UBE MAXELL will expand lithium-ion battery separator production by 50%, supporting growing demand from electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
UBE MAXELL CO., LTD., a joint venture established by UBE Corporation and Maxell, Ltd., has unveiled plans to significantly increase its production capacity for lithium-ion battery (LiB) separator base films in response to the rapidly growing demand from the automotive and energy storage sectors. The company will construct a new manufacturing facility at its Sakai Works in Japan, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the accelerating global transition toward electrification and sustainable energy solutions.
The expansion initiative follows the ongoing construction of a separator base film production facility at the Sakai Works, which is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2026. Building on this investment, UBE MAXELL has now approved an additional expansion project that will be executed in two phases. Construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin during fiscal year 2026, while the second phase is planned for fiscal year 2029. Upon completion of both phases, the company’s total production capacity for separator base films is expected to rise by approximately 50% compared to current levels.
The decision reflects the long-term growth outlook for lithium-ion batteries, which continue to play a critical role in the electrification of transportation and the broader shift toward a low-carbon economy. Governments, industries, and consumers worldwide are increasingly embracing electrified vehicles, including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hybrid vehicles, as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate goals. This trend is expected to sustain strong demand for advanced battery components such as separators, which are essential for ensuring battery performance, safety, and reliability.
Although the electric vehicle market has experienced periods of adjustment and fluctuating growth rates in certain regions, demand from the automotive sector remains fundamentally strong. In particular, hybrid vehicles continue to demonstrate robust market performance, supporting ongoing consumption of lithium-ion batteries and related materials. As automotive manufacturers expand their electrification strategies, the need for high-quality separator materials is anticipated to remain resilient over the coming years.
Beyond the transportation sector, the market for lithium-ion batteries is also benefiting from the rapid growth of energy storage systems (ESS). Increasing deployment of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power has created a greater need for efficient energy storage solutions capable of balancing electricity supply and demand. At the same time, rising global electricity consumption driven by artificial intelligence applications, digital infrastructure, and large-scale data centers is further accelerating demand for battery storage technologies. These factors are expected to contribute to sustained growth in separator demand across both automotive and non-automotive applications.
UBE MAXELL produces lithium-ion battery separators using a dry-process manufacturing technology. These separators are widely recognized for their superior safety characteristics and performance capabilities, making them particularly well-suited for automotive battery applications where reliability is critical. The company’s products have earned a strong reputation among battery manufacturers and vehicle producers seeking advanced materials that support higher energy density and improved safety standards.
Through this latest investment, UBE MAXELL aims to strengthen its market position while ensuring a stable supply of separator materials to customers worldwide. The company also intends to accelerate the development of next-generation applications for electrified vehicles and emerging non-automotive sectors. By expanding manufacturing capacity and advancing product innovation, UBE MAXELL seeks to capture future growth opportunities and contribute to the continued evolution of the global lithium-ion battery industry.
