Asahi Kasei Plans New Virus Filter Plant in Nobeoka City

In Nobeoka City, Miyazaki, Japan, Asahi Kasei Life Science, a branch of the multifaceted international manufacturer Asahi Kasei, revealed intentions to build a new spinning mill for its Planova virus elimination filters.The new facility will be the fourth hollow-fiber cellulose membrane filter spinning factory owned by the corporation. Operations are expected to commence in January 2030, with construction set to commence in July 2026. Supported by a grant from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), the project fits in with Asahi Kasei's newly unveiled "Trailblaze Together" medium-term management plan, which puts the Life Science division as a major engine for future expansion. The global biopharmaceutical market is expected to reach US$500 billion by 2032, with compound annual growth of 8.2% between 2022 and 2032, according to a Market.US analysis. The demand for creating and launching new medications will rise sharply as a result, necessitating the use of virus removal filters, which are crucial for the production of biologics.

“This new plant reinforces the momentum behind our newly established Life Sciences business,” said Yusuke Kanazawa, Head of the Bioprocess Division at Asahi Kasei Life Science Corporation.

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“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.”