Asahi Kaisei Adr Stock Price, News & Analysis

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has begun mass production of its next-generation InAs Hall element, the HQ0A11, featuring the company's smallest and thinnest package size at 0.8 x 0.4 x 0.23 mm. The new product achieves an 85% volume reduction compared to the previous HQ0811 model and offers 16% better signal-to-noise ratio.

The HQ0A11's position detection accuracy is over 3.5 times higher than the GaAs-based HG0C11, making it particularly effective for smartphone camera stabilization and autofocus systems. The device's high-sensitivity InAs compound technology and compact size make it ideal for applications in smartphone cameras, small robots, and other precision devices requiring position detection in spaces.

Asahi Kasei Battery Separator has broken ground on a new lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. The plant, planned as a joint venture with Honda, is expected to begin commercial production in 2027. The facility will create over 300 full-time jobs and produce approximately 700 million square meters of coated lithium-ion battery separator annually. As Canada's first large-scale wet-process separator facility, it will support the North American electric vehicle market. The company has already begun local hiring and community engagement efforts, with more than five employees currently supporting the project's startup phase.

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) will showcase advanced sensor technologies at CES 2025 aimed at improving aging-in-place solutions. The company will demonstrate new millimeter-wave radar and contactless monitoring systems that provide AI-ready data while maintaining user privacy. Key innovations include a camera-free fall detection system using antenna-in-module technology, a battery-free smart diaper with moisture detection, and a wristband thermometer featuring the AK9757P sensor. These technologies aim to support the 95% of adults 55 and older who consider aging in place an important goal.

Asahi Kasei and Honda have signed a shareholders' agreement to transform E-Materials Canada into a joint venture for lithium-ion battery separator production. Honda Canada will acquire a 25% stake through new share subscription, with Honda's total investment reaching approximately C$417 million (US$300 million). The joint venture, to be renamed Asahi Kasei Honda Battery Separator , aims to combine both companies' strengths in material and electrification technologies to produce high-quality separators for lithium-ion batteries. Operations are planned to begin in early 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

Asahi Kasei Medical has launched Planova™ FG1, a next-generation virus removal filter for biotherapeutics manufacturing, in October 2024. The new filter offers higher flux, approximately 7 times that of Planova™ BioEX, enabling shorter virus filtration time and less risk of virus breakthrough during process suspension. Planova™ FG1 demonstrated high protein filtration and virus removal performance under various conditions, even without a prefilter. It is compatible with standard cleaning and sterilization processes, allowing use with existing biopharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.

Asahi Kasei Medical plans to expand the Planova™ FG1 lineup with larger surface area filters to support efficient process scale-up. The launch aims to solidify the Planova™ brand's presence among biopharmaceutical manufacturers and contribute to safer, more efficient pharmaceutical production as demand for biopharmaceuticals grows by 5-10% annually.

Asahi Kasei, a Japanese technology company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aquafil S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of polyamide 6 (PA6), to develop a novel material for 3D printing applications. The collaboration aims to combine Aquafil's ECONYL® Polymer, a chemically recycled PA6, with Asahi Kasei's cellulose nanofiber (CNF).

The resulting compound, in the form of pellets or filaments, offers superior formability and strength, making it suitable for automotive and aeronautical applications. ITOCHU , which has invested in Aquafil, is supporting this initiative. Asahi Kasei plans to begin trial sales of the new compound material's filament in Q3 2025 across the EU, US, and Japan markets.

The innovative material will be showcased at upcoming industry events, including Fakuma, Sustainable Material Expo, and Formnext.

Asahi Kasei America, Inc., the North American regional headquarters of the Asahi Kasei Group, is relocating its corporate office from New York to Novi, Michigan, effective November 1. This strategic move consolidates operations into a 14,403-square-foot facility, streamlining processes and enhancing collaboration with regional business units. The decision follows the 2019 opening of an office in Novi and its significant expansion in 2023.

The new headquarters will serve as a central hub for administrative services across various departments, including communications, human resources, auditing, corporate planning, and finance. This relocation positions Asahi Kasei closer to major OEMs in the automotive sector and aims to better serve its growing client base in the Material, Homes, and Health Care sectors nationwide.

Asahi Kasei has launched a new grade of LASTAN™, a flame-retardant nonwoven fabric designed to enhance EV battery safety. This innovative material offers superior resistance to flames and particle blasts, making it an excellent alternative to conventional materials for thermal runaway protection in EV battery packs.

Key features of LASTAN™ include:

• Resistance to 1,300°C flames
• Protection against 200-500 µm particle impacts
• Electrical insulation up to 3.5 kV at 1 mm thickness
• High flexibility and processability
• LOI value of 50+ and UL94 5VA flame retardance rating

With the EV battery safety market expected to grow 15% annually from 2024, LASTAN™ addresses the increasing demand for lightweight, flexible, and effective thermal runaway protection materials.

Asahi Kasei (AHKSY) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with De Nora for joint development and sale of small-scale pressurized alkaline water electrolyzers for hydrogen production. The collaboration aims to meet growing demand for compact, cost-effective hydrogen production systems, particularly in the 1 to 7.5 MW range.

This partnership leverages Asahi Kasei's nearly 50 years of experience in chlor-alkali electrolysis and De Nora's expertise in electrodes and small-scale electrolyzers. The collaboration is expected to lower barriers for customers adopting water electrolysis technology and contribute to the development of the hydrogen market.

The global installed capacity of water electrolyzers is forecasted to reach approximately 300 GW by 2030, according to the Hydrogen Council. This collaboration positions both companies to capitalize on the rapidly expanding green hydrogen market.