Press release
- TBM
TBMlaunches "Green Sourcing Hub (Beta)"B2B marketplace featuring Japanese sustainable materials
Tokyo, November 24, 2023 – TBM is pleased to announce the launch of "Green Sourcing Hub (Beta)" B2B marketplace featuring Japanese sustainable materials. This initiative has been selected for the "Subsidy for Export Support Business Model Demonstration Project for Startups," promoted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
Green Sourcing Hub official website: https://greensourcinghub.com/
Registration page for suppliers (material registered companies): https://greensourcinghub.com/cms/view/7
Registration page for buyers (material purchasing companies): https://greensourcinghub.com/cms/view/8
Background
Growing Global Green Materials Market
Japan's materials industry is a key industry, accounting for approximately 30% of the manufacturing industry, which accounts for 20% of the country's GDP*1. Japanese materials are highly valued for their superior functionality and are internationally competitive. Global demand for materials is expected to expand further, especially in developing countries, and there is a market for the materials industry to continue to grow as a key industry for Japan in the future..
The global sustainable plastics market (bio-based plastics, biodegradable plastics, etc.) is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.3% from 2020 to 2030, reaching US$828.8 billion in 2030*2, and the global recycled plastics market is projected to grow from $50.78 billion in 2023 to $88.96 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period*3. With governments announcing policies to promote the use of recycled materials, the need for recycled materials is expected to grow at an accelerating pace.
80% of B2B transactions will be online by 2025
Almost half of B2B transactions are conducted online, and it is expected that by 2025, 80% of transactions between suppliers and buyers will be conducted digitally*4. While American and European material manufacturers actively trade their materials through digital platforms, Japanese material manufacturers often use trading companies or local sales agents. The overseas expansion by material makers to end brands and molders through digital platforms is still rare.
*1https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/sankoshin/seizo_sangyo/pdf/20220428_1.pdf
*2https://www.visiongain.com/report/sustainable plastics market 2020/
*3https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/recycled-plastic-market-102568
*4https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2020-09-15-gartner-says-80–of-b2b-sales-interactions-between-su
Green Sourcing Hub Overview
Green Sourcing Hub is a B2B marketplace featuring Japanese sustainable materials. The lineup includes low-carbon, recycled, bio-based, biodegradable, and other green materials from Japan. We support the delivery of resins, fibers, and sheets handled by domestic material manufacturers to overseas markets.
Features for Suppliers:
Create opportunities to enter overseas markets
Suppliers can open a store for free during the beta version. Listing materials on the constantly evolving platform will make it easier to reach global markets.
Reduce inefficient conversation
By consolidating material information into the store, it will be easier for buyers to get information, which can significantly reduce time for suppliers, allowing more time to explore new markets and build deeper relationships with buyers.
Unified information management
Procurement documents can be managed on a single platform, from customer information to quotations and invoices. Sub-users can be registered as store administrators, making sharing data within the company easy.
Features for Buyers:
Green procurement that meets your requirements
Buyers can quickly identify the sustainable materials they seek through our platform filters and shorten the procurement time.
Easy comparison of sustainable materials
Materials are categorized into recycled materials, biodegradable materials, bio-based materials, and other environmental features so buyers can quickly identify the materials.
Unified management of transaction information
From requesting quotes to receiving invoices and downloading technical data, the Green Sourcing Hub simplifies the procurement process.
Message from TBM Co., Ltd. CEO Nobuyoshi Yamasaki
We are pleased to announce the release of the "Green Sourcing Hub" (beta), a digital platform for sustainable material procurement supported by JETRO, one of Japan's most respected institutions in the economic and trade sectors. TBM is a Japanese startup with a strong focus on sustainable materials, including limestone-based LIMEX and various recycled materials, and has gained recognition at international events like COP, G20, and G7. Additionally, we are proud members of the World Economic Forum Unicorn Community.
Recognizing the need to establish a digital presence to accelerate the growth of the Japanese material industry in the global market, Green Sourcing Hub is introduced as a critical link between Japanese suppliers and overseas buyers. By collaborating with current and new partners, we will commit to developing the platform in our mission to promote digital transformation in the material industry.
About future developments
In the future, we will strengthen PR activities to increase the number of registered suppliers and buyers and update the UI/UX by listening to the opinions of platform users, such as adding payment functions, enhancing environmentally friendly filters, and adding languages. The official version is scheduled to be launched next summer. We are looking to expand not only to English-speaking countries but also to the ASEAN region.