Relocation of R&D Base and Opening of "Innovation Lab Kitakyushu" from April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

Shabondama Soap Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture / President & CEO: Hayato Morita), a pioneer in additive-free soap, announces the relocation of its research and development base to the "Technology Development Exchange Center" within Kitakyushu Science and Research Park, effective April 1, 2026 (Wednesday). This move aims to further strengthen R&D capabilities and promote open innovation, with the new facility commencing operations as "Innovation Lab Kitakyushu."

■ Background and Purpose of Relocation

In 1974, Shabondama Soap Co., Ltd. ceased the manufacturing and sales of synthetic detergents, which was its main business, and transitioned to become a dedicated manufacturer of additive-free soap. Initially, additive-free soap did not penetrate the market, leading to a drastic decline in sales to less than 1/100 and a sharp reduction in employees from 100 to 5. Despite operating at a loss for the subsequent 17 years, the company consistently upheld its corporate philosophy of "protecting healthy bodies and clean water" and continued to supply additive-free soap.

In recent years, growing environmental awareness, increased demand for sensitive skin products, and heightened hygiene consciousness since the COVID-19 pandemic have led to robust business performance. To sustain this growth and establish a more stable production and supply system, the company is promoting the "evolution and strengthening of its business foundation." In addition to the smart factory initiative launched in 2023, factory expansion and equipment upgrades will commence on the former office site from 2026. With a target completion date of 2030, the company aims to significantly boost production capacity and further strengthen its supply system.

In response to these changes in social conditions and consumer needs, there is a demand for product development based on more advanced scientific knowledge. By relocating the research department's base to the "Technology Development Exchange Center," one of the core facilities within Kitakyushu Science and Research Park, the company will innovate its research system, focusing on the following four points:

1. Acceleration of Industry-Academia Collaboration and Strengthening of Organizational Synergy

We will deepen collaboration with cutting-edge research communities and build strong synergies with the already established "Kitakyushu University Shabondama Soap Joint Research Course," "Infectious Disease Control Research Center," and "Soap Research Center" to improve the speed and quality of research.

2. Advancement of Research Environment and Open Innovation

We will fully utilize the state-of-the-art shared facilities within the Science and Research Park and serve as a "multi-institutional collaboration hub" where companies, research institutions, and government agencies interact through open labs.

3. Securing and Developing Highly Specialized Human Resources

Through daily interaction with students and collaborative research, we will focus on acquiring and developing highly specialized personnel who will lead the next generation.

4. New Workplace to Enhance Creativity

Laboratories, workspaces, and refreshment rooms have been renovated. We have created an environment that fosters researchers' well-being and creativity, including large-scale experiments to promote communication, circular sofas, cafe spaces, and individual concentration areas.

■ Overview of the New Base

• Base Name: "Innovation Lab Kitakyushu"

• Relocation Date: April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

• Department to be relocated: R&D Headquarters

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