Asahi Kasei to Expand Planova™ Production with New Spinning Plant in Japan
Strategic Expansion to Strengthen Global Bioprocess Supply Chain in Life Sciences
DÜSSELDORF, Germany; CHELMSFORD, Mass.; NOVI, Mich.; TOKYO – July 29, 2025 –
Asahi Kasei Life Science, a key division of the diversified global manufacturer Asahi Kasei, has announced plans to construct a new spinning plant in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki, Japan, to enhance production of its Planova™ virus removal filters.
This will be the company’s fourth spinning facility dedicated to hollow-fiber cellulose membrane filters, with construction set to commence in July 2026 and operations scheduled to begin in January 2030. The plant expansion is supported by a grant from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) under its Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Project, which focuses on reinforcing critical infrastructure for vaccine production during public health emergencies.
The project aligns with Asahi Kasei’s medium-term management initiative “Trailblaze Together”, which highlights the Life Science segment as a core pillar of its future global growth.
Responding to Strong Global Biopharma Growth
The global biopharmaceutical market is expected to exceed US$500 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2022 to 2032, according to Market.US. This surge is driven by the rapid development and commercialization of new biologics and vaccines, increasing demand for virus filtration technologies that are essential in their manufacturing.
Asahi Kasei’s flagship Planova™ filters—widely used in plasma-derived therapeutics and biologic drug production—are well-positioned to benefit from this trend. The new facility will significantly scale up production of several Planova™ variants, including S20N, 15N, 20N, 35N, and 75N, to meet growing global demand.
This investment marks a strategic move to secure future growth opportunities, enhance supply chain resilience, and solidify Planova™’s leadership in the high-value bioprocessing and virus filtration markets.
Official Statement
“This new plant reinforces the momentum behind our newly established Life Science business,” said Yusuke Kanazawa, Head of the Bioprocess Division at Asahi Kasei Life Science Corporation.
“It demonstrates Asahi Kasei’s commitment to making strategic investments while responding to rising global demand for virus filtration. This project was selected under METI’s Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Project, which supports the development of domestic infrastructure critical for vaccine production during public health emergencies. Through this government-backed initiative, we are strengthening our supply resilience and enhancing our competitiveness in the global biopharmaceutical market.”
Strategic Highlights:
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Location: Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan
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Facility Type: Fourth spinning plant for Planova™ filters
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Construction Start: July 2026
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Operations Begin: January 2030
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Focus Products: Planova™ S20N, 15N, 20N, 35N, 75N
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Supported By: METI’s Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Project
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Goal: Expand capacity, boost supply chain resilience, and meet global demand in biologics manufacturing
