A Quick Guide to Unicharm
(Chapter 1: Growth record and business overview)

Unicharm began operations in 1961 by manufacturing and selling “wood wool cement boards,” which are a type of building material.

We subsequently began the manufacture and sale of sanitary napkins in 1963. Since then, we have developed a number of original technologies and products, and have continued to lead the industry as a pioneer in sanitary napkins. In the 1980s, we worked on diversifying our business operations and expanded into early childhood education, wedding services, resorts, and other areas.

The pet care business we launched during this period has sustained our growth to this day. Since the 2000s, we have reorganized our business portfolio and sold several businesses, including our original building materials business. We are currently utilizing the processing and molding technology for nonwoven fabrics and absorbent materials that we cultivated in the field of sanitary napkins to expand into felds such as baby care products, healthcare products, and household products. Through these efforts, we have extended our range of activity as a company that supports the lives of those involved in childcare, nursing care, and housework. In anticipation of Japan’s maturing market, we have been aggressively promoting globalization since the 1980s, and we are presently expanding our business in about 80 countries and regions around the world.

Unicharm, which has maintained sustainable growth, has nurtured a corporate culture and spirit called the “Three Types of DNA” that has been passed down ever since its founding. In recent years, our business activities have spread from Japan to the rest of Asia, as well as to the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Because the number of employees born overseas is increasing, we have begun rephrasing the “Three Types of DNA” as “BOP-ship” to make it easier for overseas employees to understand. The “Three Types of DNA” and “BOP-ship” are corporate values that support the basis of our activities, and are common values that each and every employee, including top managemet.

Unicharm aims to address social issues by providing new value through the addition of various services to high value-added products that utilize our nonwoven fabric and absorbent material processing and molding technology. To do this, we channel management resources into our nonwoven fabric and absorbent material businesses, allowing us to launch products that accurately meet customer needs ahead of rivals, thanks to our position as a specialist manufacturer. Backed by powerful technical capabilities, we supply a balanced range of products for pet owners and people of all ages – from babies to the elderly – limiting our exposure to demographic changes and supporting Unicharm’s sustained growth.

Unicharm’s various products and services are seeing increasing demand in regions throughout the world thanks to their being indispensable for leading hygienic and healthy lives. We currently operate businesses in approximately 80 countries and regions globally, garnering high praise for our activities