Asahi Kasei expands Planova production with new spinning plant in Japan

July 29, 2025 | Tuesday | News

Strengthening life science’s global bioprocess supply capabilities

Asahi Kasei Life Science, a division of diversified global manufacturer Asahi Kasei, has announced plans to construct a new spinning plant for its Planova™ virus removal filters in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki, Japan.

The new facility will be the company’s fourth spinning plant for hollow-fiber cellulose membrane filters. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with operations starting in January 2030.

The initiative, backed by a grant from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), aligns with Asahi Kasei’s recently announced medium-term management plan “Trailblaze Together,” which positions the Life Science business as a key driver of future growth.

With strong market growth projected to continue, Planova™ is well-positioned as one of the global leaders in virus filtration for plasma-derived therapeutics and biologics.

The new plant will significantly expand the company’s production capacity in response to accelerating global demand, focusing on the production of Planova™ filters S20N, 15N, 20N, 35N, and 75N. The planned capacity expansion represents a strategic investment to capture future demand, enhance global supply chain resilience, and reinforce the position of Planova™ in the high-value bioprocessing market.