MaterialsTokyo, JapanFounded 1925· One of 977 Materials companies tracked by AMPulse
Sumitomo Chemical is a comprehensive chemical manufacturer that will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025. Materials for those who want to use them. Technology for those who want them made. LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) will accelerate your development speed. If you're curious about LCP or wondering about its features, please visit our booth. When you feel limited by existing materials, take that next step with us.
Sumitomo Chemical is a Tokyo-based comprehensive chemical manufacturer approaching its 100th anniversary in 2025. In the additive manufacturing space, it positions itself as a materials supplier focused on liquid crystal polymer (LCP) for polymer material extrusion (MEX) processes. Its LCP materials are engineered for high heat resistance and ultra-high fluidity, targeting applications where conventional thermoplastics reach performance limits.
The company's core AM offering is LCP filament or pellet feedstock designed to accelerate development cycles in demanding end markets. Primary verticals include electronics, automotive, and aerospace, where parts must withstand elevated temperatures and maintain dimensional stability. Sumitomo Chemical competes against established polymer suppliers such as BASF, Dow, SABIC, Mitsubishi Chemical, and LG Chem, differentiating on LCP's thermal and flow properties.
In 2025, Sumitomo Chemical acquired the LCP resin business from Syensqo, expanding its production capacity and patent portfolio. The company holds over 13,000 patent applications and more than 2,500 registered patents, and was named a Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovator in 2026. CEO Nobuaki Mito, a Sumitomo Chemical veteran since 1985, leads an organization of over 10,000 employees.
A key open question is how Sumitomo Chemical's LCP materials will gain adoption among AM service bureaus and OEMs accustomed to standard thermoplastics like PEEK or PEKK. The company's deep experience in high-performance polymers and its recent capacity expansion provide a credible moat, but the AM materials market remains fragmented and price-sensitive.