secretariat)

We explained the Tokyo Consortium's overview and past initiatives, as well as the launch of its green startup support program. While climate change demands urgent global action, it can be viewed not only as a negative, but also as a business opportunity. Achieving sustainability, including carbon neutrality, requires building an ecosystem that collaborates with many stakeholders. As the Tokyo Consortium, we are now launching support for green startups, a growing field.

(2) "The Progress and Future Challenges of New Material Startups in the Green Sector" (Mr. Yamaguchi, TBM Co., Ltd.)

In your presentation, you introduced the two business areas implemented by TBM Co., Ltd.—the "Materials & Products Business" and the "Resource Recycling Business"—along with the background behind their implementation.

■ Regarding the "Material Products Business," we were introduced to LIMEX, a new material primarily made from limestone using proprietary technology.LIMEX is currently adopted by over 10,000 companies and municipalities as a substitute for various plastic and paper products, including printed materials, bags, food containers, stationery, toys, household goods, packaging, and labels. We are advancing its global expansion. Through the deployment of LIMEX, we aim to reduce the use of scarce resources with high depletion risks, contributing to resource conservation and climate change mitigation.

■ The "Resource Circulation Business" model enables the collection and recycling of LIMEX and waste plastics that have already circulated, transforming them into raw materials for the next generation of products. By handling everything from collection to recycling in-house, we build a circular platform while maximizing business potential.We aim to promote resource circulation not only by positioning ourselves as a material manufacturer, but also by developing products using the recycled material "CirculeX," building a resource circulation platform business that combines internal and external resources where they are best suited, and expanding our own recycling plants both domestically and internationally.

■ Additionally, regarding TBM's business operations, we were introduced to the progress of their business development in new materials and resource recycling. We heard about TBM's business expansion, rooted in ecology and economy, covering the transition to plastic alternatives and paper alternatives, and the subsequent process of establishing a resource recycling system.

Finally, he discussed key points for business development in the green sustainability field, explaining five key areas: promoting open innovation, collaborating with existing industries, utilizing diverse talent, leveraging digital technology, and addressing social issues. He then shared the latest information on how TBM is working to address these points.

■ During the Q&A session, there was a lively exchange of opinions, with numerous questions raised regarding experiences and key points in overseas expansion, TBM's business focus areas, and the direction of future initiatives.