LIMEX Limestone-Based Plastic and Paper Alternative

TBM is a Japanese materials company founded in August 2011 and based in Tokyo. It develops, manufactures and sells LIMEX, a material made with more than 50% inorganic content, mainly calcium carbonate from limestone, to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastic and virgin pulp paper.

LIMEX Pellet replaces conventional plastic resin and can be processed by inflation, extrusion, injection and vacuum forming into bags, containers and nonwovens; LIMEX Sheet is a water-resistant substitute for paper used in signage, labels and printed matter. TBM also offers CirculeX, a recycled material made from post-consumer plastic, and CR LIMEX, launched at the end of 2024, which uses calcium carbonate made from captured CO2. Products are produced through owned plants and OEM partners, with a Hanoi subsidiary, TBM VN, set up in 2021.

• LIMEX Pellet: limestone-rich compound that replaces petroleum-based plastic in molding.
• LIMEX Sheet: water-resistant, durable synthetic paper substitute for signage and labels.
• CirculeX: high-strength, low-odour recycled material from post-consumer plastic.
• CR LIMEX: carbon recycling material using calcium carbonate made from captured CO2.
• Standard processing: works with inflation, extrusion, injection and vacuum forming equipment.
• OEM supply network: production through owned plants in Japan and partner factories, including in Vietnam.

Plastic bag and container makers in Vietnam can produce LIMEX-based shopping bags and food containers as OEM partners. Retailers and event organisers can use LIMEX Sheet for posters, menus and signage. Power plants and steel mills can explore CR calcium carbonate projects that turn CO2 and slag into building and plastic-substitute materials.

LIMEX can be made on existing molding and printing equipment, so converters do not need new lines. The company estimates about 83% lower greenhouse gas emissions in raw material procurement and about 43% lower emissions at incineration compared with polypropylene, with LCA figures approved by a third party. CirculeX can cut CO2 emissions by up to about 61% versus virgin plastic, with about 40% less odour than conventional recycled plastic.

Vietnam is tightening rules on single-use plastic under its amended Environmental Protection Law and has committed to net zero by 2050. Abundant limestone and a large plastic molding industry make the country a natural production base for mineral-filled plastic alternatives, while carbon capture and utilisation is emerging around coal power and steel plants.

Founded in August 2011, headquartered in Yurakucho, Chiyoda, Tokyo. Holds about 260 patents across 51 countries; the company says more than 10,000 companies and municipalities use its materials. Established TBM VN Co., Ltd. in Hanoi in December 2021. Signed an MOU with Vung Ang II Thermal Power (VAPCO) and Viet Hai in Ha Tinh in December 2025.