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

Shabon-dama Soap Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture / President & CEO: Hayato Morita), a pioneer in additive-free soap, announces that it will relocate its research and development base to the "Technology Development Exchange Center" within Kitakyushu Science and Research Park on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday), and will start anew as "Innovation Lab Kitakyushu," with the aim of further strengthening its research and development capabilities and promoting open innovation.

■ Background and Purpose of Relocation

In 1974, Shabon-dama Soap Co., Ltd. ceased manufacturing and selling synthetic detergents, which was its main business, and transitioned to becoming a dedicated manufacturer of additive-free soap. Initially, additive-free soap did not penetrate the market, leading to a sharp decline in sales to less than one-hundredth and employees from 100 to 5. Although the company continued to operate at a loss for the next 17 years, it consistently adhered to its corporate philosophy of "protecting healthy bodies and clean water" and continued to supply additive-free soap.

Due to recent increases in environmental awareness, demand for sensitive skin products, and heightened hygiene consciousness since the COVID-19 pandemic, business performance has been robust. To sustain this growth and establish a more stable production and supply system, we are promoting the "evolution and strengthening of our business foundation." In addition to the smart factory initiative launched in 2023, we will begin factory expansion and equipment enhancement at the former office site from 2026. With completion targeted for 2030, we aim to significantly increase production capacity and further strengthen our 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 our research department's base to the "Technology Development Exchange Center," one of the core facilities within Kitakyushu Science and Research Park, we will innovate our 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 synergy with the already established "Kitakyushu City University Shabon-dama Soap Joint Research Course," "Infectious Disease Countermeasure 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 and joint research with students, we will focus on acquiring and developing highly specialized human resources who will lead the next generation.

4. New Workplace to Enhance Creativity

We have renovated laboratories, workspaces, and refreshment rooms. We have created an environment that fosters researchers' well-being and creativity, including large-scale experiments that 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: Research and Development Division

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