Asahi Kaisei Adr - AHKSY STOCK NEWS

Asahi Kasei announced the launch of a membrane system to produce Water for Injection (WFI), a type of sterile water used in injections, starting April 2024. Using their Microza™ hollow-fiber membrane technology, this system provides an alternative to traditional distillation methods, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and energy costs. The new system offers higher water quality and easier operation, with an endotoxin removal rate of over 99.999%. The company aims to facilitate a transition to membrane filtration processes, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in pharmaceutical water production.

Crystal IS, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, has announced the successful serial production of 100 mm diameter single-crystal aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates with a 99% usable area. This marks a significant improvement from the previous 90% in Q1 CY24. The substrates are to be manufactured in the United States and will enhance the performance and reliability of UVC LEDs, RF, and power devices. The announcement follows the first-ever 100 mm diameter AlN launch in August 2023, which won the Grand Prize in the Semiconductor of the Year Awards. These substrates are set to accelerate the development of new applications and integrate seamlessly into existing fabrication lines.

Asahi Kasei has achieved a significant technological breakthrough in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) by developing a high ionic conductive electrolyte. This innovation enhances power output at low temperatures and durability at high temperatures. The new electrolyte can reduce battery pack size, increase energy density, and lower costs. Prototypes showed high power at -40°C and double the cycle life at 60°C before reaching 80% state of health. Commercialization is planned for 2025, with global licensing to LIB manufacturers aimed at promoting more compact and cost-effective battery systems.

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has launched the CQ36 series, a new line of integrated circuits (ICs) designed for the robotics market. These ICs feature a built-in Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) modulator, replacing traditional shunt resistors and isolated ADCs within a single compact package. AKM's CQ36 series promises enhanced precision, reduced size, and lower heat generation, making it ideal for next-gen robotics. The ICs have a 20% smaller mounting size and utilize high-sensitivity Hall elements for accuracy. These advancements position AKM as a leader in the robotics semiconductor market, with the company set to showcase the CQ36 series at PCIM Europe 2024.

Bionova Scientific, a U.S. biologics CDMO and subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Medical, has announced plans to establish a new plasmid DNA production facility in The Woodlands, Texas. This move aligns with Asahi Kasei Group's medium-term management plan, 'Be a Trailblazer,' and aims to leverage the expanding biopharmaceutical market. The new facility will focus on process development from early 2025 and GMP manufacturing from 2026. Bionova aims to support the growing demand for cell and gene therapies, mRNA vaccines, and antibody drugs by utilizing its established expertise and network. The global plasmid manufacturing market is expected to grow at double-digit rates, presenting a significant business opportunity.

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) and Silicon Austria Labs GmbH (SAL) have successfully completed a proof of concept (PoC) for eFuse technology in high-voltage applications using silicon carbide (SiC) power devices. This innovation aims to replace mechanical fuses in electric vehicles, offering enhanced safety and reduced maintenance costs. The coreless current sensor CZ39 series, developed by AKM, features a response time of 100 ns, enabling rapid overcurrent detection and system shutdown. The eFuse system is particularly useful for next-generation high-voltage EV systems, such as on-board chargers (OBCs). AKM and SAL anticipate a positive market impact and plan to present their findings at PCIM Europe 2024.

Asahi Kasei Medical has completed its third assembly plant for Planova™ virus removal filters in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan, with a completion ceremony held on May 24, 2024. The new plant aims to meet the growing global demand for virus removal filters used in the production of biopharmaceuticals and plasma derivatives. Planova™ filters, first introduced in 1989, are renowned for their virus removal capabilities, contributing to the safety of biotherapeutic products. The new assembly plant complements previous expansions, including a 2019 spinning plant and a 2021 expansion of the Planova™ BioEX filters plant in Oita, Japan. This investment underscores Asahi Kasei Medical's commitment to supporting biotherapeutics manufacturers by providing reliable bioprocess consumables and biosafety testing services.

Asahi Kasei announced the construction of a new lithium-ion battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. This facility, named Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada, will start commercial production in 2027, creating highly skilled, well-paying jobs in manufacturing and construction. The plant will produce Hipore™ wet-process separators for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage. The initial investment is approximately 180 billion JPY (CAD$ 1.56 billion) for 700 million square meters of annual separator capacity. The project is supported by the Ontario provincial government and will benefit from Canada's Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit.

Asahi Kasei has officially inaugurated its multi-module hydrogen pilot plant in Kawasaki, Japan, aimed at advancing its hydrogen business. The plant, which began operations in March 2024, features four 0.8 MW modules and is a important step toward developing a 100 MW-class alkaline water electrolysis system for green hydrogen production. The pilot plant will help optimize equipment design and control technology by operating under realistic conditions. Asahi Kasei plans to commercialize its alkaline water electrolyzers in 2025, targeting sales of ¥100 billion by 2030. The project is supported by Japan's Green Innovation Fund.