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Sekisui Chemical's New Design Center in Shanghai: A Leap Towards Innovative Glass Solutions

On July 1, 2026, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., led by President Ikusuke Shimizu, inaugurated a design center in Shanghai, focusing on advanced interlayer technology for laminated glass. This new facility will be operated by its local subsidiary, Sekisui Interlayer (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (herein referred to as Sekisui Interlayer Suzhou). The design center aims to integrate Sekisui's long-established technology in laminated glass with cutting-edge design trends in the Chinese market, promoting a revolutionary user experience in next-generation mobility solutions.

Background of the Design Center's Launch

As the electric and smart vehicle market flourishes in China, there is a growing emphasis not just on performance but also on user experience and aesthetic appeal. Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) design has emerged as a vital factor for brand identity and product differentiation, demanding more sophisticated designs from automotive manufacturers. To address this, the new design center will collaborate with Shanghai Techic Creative Design Co., Ltd. (TECHIC), a leading CMF design consultancy in China. This partnership will enable Sekisui Interlayer Suzhou to incorporate evolving CMF trends while transforming glass from a mere functional component into a significant design element.

Services Offered at the Design Center

The design center is not only a space for exhibits but also serves as a platform for co-creation with automotive manufacturers. It offers development support through design simulations and prototype production, responding to the evolving needs of the Chinese market. The increasing importance of aesthetic differentiation in vehicle design highlights the expectations for glass components, particularly for roof glass, side windows, and display-related glass. Customers seek designs that achieve both transparency and aesthetic value while expressing brand identity.

To meet this demand, the center will propose new possibilities for glass, including:

• - Design leveraging transparency and light transmission
• - Color interlayers for diverse color expressions
• - Gradation designs
• - Effects using light reflection and transmission
• - Custom designs reflecting brand identity

Sekisui Interlayer Suzhou has structured an integrated support system, covering everything from concept development to CMF design, design simulation, sample production, prototype evaluation, and real-world tests. By accompanying clients throughout the design and mass production phases, the center significantly reduces development timelines and enhances product competitiveness.

Future Development Plans

By autumn 2026, the design center plans to expand its exhibition of mobility-related products developed by Sekisui Chemical Group. It aims to showcase advanced materials, comfort-enhancing solutions, sustainability technologies, and innovations that improve cabin space value to automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and media representatives. The goal is to foster a vibrant platform for technical exchange and collaboration with clients.

SEKISUI also operates three research centers in Japan, Europe, and the United States focusing on laminated glass interlayer technologies, driving advancements in functionality, design aesthetics, and new product development, all while contributing significantly to the evolving mobility market.

For additional information, visit S-LEC™ or TECHIC.

Contact Information

For media inquiries, please reach out to the Corporate Communications Department at Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. via email at [email protected]. For general inquiries, contact the High-Performance Plastics Company, Interlayer Division, at [email protected].