Materiality
Contributing to sustainability through the application of Mizunoʼs technologies

Mizuno has long pursued research and development centered around people, focusing on human movement and form. This human-centric approach will remain at the core of our efforts as we continue to create new value through products and services that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a manufacturing company, we are committed not only to creating “excellent products,” but also to aligning all research themes with the SDGs. Our initiatives aim to contribute to achieving medium- to long-term goals such as carbon neutrality and, ultimately, to realizing a sustainable society.

In the area of carbon technology, we are focusing on expanding product development using recycled carbon materials, researching and developing thermoplastic CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), and enhancing CFRP with nanofillers.

• Product Development Using Recycled Carbon Technology
  One example is the development of insoles for shoes, which help reduce foot fatigue. We are promoting the use of recycled carbon for the spring components in these insoles to support the feet of walking enthusiasts, workers, and elderly individuals.
• Research and Development of Thermoplastic CFRP
  Although the applications are similar to those of traditional thermosetting CFRP used in carbon fiber prosthetic blades, thermoplastic CFRP offers shorter molding times and easier recyclability. We aim to commercialize CFRP products that contribute to a more sustainable society.
• Research on CFRP Enhancement with Nanofillers
  By adding materials at the nano level, we can improve the overall performance of CFRP, enabling the development of high-performance sports equipment.

We are engaged in the research and development of new sports services that can be enjoyed together across generations, genders, and physical abilities.

Leveraging our operation of directly managed facilities and designated public sports centers, Mizuno is in a unique position to interact closely with customers in real-world settings. This allows us to effectively test and refine new service concepts. Additionally, drawing on our long-standing expertise in the research and development of sporting goods and equipment—particularly our human-centered approach—we are expanding our focus to include the development of inclusive and accessible sports services.

Mizuno positions the workwear business as one of its strategic domains and offers corporate uniforms, footwear, and other items for workers in various industries, leveraging the functional value of sports products. In recent years, “health and productivity management,” a strategic approach to managing employee health from a business perspective, has gained attention. As a result, more companies are placing greater importance on the safety and comfort of uniforms and other provisions from a welfare standpoint.

Mizuno provides products tailored to harsh working environments, such as the Airy Jacket (fan-equipped workwear) for heat protection and the Tech Shield Jacket for cold weather. We are also promoting the development of environmentally conscious products, including corporate uniforms made from recycled PET bottle fibers and workwear using chemically recycled yarns. Through these initiatives, we aim to enhance labor productivity and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mizuno has developed a fabric with infrared anti-see-through functionality to help prevent athletes from becoming victims of illicit filming. In recent years, the issue of images and videos of female athletes being taken for sexual purposes at sporting events and subsequently shared online has been widely reported in various media, raising serious concerns. To address this issue of “unauthorized filming of athletes,” Mizuno undertook the development of new technology and successfully created an infrared anti-see-through fabric. This innovative fabric was co-developed through a collaborative effort among three companies: Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., which has expertise in functional materials; Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd., known for its strength in composite material technologies; and Mizuno, which specializes in textile development and product design centered on sports.

Providing athletes with a safe environment where they can fully focus on competition not only supports the “mind” aspect of the mind, technique, and body philosophy, but also aligns with our commitment to a player-first approach—making this a vital initiative.

Mizuno is committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with disabilities can actively enjoy sports, through the development and provision of adaptive sports equipment as well as support for athletes and teams.

Mizuno has established and publicly released the “MIZUNO MIRAI VISION” on its website, which serves as a guiding framework for creating our products and services. We define sport as “joyful physical activity” and pursue our mission of “making people happy through sports,” aiming to create a world where everyone enjoys moving their bodies and where social issues are addressed through the power of sport.

To realize this vision, we launched our innovation hub, “MIZUNO ENGINE,” which began full-scale operations in November 2022. Through this center, we explore the potential of sport across five key domains: Competition, Health, Environment, Education, and Work, striving to drive transformation through the power of sport.

We believe that unlocking greater human potential—by enhancing focus and motivation—requires advancing our understanding of the still largely unexplored field of the human mind. To that end, we are evolving our core technology, which is based on the principle of understanding human mechanisms and designing products and services aligned with specific goals. Furthermore, we are accelerating co-creation with external partners to push forward research that explores the mechanisms of the mind, thereby opening new frontiers for innovation.

MIZUNO MIRAI VISION

Innovation center "MIZUNO ENGINE"