SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (President and Representative Director: Ikusuke Shimizu, hereinafter “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”), through its High Performance Plastics Company (President: Akira Asano), has opened a new Design Center (hereinafter “the Center”) in Shanghai as of July 2026. The Center will be operated by SEKISUI S-LEC (SUZHOU) CO., LTD. (hereinafter “S-LEC SUZHOU”).
The Center will showcase demonstrators that allow visitors to experience the advanced laminated glass interlayer film technologies that the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group has developed over many years. It will also feature design glass exhibits that combine cutting-edge Chinese design trends with interlayer film technologies. Through these initiatives, SEKISUI aims to inspire new user experiences in next-generation mobility.
Design Center in Shanghai, China
1. Responding to Evolving Design Trends in China's Automotive Market
In the Chinese automotive market, the transition toward electrification and smart vehicles is increasing the importance of user experience and design. In particular, CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design has gained attention as a key factor in enhancing brand value and product differentiation. As a result, automotive manufacturers are seeking increasingly sophisticated design solutions.
To address these trends, the Center is collaborating with Shanghai Techic Creative Design Co., Ltd. (“TECHIC”), a leading CMF design consultancy in China.
Through its collaboration with TECHIC, S-LEC SUZHOU will capture emerging CMF trends in the Chinese market and translate them into innovative design proposals. By leveraging these insights, the company aims to position glass not only as a functional component, but also as a key element of design and brand expression.
Note 1: CMF refers to the key design elements that define a product’s appearance, texture, and overall impression: Color, Material and Finish
2. Services Provided by the Design Center
The Center functions both as a showroom and as a collaborative hub for design and development, dedicated to co-creation with automotive manufacturers.
As the significance of design continues to grow in China's automotive sector, expectations for glass as a differentiating design element are also increasing. This trend is particularly evident in roof glass, side glass, and display-related glass applications, where demand is growing for solutions that combine transparency, aesthetics, and brand expression.
To meet this demand, the Center proposes new possibilities for glass through SEKISUI’s interlayer film technologies, including:
• Designs that maximize clarity and light transmission
• Rich color expression through color interlayers
• Gradient designs
• Visual effects utilizing the reflection and transmission of light
• Customized designs that reflect individual brand identities
In addition, S-LEC SUZHOU has established an integrated support framework that covers every stage of development: from concept creation, CMF design evaluation, and design simulation to sample production, prototype assessment, and installation verification in actual vehicles. By supporting customers throughout the development process, from initial concept creation to production-ready solutions, the Center helps accelerate development timelines and enhance product competitiveness.
Roof Glass Demonstrating Semi-transparent Pattern Effects
Showcase of Advanced Interlayer Design Solutions for Mobility
3. Accelerating Global Value Creation Through Design Innovation
Looking ahead, the Center plans to expand its exhibits by autumn 2026 to include a broader range of mobility-related innovations from the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group.
The exhibition will be progressively expanded to showcase:
• Designs that maximize clarity and light transmission
• Next-generation mobility materials
• Comfort-enhancing solutions
• Sustainability-related technologies
• Innovations that elevate the value of vehicle interiors
The Center will continue to develop as a platform for technical exchange and co-creation among automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and media representatives.
In addition to the Center, the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group operates research centers for laminated glass interlayers in three regions—Japan, Europe, and the United States. By promoting technological advancements that enhance functionality and aesthetics, expand applications, and strengthen new product planning and development, the Group contributes to delivering new value to the mobility market.
S-LEC™ website:https://www.s-lecfilm.com/ja/
TECHIC website:https://en.techic.cc/
About SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group
Headquartered in Japan, SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (TSE: 4204) and its subsidiaries make up the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group. 26,000 employees in over 155 companies throughout 20 countries and regions aim to contribute to improving the lives of the people of the world and the earth’s environment. Thanks to a history of innovation, dedication and a pioneering spirit, SEKISUI CHEMICAL now holds leading positions in its three diverse business divisions as well as top global market share in interlayer film, foam products, conductive particles and more.
Contact Information
SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
Media Inquiries.
Corporate Communication Department
Email: kouhou@sekisui.com
Customer Inquiries
High Performance Plastics Company, Interlayer Business Division
Email： slec_inquiry_gmc@sekisui.com
Disclaimer
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements due to changes in global economic, business, competitive market and regulatory factors.