Asahi Kasei Showcases Material Innovations at the 8th CIIE to Strengthen Local Collaboration in China

On November 5, the 8th China International Import Expo opened at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Asahi Kasei Corporation (hereinafter "Asahi Kasei") participated for the fourth consecutive time, showcasing its products and solutions in the Technology & Equipment Exhibition Area under the theme "Empowering Diverse Materials, Co-Creating High-Quality Productivity," while also hosting a strategic press conference. The President of Asahi Kasei China, President of Asahi Kasei Microdevices, and Head of R&D Headquarters attended the event to share insights on corporate strategy, local innovation, and technological collaboration, demonstrating the company's long-term commitment and strategic vision in the Chinese market.

The image shows the exhibition site.

Products and Solutions Across Four Key Areas on Display

At this year's CIIE, Asahi Kasei focused on four core areas—“Smart Automotive Manufacturing,” “Digital Advancement,” “Healthy Living,” and “Low-Carbon Green Energy”—presenting multiple products and solutions aligned with China's market demands and societal challenges.

Bembreez made its China debut at the CIIE. Made from nonwoven fabric of continuous cuprammonium rayon fibers derived from cotton linters, it embodies the eco-friendly concept of “originating from nature, returning to nature.” With soft texture, excellent breathability, and dyeability, as well as biodegradable and marine-degradable properties, Bembreez is suitable for apparel and crafts applications, representing a significant sustainable innovation by Asahi Kasei.

The image shows Bembreez craft items.

The non-contact sensor “millimeter-wave radar” was also featured. Highlighted at the booth was the antenna-integrated millimeter-wave radar module ?AiM (Antenna-in-Module)?, which integrates radar IC and antenna into one unit, enabling rapid proof-of-concept (PoC) implementation without specialized knowledge. This module can detect the position and movement of multiple people simultaneously, as well as monitor respiration and heart rate, all without cameras or physical contact. Offering privacy-conscious and secure solutions, it serves applications in smart homes and IoT environments, enhancing safety for elderly individuals and infants, thus contributing to China's silver economy.

The image shows the millimeter-wave radar experience zone.

VELVETSOUND, a premium audio brand launched by Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), aims to “reproduce original sound” and deliver immersive auditory experiences. At this CIIE, Asahi Kasei exhibited a demonstration vehicle equipped with the “VELVETSOUND for Cars” solution, allowing visitors to experience high-resolution audio quality and surround sound, adding new value to in-car entertainment.

The image shows the demonstration vehicle featuring VELVETSOUND.

Asahi Kasei's resin glass hard coating technology supports automotive lightweighting. Resin glass using this technology offers high abrasion resistance and has passed the UNECE Regulation No. R43 certification for automotive safety glass. It excels in durability, weather resistance, chemical resistance, and transparency, providing a viable solution aligned with low-carbon mobility trends.

The image shows the display area for resin windows using this technology.

Strategic Press Conference: Deepening Collaboration in China for a Sustainable Future

The image shows the Q&A session during the strategic press conference.

During the press conference, Asahi Kasei executives addressed media questions regarding the value of CIIE, cooperation plans in the Chinese market, and R&D directions, outlining the following strategies:

First, the co-creation value of CIIE and multi-sector innovation practices.

Igarashi Hiroyuki, President of Asahi Kasei China, emphasized CIIE's cross-sector comprehensiveness, information dissemination capability, and opportunities for high-level networking as its core values: “As a diversified enterprise, Asahi Kasei can leverage this platform to connect cross-industry solutions, expand outreach of our technologies and products through media coverage, and foster direct communication among management teams to uncover potential collaborations.”

Regarding business innovation, he explained that Asahi Kasei focuses on three key domains—“Health,” “Housing,” and “Materials.” Bembreez, making its debut at this CIIE, uses natural raw materials, is biodegradable, and combines smooth tactile feel with broad applicability. The Planova virus removal filter showcased in the health sector ensures safety in biopharmaceutical production. Millimeter-wave radar sensing technology applies to residential settings, safeguarding the health and safety of elderly living alone. These products and technologies collectively reflect Asahi Kasei's mission to innovate in response to social needs and enhance quality of life.

Second, innovation driven by China's market demand and local collaboration.

Matsuzaki Osamu, Head of R&D Headquarters, noted that China's market plays a guiding role in shaping Asahi Kasei's R&D direction. Technologies such as acetonitrile-based electrolyte and resin glass hard coating were developed based on insights into China's automotive market. In line with China's industrial policies and regional needs, Asahi Kasei plans to advance a model combining “technology localization” with “joint innovation.” In green transformation, drawing from the “co-creation-based technology development” experience of Europe's EAS company, Asahi Kasei will collaborate with Chinese enterprises and research institutions via technology licensing and joint R&D to promote applications in batteries and water electrolysis. In pharmaceuticals, focusing on autoimmune and kidney diseases, the company will explore overseas expansion possibilities by incorporating investigational compounds from innovative Chinese biotech firms. Currently, co-creation centers for automotive applications have been established in Shenzhen and Shanghai, while laboratories and technical centers in Suzhou and Shanghai across various fields are already operational, forming a localized R&D support system.

Going forward, Asahi Kasei will continue its R&D philosophy of “nurturing ideas, changing the future,” building upon technology transfer and engaging in co-creation with customers and partners based on local needs to implement solutions aligned with China's industrial trends.

Third, meeting societal needs to help customers enhance brand value.

Shinomiya Hideyuki, President of Asahi Kasei Microdevices, stated that Asahi Kasei Microdevices places strong emphasis on its operations in China and will accelerate growth through enhanced technological innovation and direct dialogue with Chinese customers. Two key solutions were highlighted at this CIIE: first, the VELVETSOUND in-car audio solution, which has already initiated several collaborations with Chinese clients to deliver high-fidelity audio experiences; second, the non-contact sensing solution, which monitors vital signs like respiration and heart rate to meet home healthcare and safety needs in China's aging society.

Regarding the outlook for the automotive acoustics market, he noted that rising demand stems from improved cabin environments in new energy vehicles and increasing emphasis on audio quality in premium models. The company will offer customized sound tuning services to meet diverse automakers’ requirements, helping clients strengthen their brand value.