Zeon Corporation Breaks Ground on New Film Production Line in Himi, Japan

Zeon Corporation Expands Production Capacities in Himi

On December 15, 2025, Zeon Corporation officially kicked off the construction of a new production line for phase difference film at its Himi Nikko Plant in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. This milestone event reflects the company’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for large-screen LCD televisions. Zeon’s president, Tetsuya Toyoshima, along with key stakeholders, attended the groundbreaking ceremony alongside local dignitaries, emphasizing the importance of safety during the construction process.

The new production line will specialize in manufacturing phase difference films designed for large-screen LCD TVs. It is set to be one of the largest in the world, producing films that measure an impressive 3,000mm in width. This expansion aims to address the growing trend toward larger liquid crystal panels, with mass production projected to begin in the summer of 2027. With this addition, Zeon anticipates a 20% increase in its production capability for television phase difference films, amounting to an annual output of approximately 26.4 million square meters.

Zeon’s flagship optical film, known as ZeonorFilm®, is crafted from a unique polymer design, utilizing thermoplastic materials like cyclic olefin polymer (COP). This innovative process employs world-first melt-extrusion technology, resulting in films characterized by excellent optical properties and dimensional stability. These attributes make ZeonorFilm ideal for a variety of applications, particularly in enhancing viewing angles and reducing reflections on displays of large televisions and mobile devices.

As part of the ongoing expansion efforts, a new building will be constructed within the Himi Nikko Plant to house the advanced production equipment. The planned production capacity for the new line is expected to reach 45 million square meters annually, further catering to the increasing demand for larger LCD TVs. In addition to enhancing production capabilities, Zeon is also focused on securing qualified personnel to operate the new line efficiently.

Looking ahead, Zeon is implementing its medium-term management plan, STAGE30, specifically within the third phase covering the fiscal years 2025 to 2028. The company aims to concentrate resources in growth areas which include mobility, healthcare and life sciences, information communication, and green transformation (GX). By prioritizing these sectors, Zeon plans to strategically reposition its business portfolio. Particularly, the COP-based films will serve as a critical growth driver, capitalizing on not only their outstanding material characteristics but also the advantages of consistent production from a single resin source and a network of multiple production bases ensuring stable supply.

Zeon’s commitment to innovation and expansion in optical technology illustrates its proactive approach to remaining competitive in the evolving market of consumer electronics. Through this new investment in the Himi Nikko Plant, Zeon is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the field of optical film production, meeting the demands of an ever-growing global market for high-quality display technologies.