Asahi Kasei will build a new Planova filter plant in Japan to boost virus filtration capacity and global supply resilience.
Asahi Kasei Life Science, a subsidiary of the diversified multinational conglomerate Asahi Kasei, has unveiled plans to construct a new spinning facility dedicated to the production of Planova™ virus removal filters in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. This forthcoming site will become the company’s fourth spinning plant for its specialized hollow-fiber cellulose membrane filters, which are widely used in the biopharmaceutical sector. Construction is scheduled to commence in July 2026, with operations expected to begin in January 2030.
This initiative reflects a significant step in Asahi Kasei’s broader strategic vision, aligning with its newly announced medium-term management strategy titled “Trailblaze Together.” The strategy identifies the Life Science segment as a central growth engine for the company’s future development. Importantly, the project is being supported by a grant from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), as part of its Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Project. This government initiative aims to bolster the domestic infrastructure necessary for vaccine and biologics production during public health crises.
As global demand for biopharmaceuticals continues to surge—driven by the development of innovative treatments and biologics—there is an increasing requirement for advanced virus filtration systems. A report by Market.US projects the global biopharmaceutical market will exceed USD 500 billion by 2032, with an annual compound growth rate of 8.2% from 2022 to 2032. As a pioneer in virus removal technologies, Asahi Kasei’s Planova™ filters are well-positioned to meet these rising demands, particularly in applications involving plasma-derived therapeutics and biologic drug production.
The new facility will focus on the manufacturing of several Planova™ filter variants, including the S20N, 15N, 20N, 35N, and 75N models. These products are essential to the virus removal processes in biologics manufacturing. The expansion will significantly enhance the company's global production capacity, addressing anticipated supply needs while improving supply chain robustness and operational resilience.
Yusuke Kanazawa, Head of the Bioprocess Division at Asahi Kasei Life Science Corporation, emphasized the strategic value of the new plant. “This facility reinforces the momentum of our recently established Life Science business,” Kanazawa stated. “It also underscores Asahi Kasei’s dedication to making forward-looking investments that meet growing global demand for virus filtration technologies.”
The establishment of this new plant not only reinforces Asahi Kasei’s commitment to the bioprocessing industry but also demonstrates the company’s intention to strengthen its global presence through innovation, supply security, and alignment with national health priorities.
