Japanese green unicorn TBM makes LIMEX, a limestone-based material that can replace paper and plastic.

A new material from limestone

Founded in 2011 in Tokyo, TBM develops, manufactures and sells LIMEX — a novel material made largely from limestone that can substitute for both paper and plastic. Because limestone is abundant and LIMEX uses little water and less energy than conventional paper or plastic, the company pitches it as a way to cut resource use and emissions in everyday products like cards, bags and packaging.

TBM: founded 2011 Tokyo, LIMEX limestone-based paper/plastic alternative, green unicorn >130B yen, ~100% renewable factories, JETRO-backed global expansion” style=”width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px;” loading=”lazy” /><br /> </figure> <h2>A green unicorn going global</h2> <p>TBM is one of Japan’s most prominent <strong>sustainability unicorns</strong>, valued at <strong>over 130 billion yen</strong>, with factories powered by nearly <strong>100% renewable energy</strong>. Backed by trade-promotion bodies such as JETRO, it is expanding internationally and building a ‘green sourcing’ ecosystem around its material.</p> <h2>Why it represents the next generation</h2> <p>TBM is a materials-science startup tackling plastic and paper waste at the source. It exemplifies a new wave of Japanese companies whose competitive edge is sustainability built into the product itself.</p> <h2>Why it matters for global partners and investors</h2> <ul> <li><strong>For brands and manufacturers,</strong> LIMEX offers a lower-impact alternative to paper and plastic.</li> <li><strong>For investors,</strong> TBM is a leading Japanese sustainability unicorn with global ambitions.</li> <li><strong>The trend to watch</strong> is materials innovation as a lever for cutting plastic and paper waste.</li> </ul> <h2>Frequently asked questions</h2> <p><strong>What is TBM?</strong><br />TBM is a Tokyo-based startup, founded in 2011, that develops and manufactures LIMEX — a limestone-based material that can replace paper and plastic in products such as cards, bags and packaging.</p> <p><strong>What is LIMEX?</strong><br />LIMEX is TBM’s signature material, made largely from limestone. It uses less water and energy than conventional paper or plastic, and is positioned as a more sustainable alternative for everyday products.</p> <p><strong>Why does TBM matter?</strong><br />TBM is one of Japan’s leading sustainability unicorns, valued at over 130 billion yen, tackling plastic and paper waste at the material level and expanding globally with support from bodies such as JETRO.</p> <aside data-japonity-editors-note= Editor’s note — This article was prepared by the Japonity Editorial Team using the company’s Yuho (annual securities report) on EDINET, official IR releases, and Japanese-language financial press (Nikkei, Diamond, Toyo Keizai), reviewed by a human editor at Washitsu, Inc. before publication. Figures and company details were current as of May 2026; we update profiles as new disclosures land. If you spot an error, write to editorial@japonity.com. See our Editorial Policy for details on sources, AI use, and corrections.

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