Overview
Asahi Kasei Corporation is a multinational Japanese chemical company headquartered in Tokyo, founded in 1922. The company is a diversified manufacturer centered on chemistry, with operations spanning three main business sectors: Material (consisting of fibers, chemicals, and electronics), Homes (consisting of homes and construction materials), and Health care (consisting of pharmaceuticals, medical devices). The company is committed to sustainable bio-based materials and circular economy solutions.
The Asahi Kasei Group employs approximately 46,000 people globally and contributes to life and living around the world through its wide-ranging operations and innovations in bioplastics and sustainable materials.
Primary Materials
Revolefin Technology: Asahi Kasei’s proprietary Revolefin technology produces basic chemicals from bioethanol, enabling the production of bio-based plastics. The plastics produced from basic chemicals using this technology are categorized as bio-based plastics, offering a renewable alternative to fossil-based materials.
Engineering Plastics Portfolio:
- Polyacetal (POM) resins: High-performance engineering thermoplastic
- Polyamide (PA, nylon) resins: Durable synthetic polymers for various applications
- Modified Polyphenylene Ether (PPE) resins: Heat-resistant engineering plastics
Bio-based Materials: The company focuses on producing basic chemicals from bioethanol and converting them into bioplastics, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and sustainable material solutions.
Market Segments
Asahi Kasei serves diverse market segments with its bioplastics and materials:
- Automotive: Engineering plastics for vehicle components
- Electronics: High-performance polymers for electronic devices
- Construction Materials: Building and construction applications
- Medical Devices: Biocompatible materials for healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals: Drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical applications
- Packaging: Sustainable packaging solutions
- Consumer Goods: Various bio-based product applications
Research and Development
The R&D expenses of the Asahi Kasei Group were around €700 million in 2021, with 34% allocated to the Material business sector. This significant investment demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation in bio-based materials and sustainable chemistry.
Sustainability Commitment
In May 2021, the Asahi Kasei Group announced its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in scope 1 and 2 emissions, creating a sustainable world through its operations. This commitment reflects its focus on developing renewable bio-based plastics through technologies like Revolefin.
Global Operations
Asahi Kasei maintains a global presence with manufacturing facilities, R&D centers, and sales offices across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, enabling the company to serve customers worldwide with its bio-based materials and engineering plastics solutions.
Last updated: January 05, 2026