Asahi Kasei Fibers will construct a new production facility for Bemliese™ cellulose nonwoven fabric in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan.
Bemliese™ is the world's only continuous-filament cellulose nonwoven fabric. It is composed of regenerated cellulose fiber made from cotton linter, the short fibers on cotton seeds. These natural origins impart a high level of environmental compatibility which makes Bemliese™ the ideal material for a wide range of applications—in the skincare and medical fields, as wipers for industrial and commercial use, in landscaping, and in beverage filtration.
Sold in markets around the world, Bemliese™ is enjoying particularly strong demand growth in skincare applications, and such demand growth is forecasted to continue. The new production facility will enable Asahi Kasei Fibers to better meet the needs of customers as markets for Bemliese™ expand worldwide.
Outline of the new production facility
Location
Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan (at the site of the former polyester plant)
Product
Bemliese™ cellulose nonwoven fabric
Capacity
Approximately 1,500 tons/year
Groundbreaking
December 2015 (scheduled)
Start-up
March 2017 (scheduled)