NEWS RELEASE

Teijin and Kinoshita Fishing Net DevelopWorld's First Fishing Net Made with UHMWPE Film
Tokyo, Japan, August 4, 2020 --- Teijin Limited and Kinoshita Fishing Net Mfg. Co., Ltd.
jointly announced today that they have developed the world's first high-performanceknotless fishing net made with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
film. Kinoshita Fishing Net will begin selling MX-4 made with Teijin’s Endumax®
UHMWPE film in early August and is targeting annual sales of 50 tons by 2025, includingEndumax® fishing nets for purse seine net fishing and later for traps, fish farms andtrawling.
Teijin continues to discover new industrial applications for Endumax®, such as ropes,
bulletproof wear and lightweight containers for air cargo, as well as fishing nets, andexpects to develop additional applications going forward.

MX-4 Usage(left) MX-4 net showing almost no deterioration afterapprox. 300 uses and (right) unused knotless net

MX-4 combines Teijin's advanced Endumax® film and Kinoshita Fishing Net’s
manufacturing technology implemented with world-leading net-knitting machines forknotless netting, made by crossing threads with each other for extra strength andabrasion resistance. In addition to Muketsu knotless netting made with twisted threads,Kinoshita Fishing Net also boasts the world’s only machines for making braided knotless
nets, sold under the BM brand for purse seines, traps and fish farms.
Endumax® is a 60μm-thick film offering high strength, high modulus and resistance toimpact, abrasion, chemicals and sunlight. Advanced technologies are normally requiredto mass produce fish nets made with film, but Kinoshita Fishing Net’s proprietary
technology enables Endumax® that has been cut to just several millimeters in width tobe knit into highly functional MX-4 fishing net.
MX-4 is especially suitable for purse-seine nets for skipjack, tuna, horse mackerel andmackerel, which are used in harsh environments where durability and fast drainage arecrucial. MX-4 does not shrink easily and is resistant to breakage due to abrasion evenafter hundreds of castings, so it can be used safely for long periods. It also improves
work efficiency and cost efficiency by reducing needs for net reconditioning and tailoring.
In addition, it reduces the frequency of net disposal and is more marine friendly.
Furthermore, when MX-4 is pulled up from the sea, it immediately sheds water andbecomes lighter, making it easier to work. It also stays clean.
Various types of fishing nets are used commercially depending on the fishing method,fish species and marine environment. In the case of purse-seine net fishing, where nets
can become heavily loaded, over time the nets can shrink considerably, lose shape,
become less efficient in enclosing fish, and require frequent repair or replacement.
Teijin aims to be a company that supports the society of the future by creating new value
based on the changing times, providing solutions to realize a more prosperous andsustainable world.
Kinoshita Fishing Net’s philosophy is be an essential enterprise that develops uniquesolutions by working directly with customers to understand their situations, requirements,goals and prospects. Going forward, the company will expand MX-4 applications forpurse seine net fishing, and later for fish farms, traps and trawling, as a socially
responsible enterprise that places top priority on evolving with distinction andsustainability.
About the Teijin Group
Teijin (TSE: 3401) is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in thefields of environmental value; safety, security and disaster mitigation; and demographic
change and increased health consciousness. Originally established as Japan's firstrayon manufacturer in 1918, Teijin has evolved into a unique enterprise encompassing
three core business domains: high-performance materials including aramid, carbon
fibers and composites, and also resin and plastic processing, films, polyester fibers andproducts converting; healthcare including pharmaceuticals and home healthcare
equipment for bone/joint, respiratory and cardiovascular/metabolic diseases, nursing
care and pre-symptomatic healthcare; and IT including B2B solutions for medical,
corporate and public systems as well as packaged software and B2C online services for
digital entertainment. Deeply committed to its stakeholders, as expressed in the brandstatement “Human Chemistry, Human Solutions”, Teijin aims to be a company that
supports the society of the future. The group comprises more than 170 companies andemploys some 20,000 people across 20 countries worldwide. Teijin posted consolidated
sales of JPY 853.7 billion (USD 8.0 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,004.2 billion (USD9.4 billion) in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2020.
About Kinoshita Fishing Net
Kinoshita Fishing Net Mfg. Co., Ltd. was established in 1933 as net plant specializing in
net manufacturing and sales. Since its inception, the company has expanded around themanufacture and sale of materials for “food”-based industries such as fishing andagriculture. Based on a company culture that places chief importance on the relationshipbetween the manufacturing setting and the customer, Kinoshita has created a wellconnected domestic and international network, especially throughout the fishing industry.
At the same time, it has also emphasized product development for areas in the “shelter”
sphere, including construction and lifestyle resources. To be the kind of manufacturer
that the community needs, Kinoshita maintains consistent high quality, continues todevelop its own production system, and devotes maximum effort to acquiring andapplying the latest technologies. As a company, our greatest joys are being recognized
as one of Japan’s valuable manufacturing resources and being able to help ourcustomers. As time goes on, industrial powers will continue to spring up and grow, whileothers fade away. However, as mentioned above, “food” and “shelter” are two crucialcomponents of human life, and an “evolving manufacturing industry” is one of the mostimportant themes for Kinoshita. We want to continue to be a company that makes
aggressive, proactive efforts toward the future.
Press Contact
Corporate Communications
Teijin Limited
pr@teijin.co.jp
Kinoshita Fishing Net Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Tel: +81-563-62-3111 (main phone number)
Sales Contact
Kinoshita Fishing Net Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Tel: +81-563-62-3111 (main phone number)