Asahi Kasei Expands Virus Filter Production with New Plant
- Construction of the new spinning plant in Nobeoka City, Japan, starts in July 2026.
- Operations at the new plant are set to begin in January 2030.
- The plant will produce Planova™ filters S20N, 15N, 20N, 35N, and 75N.
- The project is supported by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
Project Overview
Asahi Kasei Life Science plans to build a new spinning plant for Planova™ virus removal filters in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki, Japan. This facility will be the fourth of its kind for the company, focusing on hollow-fiber cellulose membrane filters.
Timeline and Support
Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with operations expected to start by January 2030. The project is backed by a grant from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), aligning with Asahi Kasei’s medium-term management plan, “Trailblaze Together.”
Market Context
The global biopharmaceutical market is projected to exceed US$500 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 8.2% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is driving increased demand for virus removal filters, essential in manufacturing biologics.
Production Capacity
The new plant will significantly expand production capacity to meet global demand, focusing on Planova™ filters S20N, 15N, 20N, 35N, and 75N. This expansion aims to enhance global supply chain resilience and strengthen Planova™'s position in the bioprocessing market.
Source: Asahi Kasei